A hopeful trail down the road of ruins and nibbles



On the road again, paying my back taxes road again…..  In the words of Loudon Wainwright III.  Well, we are heading off to Malaga and to get there we need to turn around and head down some alley ways and steep steps.  We will pass the Ermita de la Virgen - Puerta de Málaga.  Two months ago Daniel did most of our work for us.  ‘The Hermitage of Our Lady of Hope, also known as the Gate of Malaga, is a beautiful religious monument dating back to the 17th century. This small church has a special charm due to its traditional architecture and its strategic location at one of the old city gates. The building preserves original elements that reflect the popular devotion of Antequera throughout the centuries. It is an ideal place for those seeking to learn about the religious and cultural history of the area, as well as offering a space for reflection and tranquility. The hermitage is very well maintained and represents an important part of the local heritage.’   Juan added ‘También llamada Puerta de Málaga y pertenece a la muralla urbana islámica. Durante el siglo XVIII fue reconvertida en Ermita. En su interior hay un cuadro donde se representa a la Virgen de la Espera o de la "Pera", fruta que sostiene en una mano.’



Time to visit the Bar San Juan. It has a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/sanjuan.antequera that has not been updated since 2021. It does get 4.7 stars from 273 reviews.  Gento goes big two weeks ago. ‘In a world of franchises and gastropubs, it's refreshing to find such an authentic bar. They give you a free tapa with your drink. Excellent service. We called to make a reservation. They have a high chair. We went back the next day for breakfast.’




We are heading out along a track and then will join up with the old road south again.  It is getting bleaker as we go and we we will pass some abandoned grand houses. I remember the surprise in seeing such when we first went to Spain.  Houses which looked fairly substantial - having been built sixty years before and now being reabsorbed by the earth.



We will pass the Venta el Conejo https://ventaelconejo.com/ 438 people give 4.5 stars. The top words are salad, letter, pork loin, raciones and chorizo. It is described by Google as a takeaway and Alvaro tells you why. ‘You used to be able to eat there; the place is really nice and spectacular. But it closed to the public due to the pandemic, although you can order and pick up there. I highly recommend it.’




All that seems to be here are places to eat. Molino Blanco has had 1168 reviewers with 4.1 stars. Last week Maria said ‘Excellent service and a lovely, cozy and warm place for these cold days.’   Salvador reckoned ‘It's been 31 years since we were on our honeymoon... I can't wait to repeat the experience... incredibly romantic... the French toast was spectacular’




We will continue into the Spring sun.










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