Brian's Rick Steves' Tour of Spain Scrapbook
Once we had seen enough of the bullring, we strolled through the town, Annie stopping in at a few of the shops. In the window of one shop were photos including one of Ernest Hemingway with a self-satisfied smirk on his face half hidden by the bill of his cap. Another was of Orson Wells.
Each photo was taken with the matador, Antonio Ordóñez, and each was selling for six and a half euros. I did not buy either picture.
Eventually we made our way to the new bridge that spans the gorge.
A Place for the Bullfighters to Pray
We drove to Ronda and from the bus station we walked a half-mile to the famous bullring. First we walked through the history of bullfighting exhibit and then into the ring. We learned that the yellow dirt inside the arena is from Sevilla.
I wanted to see a bullfight but it was not the season. We wandered about taking pictures and then ventured into the empty stables and then into the stands.
I wondered, What in the world is a bullfight? One thought that I have is that it is a mix of butchery and dance -- a test of courage, a flirtation with death, and a defiance of our instinct to flee. It is ritualized but holds the fascination of a car wreck.
Bullring Of Ronda
Window Shopping
A Glamorous Lady
