A View from the Mountains

After a winter of chasing around trying to find a bar open in the evenings for a pre-prandial drink or two, and often failing, things are looking up!

The traumas caused by nine named violent storms, heavy rainfall, high winds, flooding and lots of damage to homes, outbuildings, crops and livestock, evacuations and several deaths have been immense. As we approach Spring, three grand openings have been announced.

[Image courtesy of the BBC]    

***

Tomorrow Friday, a brand-new venue opens in Montejaque.

A former house has been turned into a bar/restaurant, named "La Chica" (meaning "small" in this case, rather than "girl") to be run by two brothers from the village, Ruben and Borja.

A few years before the brothers had La Terraza I and La Terraza II, just outside the village, together with their late pal Cayetano, who sadly died in a cycling accident.

Awaiting photo    

***

On Saturday the refurbished Ronda Valley Hotel (Don Benito) re-opens as Hotel Don Manuel. The hotel has been closed for two months while new owner David Garcia and his team have given the place a complete makeover.

A completely new colour scheme, new furniture and a re-arrangement of the internal space in the public areas. The bedrooms have been stripped bare and re-done.

[Ronda Today]    

Lots of people will be looking forward to 1.00 pm on Saturday.

***

The third grand opening is at at Molino del Santo in Benaojan Estacion.

Their planned opening was for St Valentine's Day, but that was ki-boshed when the barriada was shut down for fear of a flood from the Montejaque dam.

They are already back in action, so it won't be long before the missus and I go there to celebrate something or other.

[Molino del Santo]    

As for me, I shall attend the grand openings tomorrow and Saturday and we'll both be off to Molino del Santo soon!

Update 1:

I went to the opening of "La Chica" promptly at 11.00 am. I was the only customer for a while. "Too early", the second customer, a local, told me. "It's only alcoholics like you and me that start drinking so early!"

Mmm!

Back to "La Chica". The name is accurate - it is indeed "small" - but beautifully done with interesting artefacts on the walls.

I decided to book a table for dinner for Rita and me. At 8.00 pm it was already crowded, and it got even busier later. The food was exquisite and the bill was a few cents over 50 euros. Highly recommended.

[awaiting photos]

Update 2:

At the grand opening of the 4-star Hotel Don Manuel, there was a slight delay while the assembled crowd waited for the delegate from Ronda Council who was running late.

After short speeches by the new owners the ribbon was cut and we were welcomed into our familiar local which has been utterly transformed. Lighter colours have made the place seem brighter and more spacious.

With two dining rooms and a large terrace the hotel is set up for family dining and for events, such as weddings, baptisms and confirmations.

The four show bedrooms, each different, were spacious and tastefully designed. Our favourite was Room 105 on the first floor. Ultimately the hotel will offer 24 rooms.

The bar area was packed. It was hot and sunny, so everybody had a thirst. Complimentary tapas were served by the staff and it was all rather jolly.

We looked at the restaurant menu which offered a range of interesting-sounding dishes at reasonable prices. We have booked a table for dinner this evening and are looking forward to it. And nobody has to drive, as we live within walking distance.

BTW, the new hotel is named after owner David's late father, Manuel, who perished in a fire aged 50, when David was a youngster.

[awaiting photos]

© Paul Whitelock

Photos:

BBC, Molino del Santo, Ronda Today

Thanks:

David Garcia, Paul Whitelock

Tags:

Benaojan Estacion, Borja, brand-new venue opens in Montejaque, Cayetano, crops, David Garcia, Don Benito, evacuations, flood from the Montejaque dam, flooding and lots of damage to homes, four deaths, heavy rainfall, high winds, Hotel Don Manuel, "La Chica", La Terraza I, La Terraza II, livestock, Molino del Santo, nine named violent storms, outbuildings, Ronda Valley Hotel, Ruben, St Valentine's Day, three grand openings,

Robert Duvall and Jesse Jackson both died this week, each having left a remarkable legacy in their respective fields of endeavour.

Robert Duvall passed aged 95 (1931 - 2026), an actor of remarkable skill, who played Tom Hagen, "Il Consiglieri", to Marlon Brando's "Godfather" in two films; a memorable role in "Apocalypse Now"; plus key roles in many other important films of the 1970s and 1980s.

Nominated five times for a best actor Oscar, he won it once in 1984 for "Tender Mercies".

Duvall with his Oscar [BBC]    

Arguably he was short-changed, although he also won a BAFTA, an Emmy and four Golden Globes, as well as other awards.

He first came to prominence as Boo Radley in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird", a role in which he did not speak.

In "Apocalypse Now" he spoke the immortal line "I love the smell of napalm in the morning", which will forever be associated with this Californian-born actor.

***

Rev. Jesse Jackson was 84 (1941 - 2026) when he left us yesterday, Tuesday. A champion of civil rights and human rights, he was a contemporary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

According to The New York Times Jackson was an impassioned orator, and was a moral and political force, forming a “rainbow coalition” of poor and working-class people and seeking the presidency on two occasions. 

Jackson in full flow [La Jornada]    

His mission, he said, was “to transform the mind of America". 

The lengthy NYT obituary was very negative about Jackson, who was born in South Carolina. On the other hand EL PAIS in English gives him a more favourable death notice.

Jesse Jackson ran for president in both 1984 and 1988, but, despite coming close to getting the presidential nomination in 1988, he never achieved elected office.

Active until 2017 when he became ill with what turned out to be Parkinson's Disease, his legacy was significant.

According to Sky News Jackson became friends with Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Barack and Michelle Obama and many others.

© Paul Whitelock

Links:

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson has died, family says | News UK Video News | Sky News

Jesse Jackson, Charismatic Champion of Civil Rights, Dies at 84 - The New York Times

Jesse Jackson, veteran US civil rights activist, dies at 84 | U.S. | EL PAÍS English

Robert Duvall - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

The Truth About Boo Radley - YouTube video

Photos:

BBC, La Jornada

Acknowledgements:

EL PAIS in English, New York Times, Sky News, Wikipedia, 

Tags:

"Apocalypse Now", Barack and Michelle Obama, best actor Oscar, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Boo Radley, BAFTA, BBC, champion of civil rights and human rights, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., EL PAIS in English, Emmy, four Golden Globes, Godfather, Harper Lee, Il Consiglieri, "I love the smell of napalm in the morning", La Jornada, Marlon Brando, New York Times, Parkinson's Disease, “rainbow coalition”, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Robert Duvall, Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Sky News, "Tender Mercies", "To Kill a Mockingbird"

With concerns in many democracies that socialism is on its way out in the face of increasing success in elections of far right parties, it was refreshing that Portugal has shifted firmly to the left of centre in their general election two days ago.

Seguro celebrates victory in Portugal [RFI]    

With concerns in many European democracies about the rise in popularity of the AfD in Germany, Reform UK, VOX in Spain, Meloni in Italy, Le Pen in France and Trump-ism in the USA, it's refreshing to learn that the socialist party in Portugal achieved its best ever result, sending the right-wing party into oblivion.

So, is Socialism Dead?

Whilst we are at a turning point in world politics, with dictatorships in China, India, North Korea, and Russia calling most of the shots, this is a crucial time for electorates to come to their senses and eschew the far right.

    Vladimir Putin [unknown]                                       Kim Jong-Un [El Mundo]

    Xi Jinping [Britannica]                                           Narendra Modi [Britannica]

There are widespread fears of a return to Nazism despite the images of the concentration camps, gas chambers and exhumed corpses of World War II ever present on our TV screens as we commemorate the 80 year anniversary of the end of that brutal conflict.

If not, what's next?

There is a bulwark of socialism in Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, Poland, Scandinavia, Spain, the UK and now Portugal. In addition, socialists have a presence in coalition governments in Germany and the Netherlands.

Whilst Emmanuel Macron, Sir Keir Starmer, and Pedro Sanchez are unpopular in their respective countries and might not last much longer, all three bestride the international stage with aplomb and resolve.

Mark Carney the Liberal Party's prime minister of Canada is an important antidote to the tyranny of Donald Trump.

Links

Centre-left holds off far-right as Seguro wins Portugal's presidential election - RFI

© Paul Whitelock

Photos:

Britannica, El Mundo, RFI

Thanks:

Malaga Hoy, Paul Whitelock, RTVE

Tags:

AfD, Canada, China, coalition governments, concentration camps, Denmark, Emmanuel Macron, exhumed corpses, France, gas chambers, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Keir Starmer, Kim Jong-Un, Le Pen, Malaga Hoy, Mark Carney, Meloni, Narendra Modi, nazism, Netherlands, North Korea, Paul Whitelock, Pedro Sanchez, Poland, Portugal, Putin, RTVE, Reform UK, Russia, Scandinavia, Seguro, socialism, Spain, Trump-ism, UK, USA, VOX, World War II, Xi Jinping,

Who are they? Or what are they? Three names sound English, one German, one Scandinavian, one Italian and one Spanish.

They are, in fact, the names given to the borrascas (storms) we've suffered in Malaga province this hydrological year (2025/26). SEVEN named storms since October! And that's not counting several other unnamed bad weather events.

[BBC]    

And there are still climate change deniers out there! Unbelievable!

When does a storm get given a name?

When it is deemed that a storm is likely to have a significant impact on the population in its path. The aim is to ease tracking, to improve the communication of weather alerts and to avoid confusion when there are several weather events happening at the same time, as now.

Alice hit us at the beginning of October.

Then, it went quiet until January 16th when Harry arrived.

Four days later we felt the wrath of Ingrid, then five days after that Joseph.

Within two days, Kristin came on January 27th.

Eight days later it was the turn of Leonardo and three days after that Marta.

[Facebook]    

That was two days ago. Another unnamed storm is due to hit us today.

What damage has been done?

As of this morning three people have died and thousands have been evacuated from their homes. The entire village of Grazalema, just across the border in Cadiz province, has been emptied of people, most of whom have been accommodated in a sports hall in Ronda (Malaga). 

Residents of Benaojan Estacion have also been evacuated as a precaution.

    [Euro Weekly News]                                        Flooding in Benaojan [Reuters]

The generosity of companies, bars, restaurants, charities and individuals has been astonishing, with donations of food, drink, clothes and time. 

Maripaz Fernandez, the mayoress of Ronda, has allocated emergency council funding; Benito Gomez, the double Michelin-starred chef has set up a kitchen; Solidarios, a local charity, has allocated volunteers and funding. 

As one commentator, writing in SUR, the Malaga newspaper, yesterday, put it. There are no Spaniards as generous and supportive as the people of Andalucía.

Benito Gomez and other chefs help out [Malaga Hoy]    

Links

    [YouTube]                                                              `[Sky News]

© Paul Whitelock

Pictures:

BBC, Diario SUR, Euro Weekly News, Facebook, Karl Smallman, Malaga Hoy, Paul Whitelock, RTVE, Reuters, Ronda Semanal, Sky News, YouTube

Thanks:

Diario SUR, Malaga Hoy, Paul Whitelock, RTVE, Ronda Semanal

Tags:

Alice, Andalucía, Benaojan, Benito Gomez, borrasca, BBC, Cadiz, dam, Diario SUR, embalse, Euro Weekly News, Facebook, Grazalema, Harry, Ingrid, Joseph, Karl Smallman, Kristin, Leonardo, Malaga Hoy, Maripaz Fernandez, Marta, Montejaque, Paul Whitelock, RTVE, Reuters, reservoir, Ronda Semanal, Sky News, Solidarios, storm, YouTube

Today is World Cancer Day, an international day observed every February 4th to raise awareness about cancer, encourage its prevention, and mobilise action to address the global cancer epidemic.

The day is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and was established in the year 2000.

    [poster by Freepik]

Aims of the organisation

By catalysing personal, collective and government action, they are all working together to reimagine a world where millions of cancer deaths are prevented and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equitable for all no matter who they are nor where they live.    

[Our Cancer Stories]    

Each year, hundreds of activities and events take place around the world, gathering communities, organisations and individuals in schools, businesses, hospitals, marketplaces, parks, community halls, places of worship - in the streets and online - acting as a powerful reminder  that everybody has a role to play in reducing the global impact of cancer. 

Impact in 2024

27k+ press articles in 159 countries 

900+ activities and events in 127 countries 

500k+ social media mentions

How does the organisation work?

UICC runs World Cancer Day campaigns in three-year cycles to allow for a deeper exploration of a particular theme and achieve greater impact.   

The World Cancer Day theme 2025-2027, “United by Unique” places people at the centre of care and explores new ways of making a difference.   

Cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis — it’s a deeply personal matter. Behind every diagnosis lies a unique human story - stories of grief, pain, healing, resilience, love and more.

[UICC]    

That’s why a people-centred approach to cancer care that fully integrates each individual’s unique needs, with compassion and empathy, leads to the best health outcomes.  

Every experience with cancer is unique and it will take all of us, united, to create a world where we look beyond the disease and see the person before the patient.

A world where the needs of people and communities are at the centre of health systems.

World Cancer Day activity [UICC]    

The World Cancer Day theme 2025-2027, “United by Unique”, .....

..... places people at the centre of care and explores new ways of making a difference.   

That’s why a people-centred approach to cancer care that fully integrates each individual’s unique needs, with compassion and empathy, leads to the best health outcomes.  

© Paul Whitelock

With thanks to:

El Periodico, RNE, TVE1, “United by Unique”, UICC, worldcancerday.org

Pictures:

Freepik, Our Cancer Stories, UICC

Tags:

cancer, El Periodico, Freepik, grief, healing, love, Our Cancer Stories, pain, RNE, resilience, TVE1, “United by Unique”, UICC, worldcancerday.org

Yes, these towns in the Serrania de Ronda and the Sierra de Grazalema have hit the headlines! Blanket coverage on national TV, online and in the national Press. For all the wrong reasons!

Because of the extreme weather coming in from the West, principally Storm Leonardo, red and orange alerts have been issued for Cadiz, Extremadura and parts of Andalucia. All schools are closed, except in Almeria province. Many supermarkets are shut and other places are expected to suspend their services.

Three hotels near us are underwater, residents have been evacuated from their homes in the Guadiaro Valley, and countless roads have been blocked by flood water.

On TV, President of the Andalucía regional government Juanma Moreno (PP), warned against travelling by car unless absolutely necessary.

Ronda today [La Opinion de Malaga]

Our personal story

Rita was due to fly to Germany today from Malaga Airport. Imagine our shock when we received weather alerts on our mobile phones last night warning us of the severe situation. Extensive research online indicated that the worst of the weather was from breakfast time onwards.

After considering several options Rita decided she would set off early alone and park at the airport. Accordingly she left at 06.30 in pouring rain for her 10.15 flight. She made good time, even managing to stop for a coffee on the Churriana road.

I booked her in at our regular car park service and Rita was at the airport before check-in opened!

    [The Olive Press]

Everything went smoothly after that. Her flight departed 17 minutes late, but she is at least on her way to the snow and ice of south-west Germany.

Rita landed safe and sound a short while ago.

Back at the ranch

It's been pouring down non-stop. Daylight revealed that we now have a villa by a lake - our garden. Many might regard us as fortunate; indeed houses by lakes in countries like Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and the UK (eg The Lake District, Scotland, Wales) fetch a premium when sold.

However, since our lake is unintended and potentially damaging to our property (foundations, indoor flooding, rising damp) the opposite is the case. 

Flooding in Ronda [The Olive Press]    

What next?

Insurance and consorcio claims. I reckon the CCS will take over all of our claims for damage.

Starting with the damage caused by last Thursday's storms and now whatever happens over the next few days on top. Could be a big bill!

Flooding in Jimera de la Fra. [Euro Weekly News]    

Update:

I ventured out in the car around midday to get some live photos, but soon returned home. It was looking far too dangerous to go any further (subsequently confirmed by live TV coverage of the affected areas). Here is a selection of photos I took in Fuente de la Higuera, where I live (in a villa by a lake!):

Links

"Here Comes the Rain Again!" - again! - Eye on Spain

Here Comes the Rain Again (Remastered Version) - song by The Eurythmics (YouTube)

HOW TO ..... make a claim for FLOOD DAMAGE? - Eye on Spain

The rain in Spain... - Secret Serrania

© Paul Whitelock

Pictures:

Euro Weekly News, Karl Smallman, La Opinion de Malaga, Paul Whitelock, The Olive Press

Thanks:

Paul Whitelock, www.eyeonspain.com, www.secretserrania.com

Tags:

Benaojan, claims, consorcio, CCS, Denmark, Euro Weekly News, Eurythmics, Eye on Spain, flood damage, foundations, Germany, Grazalema, "Here Comes the Rain Again!", indoor flooding, insurance, Karl Smallman, Lake District, La Opinion de Malaga, National News, Netherlands, Norway, Paul Whitelock, rising damp, Ronda, Scotland, Secret Serrania, The Olive Press, UK, Wales, weather alerts