While traveling about Spain, I invariably encounter pairs of older women out and about. Usually they give the appearance that they’re on a mission of great importance. Arm in arm, up the streets they go, toting oversized handbags and parcels to their critical destination. For all I know, they’re simply going home or to visit friends. Ah, but it’s fun to spin a little story. Maybe they’re delivering critical supplies needed for clandestine research that will save the world. Like these two in Cuenca:
I was on the easy part of this street. That is on the way down. Looking over the wall, I saw them coming up the lower part, before the corner at the right of the frame. They chugged up, one foot after the other, undeterred by the steep grade. I managed to snap this picture before they saw me, then quickly turned the camera away so as not to be offensive. But there was no foul. I touched my hat, they smiled, and went inside to complete their mission, whatever it happened to be.

Your writing is so pregnant with meaning and potential.
Truth is, there are few things as powerful as a determined woman with life experience. So two together who share real companionship and mutual understanding . . . . . . (Something little understood in non-Latin cultures?)
You did right to touch your hat and show respect!
Cheers
http://catchthevision.wordpress.com
Cuenca is a fun little town! I’m surprised you didn’t write about the houses on the sides of the cliffs…
These are my photos from my trip there: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kristan/sets/72157594196780288/