A Moment in Ronda

I'm not sure why I reacted the way that I did.

It was such a visceral response.  I felt it to my core.

It wasn't the first time I'd seen that view.  Not even the second or third time we'd crossed

high above this gorge.

It was our second day in Ronda and I couldn't get enough of this beautiful Spanish city.

I'm terrified of heights.  But, I was somehow drawn to this dramatic gash in the earth

that separates the New City from the Old City.

The lifeline that so enduringly connects the two halves is called the Puente Nuevo, the new bridge.

Which is amusing since the bridge, that took over forty years to build, was finished in 1793.  

It's not a very long bridge.  It just takes a few minutes to cross.

I admit that I hastened my step each time I crossed, trying to not think too much about the 390 foot drop on either side.

I'd already taken hundreds of pictures of this place,

frustrated that I just couldn't quite capture the beauty with my camera.

This time I didn't even get my camera out as we neared the bridge to return to our hotel on the opposite side.

The clouds from the previous day were starting to scatter letting the rays shine 

through as the sun started to set for the day.  

I approached the bridge, stepped onto the sidewalk and placed my hands on the rough, cold stone.

I popped up onto my tippy toes to have another look over the edge.

As I looked out, I actually gasped.  My eyes welled with tears of absolute joy and time stood still.

I was the only person on earth. It was just me and this place.

The slanted sunbeams of the setting sun were breaking through the clouds.

The narrow river glistened below and everything between was sparkling with magic.

A group of graceful birds where swooping around below me

and I thought how odd it was to see a bird from that angle, from above rather than below.

I don't think I've ever had an experience like it.

It showed me the true definition of the word breathtaking.

And I realized at that moment, that it didn't matter about the camera.

Because, I will never forget that moment as long as I live.

 "There is nothing that is more startling in Spain than this wild and mountainous city."

- Rainer Maria Rilke

 

These are some of the many photos that I took of the majestic landscape of Ronda.

I'm almost embarrassed to post them, because they just don't do it justice.

I'm so thankful for my time there.  You know how I love a good Travel Moment!

And I'm not even done with Spain yet.

I still have a bullring, church, villa and the white villages to show you.

I'm loving all of your tweets, Facebook posts and comments about Spain.

She obviously makes an impression on everyone.

Tell me about your Spain.  I'd love to hear how she's touched you.  

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This was a personal holiday.  All opinions, photos and writing are my own except as noted otherwise.

This post is not in partnership with any business or organization.
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