May 17th

Today was slated as a laid back day. We ate breakfast of yogurt and sliced sausage with bread. Finally left 'our house' around 10. We just wanted to explore another little town near us and Jeff wanted to do some windy road driving. He went up and up (so more than zigzag!) It was a very narrow road. There were many stretches of 6% and 7% inclines & declines. I was white knuckling it and helping Jeff brake, a lot!! There were also some cyclists working the road and enjoying benefits of their labor. We arrived to the pass 1,139 meters (3,736 feet). We had started at 497meters (1,630 feet). It was a great view back to town of Zahara (population of 1,500) with it's imposing castle! 

Anyway we arrived at another small town of 10,000, Grazalema. This town did not seem much different then Zahara, plus no castle. So decided to head back along the more valley road. But did find an artesian cheese place just before we left this town. We bought some goat cheese with rosemary along the edge (we'll have it tonight – can't wait.) 🙂 

When we arrived back at Zahara, we parked at our place and decided to do lunch. We stopped at Bar Neuvo Los Antonios, and went inside because outside patio was full. (No one else inside, yet). We ordered two starters: a walnut and cheese mini empanada topped with blueberry preserves served on bed of lettuce drizzled with wild honey; the other was oxtail croquettes (which was basically a beef pate, as the beef was so soft and flavorful, breaded and flash fried) served with small side of frites. We also ordered one plate: skewered spiced lamb served with cous-cous (flavored with sultanas, oranges, red pepper, red onion and mint) and frites. Excellent lunch! As we were almost finished eating it started to rain. So the inside that had steadily had more customers, was packed. When rain seemed to end we proactively went for the bill. Paid, left, and arrived at our place just in time. There was a deluge of rain and our steep street turned into a flowing river with some white water right outside our door. CRAZY!! So glad we were inside. Spain definitely needs this, and alas, it appears the next couple of days they will be receiving the rain. Hope to get to castle later.