RONDA

Narrator
The express train 'Al-Andalus' is an original way to visit the most important spots in Andalusia. The journey lasts 8 days. Inka Martí is breakfasting with the person in charge of the service, Patricia Ilán.

Inka Martí
Hey Patricia, tell me the history of this train.

Patricia
Let me see, the history is as long and old as the train is itself. Some of the carriages were found in England and France, but most of them are Spanish and they were all brought to Bilbao in 1929. They were rebuilt, the marquetry was restored, much as the train stands today. From 1929 onwards, once the restoration work was finished, the train was used by the government that was then in power... it was this train that Franco used to travel to Hendaya and meet Hitler.

Inka Martí
Really?

Patricia
Yes - it's funny how may people are interested in that.

Inka Martí
When did it become Al-Andalus?

Patricia 
It was in 1986 that it became known as Al-Andalus, which as you know is the most representative name of the Moorish culture of Southern Spain.

[music]

Narrator
Ronda is a long-time tourist favourite, as it enjoys a privileged position on the summit of mountain range. The Tajo gorge is 130m deep and the bridge over it was built in the 18th century to link the old town to the new.

Inka Martí
How fantastic!

Narrator
To slip away from the crowd in Ronda, the best thing to do is head away from the tourist attractions and wander down some narrow alleys and lanes. Mondragon House was probably originally the Moorish kings' castle in Ronda. It has been restored and there can now be seen there fine examples of plaster and tilework. It functions both as a museum and as part of the University. The 13th century Moorish baths are the most beautiful in Spain.

[music]

Narrator
But old buildings are not all there is to Ronda. The state inn is one of the town's most modern buildings. In every corner of Ronda there are interesting discoveries to be made. A guide is not necessary: all you need is a strong spirit of adventure.

[singing]