Can the local Spanish tell the difference? Or is it only we foreigners who struggle?
These are all names of villages round here, but which is which?
Jimena de la Frontera
Jimena is a spectacular hill village in Cadiz province, on the way from Ronda to Algeciras.
I know it well. Years ago I used to visit every fortnight when I was a "paper boy" for The Olive Press. I loved it. To find out why, read this:
Diary of a paper boy in Andalucia - Olive Press News Spain
[Photo: www.jimenadelafrontera.es]
Jimera de Libar
I know Jimera de Libar even better than its near-namesake. Just 20 minutes away, Estacion de Jimera is the home of Bar Allioli (now Bar Allioli y Mas), a bar with food and live music at the weekends and bank holidays, located by the railway station and with a spectacular mountain backdrop.
Owned for years by Paul Darwent and his Danish wife Synnove, it built up a reputation for quality live music and "international burgers".
[Photo: www.andalucia.org]
After Paul's retirement it was taken over by a local Spanish restaurateur, who continues to offer live music events (with Paul's help).
Jubrique
A tiny village in the hills above Genalguacil, Jubrique (Cadiz) is small but has great views and a couple of great little restaurants.
We like it a lot.
[Photo: Blog]
Ubrique
Ubrique (also Cadiz) is a different kettle of fish. A large town, whose main industry is leather goods.
We've been a few times but it's not in our top ten.
[Photo: Turismo de Cadiz]
Alcala
My first experience of a town called Alcala was in Alcala La Real (Jaen). It was 2009 and I was working for The Olive Press newspaper. Boss Jon Clarke sent me there for a week to sell advertisements (The OP is a free paper) and write stories for a "special" The OP had planned for the area.
I stayed in a hotel free-of-charge and got to eat, also for free, in several restaurants in the area in return for favourable reviews.
[Photo: Traveler]
During my time there, I also got to know the staff of Olive Country Life magazine and ended up becoming a regular columnist for them.
Other Alcalas
Closer to home in Andalucia, there are a few Alcalas. Alcala is from the Arabic word for a citadel or fortess.
The first Alcala ever to enter my consciousness was:
Alcala de Henares
Located 50 km to the east of Madrid. It's the location of the parador de turismo closest to the Spanish capital.
Although I've visited/stayed in some 50-odd of the paradores, I haven't managed this one yet.
[Photo: Spain.info]
Alcala de los Gazules
I've seen this on many a signpost while travelling in Cadiz province, but I've never been there.
Alcala del Valle
Also in Cadiz province, I`ve been there once.
Not much to recommend it, so I shan't be going back.
Alcala de Guadaira
[Awaiting text]
Photos and Images:
andalucia.org, Blog, Paul Whitelock, Spain.info, Traveler, Wikipedia, www.jimenadelafrontera.es
© The Crazy Guy
Links:
Diary of a paper boy in Andalucia - Olive Press News Spain
Alcalá la Real.- Conexiones, un proyecto para la integración entre culturas
With thanks to:
Secret Serrania, The Olive Press, Wikipedia,
Tags:
Alcala, Alcala de Guadaira, Alcala de Henares, Alcala de los Gazules, Alcala del Valle, Alcala la Real, Diane Dennett, Jimena de Libar, Jimera de la Frontera, Jon Clarke, Olive Country Life, Paul Darwent, Synnove, The Olive Press,