This trip confirms what I felt the last time that I was in the South of Spain. So far, it is ‘my place’; aka where I think I’m meant to live. Before you start worrying, RobO’s on board too. It meets his 2 criteria: me and nachos. Throw in some tennis, sangria, and cured meats and he’ll be happy forever. Hopefully someday I’ll get to test the theory.
I added Córdoba to my itinerary quite late and I’m grateful that I was able to fit it in. I wasn’t sure that any church could rival my awe of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, but the Mezquita (mosque-cathedral) is in the running. Originally it was built as as mosque in the year 788, then a over a timeline of different renovations it was converted into a Catholic cathdral. Essentially it is a huge space of candy cane arches with an enormous cathedral right in the middle of it.
I also visited the Alcazar, a fortress that was once a primary residence of the king. The geometrically designed gardens are a peaceful place to spend time. This first picture messes with my mind, but it’s of a skylight:
Córdoba is known for its patios, which are courtyards in the centre of buildings that are covered with beautiful flowers. My gardener friends would be in heaven visiting here, especially during the annual patio festival in May.
Speaking of patios, spending time in outdoor courtyards is something that Spaniards know how to do best.
The winding streets of the Jewish quarter could keep me occupied for hours.
Another big thing this week has been Semana Santa (Holy Week or Easter week), but I’m going to save it for a future blog as its only just begun. I will, however, give you a sneak peek to get you interested.
