Windmills are almost everywhere
by Bwana_Brown
During our trip through southern Spain, we were impressed by the large number of windmills we came across, especially in the far southwest along the Atlantic Ocean coastline, and even a few solar plants with large mirrors focusing the sun's rays to produce power. It should not have been a surprise because Spain is presently one of the top three wind-power countries in the world with almost 10% of its total electricity demand produced in this manner. Total installed wind generation was just under 16,000 MW a year ago, making it slightly more than the world's largest power station - the 14,000 MW Itaipu hydro dam on the Brazil-Argentina border (as new generators are added, China's Three Gorges dam will soon overtake Itaipu). Near the end of our drive in the mountains to see Alhama de Granada, as we passed by the southern edge of the large Sierra Nevada mountain range between Granada and the coast, we veered off eastward for a short drive on another scenic mountain road that twisted its way into the scenic village of Lanjarón. As we were snaking around the numerous turns on this sometimes narrow road with steep fall-offs into the valleys below, we came across a number of wind generators that were 'in your face' at times as the road snaked closely by them. Sue was not too impressed with my moving photos of them as I steered with only one hand and one eye!
Gangster Haven
by keeweechic
The region once had the reputation of being called the 'Costa del Crime'. It was a haven for British gangsters to flee to and use their illegal funds to live in luxury. They remained there untouched for fear of straining the already shaky relations between Britain and Spain over the ownership of Gibraltar.
Location: Costa de Sol
HOME MADE MEALS
by LoriPori about RESTAURANTE CASA FRANCO
Not too far from the Sol Principe, there is a lovely beach side restaurant RESTAURANTE CASA FRANCO. It was a bright, cheery and clean place offering home made meal and desserts. We stopped in for a little bite to eat, while we were walking along the promenade. We tried a fish dish which consisted of bocherones, a small variety which is cooked in virgin olive oil and lemon. Absolutely delicious. Another of their specialties was Paella, which of course is known as the traditional dish of Spain. It is based on rice accompanied by meats, shellfish and vegetables.
Outside, the cook had several sardines place on a skewer and cooked over a wood fire. This dish is very popular and is known as an "Espeto de sardinas".
Torre Molinos
by solopes
In Portugal we use to say that "one image speaks more than 1000 words". Having that in mind, and more than 1000 pictures to post, I decided to change my behaviour, posting the pictures as soon as they are ready, and adding the comments later.
Don't get mad on me - I'm glad to share my pictures with you, and the comments will be added soon.
Two Ladies Running to The Beach!
by suvanki
Descending from the old town via Avenida del Lido, we arrived back to Paseo Maritimo, and Bajondillo. On the roundabout, is this striking statue, which is sometimes known as the Picasso statue (not to be confused with the statue of this local artist (He was born in Malaga), which is in one of the squares in the town)
During the 1920's Picasso painted one of his most famous works-"Two Ladies Running on the Beach", and this striking sculpture is an homage to this painting. The proportions of the figures, and their sense of fun reminded me initially of the Beryl Cook characters, but viewed from the front, they appeared almost warrior like. I liked the way that viewed from different sides, it conveyed a different movement and emotion of the figures.
The work is by Salvador Garcia, and was created in 2004, and titled
"Mujeres corriendo por la playa" Two Ladies running to the Beach"
At night time the statue is illuminated, but I'm afraid that I didn't get to see this view.
Defence Tower and canon
Casa del los Navajas at night
Camino de la Playa in the old town
more tapas
