Cortijo Rosario

I am currently in the Andalucia region of southern Spain surrounded by olive trees as far as the eye can see.  I joined an Exodus tour in Malaga on Saturday and we travelled together by van to Cortijo Rosario – a lovely small resort just up the hill from the small town of Algamitas.  Yes – up a very steep hill.  I am now sitting by the pool in the shade after a quick dip.  It is 30 degrees here today but is our free day and while a few of us trekked down to the town that was our big excursion this morning and this afternoon we are sitting by the pool…  Yes I know a hard day...

Andalucia is what I pictured of rural Spain – rolling hills and olive trees as far as the eye can see.  It quite dry here - there has been no rain for months. The harvest of the green olives is happening - these are the eating olives - the harvest of the black olives will happen in January and Feb - these olives will be made into olive oil.  We were told that 30 percent of the world’s olive oil comes from this region.  I can personally tell you that it is delicious!

We started our week here on Sunday morning with a trek then a tapas lunch in the town, then the hike of the steep hill and then a jump in the pool.  On Monday we went to Olvera and Sentinel – 2 of the ‘white’ villages – quaint small towns that all the buildings are painted white.  On Tuesday – a day trip to Cordoba where the must see is La Mezquita de Cordoba – very impressive.

We have all eaten well and enjoyed local delicacies – jamon (ham), queso (cheese), chorizo olive oil, vinho tinto and drink of red wine and lemonade – I know does not sound great but is served with ice and is very refreshing.

The people we have met have all be very friendly, the staff at the resort are wonderful and the other members of the tour are good fun – lots of laughs and chatter.