After the recent thunderstorms(or tormentas, as they are known here) the whole valley was covered in mist this morning as we drove to Ronda through drifting clouds with glimpses of the river and the mountains. The weather is cooling down now and while there is less heat and sun, it is made up for by the amazing range of effects which, because we are quite high up (540 metres) seem more pronounced.
Check out the link lower down on the right to find out what the weather is like now. It opens a window with a drop down list of villages (municipios) one of which is Jimera.
Friday, 14 September 2007
Misty Morning
Wednesday, 12 September 2007
Poems by Dawn Wood
ANOTHER
Viva! those swimming pool swallows –
that one!
and that one!
and that one!
whose undersides mimic with blushes;
Viva! those webbed bats that softly –
that one –
and that one –
and that one –
spirit themselves from the mountain;
Viva! the days that we worked here –
when the wind and the sun graced our lifetimes –
that one!
and that one!
and that one.
Dawn Wood
ODE TO MALAGA BUS STATION
The girls at the bus stop
are all mascara, napes
and their own reflections.
A man whose eyes swallow
the colour of his T-shirt
is asking about a number 4 bus.
I shrug my shoulders
but he still sits beside me
in the space I made
and we agree, these girls dress
as if life was outside.
The beautiful old trees
are masked by traffic.
I am glad to see his bus arrive.
Any more of this and we
would be in each other’s arms.
Dawn Wood
SHIBBOLETH
She left them a note to walk the dog
and I shouldered her luggage
while the choir who know me best
would dart looks,
fascinated by twinhood.
They would keep it up
even after the obvious –
hairstyle: maybe hers is thinner,
and the glasses she’d worn
since we were eleven
after the German measles
when she’d come out of Belfast
humming hospital radio.
It might be the single, deep breaths
That have left me taller.
She’d never heard our Mag and Nunc
and I couldn’t make her see
till then, the pattern:
call – response –and call again,
or the way the composer
might play around in the setting
of his version or even let it stream,
ears of corn, through his fingers,
ringing true to self
and world without end.
Dawn Wood
In search of Africa...
We went looking for Africa...but it was too hazy. Only a vague outline of the rock of Gibraltar was visible and maybe a hint of the Rif mountains, but only with a poet's imagination.
Normal service resumed
After a night of thunder and lightning, and a few heavy rain showers, this morning we are back to normal. The local landmark, a hill named Martin Gil, someone of whom nobody seems to have any info, is now visible.
True to the pragmatic and sometimes obtuse nature of the Jimeranos, they have a saying regarding the weather which features Martin Gil: If Martin has his hat on, it is going to rain, or may be sunny, or somewhere in between...
Monday, 10 September 2007
CdR 2007
Last week's course was fantastic - once again everyone seemed to enjoy it and get so much out of it. Don did a great job and his efforts were much appreciated both by the participants and us. The walks were a big feature of the week and the weather was great. Of course, as soon as we get back to normal here it rains - we had a brief thunderstorm this evening which was welcome as it cleared the air.
Hopefully, we shall be able to include some more thoughts on the course and if anyone wishes to add comments they would be welcome. I shall try and be more diligent with updating, but...
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Spring
In a hidden valley above Jimera, where the almond trees are covered in blossom and the ground covered with irises. The wild flowers in the early months of the year are breathtaking. Swathes of yellow, red, blue and white.
Jimera in the evening
The westerly aspect of the village means that in summer the sun shines on the village until late in the evening.
On the road to Jimera
Jimera is tucked into the mountains. You can just see the top of the church above the first ridge.
The garden of the Guadiaro
The part of the Guadiaro valley where Jimera is situated has its own micro climate which allows oranges and other fruits to flourish in addition to the almonds and olives typical of the area.
Jimera looking south west
The village does not get the same valley mists and winter rain that affect villages nearer the coast. Often, the sky is clear when Cortes de la Frontera, the next village to the south west, is hidden by cloud.
Near the village
Surrounding the Village there are numerous tracks and paths, some dating back to roman times and beyond, which you can follow and find a quiet spot to sit and read or write. Or just sit.
The swimming pool at La Jara
Don't forget your swimming costumes, although a few prefer the more social aspect of the village pool.
El Puerto de las Encinas Borrachas in winter
It doesn't snow very often, but, when it does, it is a big event. Here at the Puerto de las Encinas Borrachas (Pass of the Drunken Holm Oaks), there was enough snow two years ago to close the road for a day. The next day though, it was sunny, if a bit cold.
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