The Sierra de Grazalema boasts annual rainfall totals of nearly 80 inches per year (the most in all of Spain), but we had nothing but sun during our time there. The views of this breathtaking gem of Spanish geography were postcard worthy, as evidenced by the photo below, taken from the balcony of our hotel.
Sunrise over the Sierra de Grazalema from La Villa Turística El Olivar.
Canyoning (n: the sport of exploring a canyon by engaging in such activities as rappelling, sliding, and jumping) through the heart of the Garganta Verde while surrounded by vultures, Peregrine Falcons, endangered fauna, and beautiful rock formations allowed the group to express a bit of its adventurous side. We had a blast in our helmets and wetsuits with our local guides Tere, Mata, and Manu, traversing the terrain, conquering our fears, and learning about the parque natural.
Suited up and ready to go, our group awaits its first rappel while canyoning in Grazalema’s Garganta Verde.
The following day we made our international radio debut when we appeared on Monday morning’s edition of “Magazin Madrigal” from Radio Grazalema. While Ira Glass may not have understood a word we said (it was all in Spanish), the group’s journalism would have made him proud. We reflected on our quick trip through Madrid, homestays in Sevilla, and all other things ‘Spain’ snuggled up inside the confines of the quaint studio.
Ms. Bryant, Natalya, Thomas, Arielle, and Paul in the studios of Radio Grazalema.
After loading our suitcases onto the bus and a short ride to the mouth of the trail, we hiked along the refreshing waters of the Majaceite River to our penultimate destination—El Bosque. Upon our arrival, we took a trip back in time, making our own bread at a watermill-powered panadería.
Cait, Logan, and Lily react to our Spanish bread maker’s instructions. ¡Eso es pan!
Jumping on the bus yet again, we were headed for the sands and sun of Nerja, a beautiful Mediterranean beach town. We were able to catch some rays, eat some paella, and enjoy our last few hours in Spain.
Mediterranean views from the terrace of our hotel in Nerja.
In just a few short hours, we will be back on the bus one last time, headed to the Pablo Ruiz Picasso terminal at the Málaga International Airport. Connections in Madrid and London will bring the group to Logan International at 6:55 PM Eastern Time, officially bringing an end to Wayland Spain 2015.