Knobs and Knockers

I'm sure that somewhere, tucked away in a dusty office in an ancient university, is the world expert on Spanish 17th Century door furniture.  However, I don't think we need to disturb any experts to understand what the creator of this door had in mind when this church (!) door was commissioned. This could be the front door to every house in every 'Carry On' movie.

There be Dragons!

One of the most refreshing things you can do on a hot summer day in southern Spain is walk up a water-filled gorge. Unless you walk for seven hours, but that is another story and the current subject of much domestic discussion...  Anyway, it turns out that humans aren't the only ones who enjoy the cooler environment at the bottom of the gorge.  This dragonfly enjoyed a brief rest on a stalk of grass from what seemed like a very busy life.

Confession time: my insect recognition leaves a lot to be desired. This may be a damselfly rather than a dragonfly...

Olives and Milk

There are many things to get excited about during a holiday in Spain; perhaps a lack of light is one of the less obvious ones.  The dark skies of the Spanish countryside allow the stars to glow beautifully, providing views that are denied to us in built-up areas.

Here the milky way galaxy arcs over an olive grove, with just a hint of civilisation lighting up the distant horizon. 

Water, Water (almost) Everywhere

As storm 'Doris' batters the UK, it's easy to forget that not everywhere enjoys our ready access to a plentiful water supply.  If you're building a palace or fortress in Southern Spain for instance, you could do worse than afford yourself the luxury of a few ornamental fountains.  Nothing too ostentatious of course - leave that to the Italians.  Just a gentle trickle from a beautifully simple source, coloured to reflect the surrounding terracotta roofs, with just enough of a babbling sound to echo around the sunlit courtyard.

Not in the Shade

If you're a building, it must be quite demoralising to discover that you've been constructed in the shadow of a magnificent cathedral.  Malaga cathedral, to be precise in this case.  Who's going to spare you a second look?  This building, however, refuses to be sidelined by its taller neighbour and just glows with confidence and style.  I think it's the Episcopal Palace, but don't quote me.

Lovely Weather for Umbrellas

It's the last day of a pretty overcast year and, true to form, it's raining.  Pouring down in fact.  I doubt that you could venture outside today without an umbrella and not drown.  In a desperate attempt to retain a little bit of festive cheer, my thoughts turned to umbrellas in finer weather.  This colourful display was in the village of Alhama de Granada this summer and brightened up an already beautiful day in Andalucia.