The rain in Spain ....

fell mostly on Ronda on Monday morning, which was a shame because I really wanted to have a good look round, especially at the spectacular bridge crossing the gorge.  But instead, we took shelter in the bullring - not that I in any way approve of bullfighting, but it was dry under the stands.  Ronda was the birthplace of the modern corrida and they have a museum celebrating their part in the development of bullfighting.  Among the mounted, stuffed bull heads, posters, and instruments of animal torture were some stunning capes ....

and fans, painted but not folded ....

And then on to Seville (much drier) where we explored, among other places, the Alcazar.  There I found another wonderful collection of beautifully painted fans ....

made from painted silk and mother of pearl ...

Bone? ...

and paper.

We also visited the extraordinary Plaza de Espana which was built in 1929 for the Spanish Americas Fair.  The whole thing is a feast for the eyes - ceramic lamposts, balustrades and bridges, a canal and tiled seats on which to sit to enjoy the sun and the colour.

Then we headed for Cordoba, somewhere I have long wanted to visit to see La Mezquita.  Now we are home and Northern Man, having endured all those 'crumbly old buildings' can play golf and watch football again.  You can take the boy out of the north .....