Next stop...Cordoba....

We took an early train ride to Corboba, Spain. Once we got there we checked into our hotel and hit the town! Our first stop was the famous Mezquita-- the mosque-turned-cathedral. It was a former mosque dating back from 784AD, now with a 16th century church rising up from the middle. It was the center of Islam during its time, and a wonder of the medieval world. It was pretty incredible... once you walked in there were so many columns and arches throughout, each with red and white brick (Islam) and then the most beautiful chapels and alters all around and in the center, which were later added by bishops. They were able to incorporate architecture of the pre-existing mosque into the church... It was definitely a sight to see. We all just walked around taking so many pictures ( which was a little hard to do because it was very dark inside) and just admired all the art and history that was around us! We then walked around the area around, which is known as the Jewish Quarter. Again there were all very narrow streets, whitewashed walls of the houses and buildings and the most colorful doors, patios, and windows! The Spanish take pride in there area around their house and love to show it off! We were there during a week long celebration ( Day of the Crosses) where each square or plaza in the different neighborhoods decorate crosses with beautiful flowers to show off, and excuse to eat, drink, and dance! We were able to see a few getting ready... most were covered in lots of red carnations and then lots of other pots of flowers set up all around! It was great because this is a huge local thing, and I felt like we were definitely part of the city! We had in dinner at one of the cafes in the main plaza, and then watched little Spanish girls flamenco dance (kinda like a dance recital for the public to watch) right in the center in town! It is something not too many people can say they have done, and it is something I will never forget! It was one of the cutest things I have ever seen! They were probable 5-8 yrs old, dancing away in their dresses.... watching each other or waving to their parents! It was fantastic! I couldn't stopped smiling! I was just taking everything in! And I swear the whole town of Cordoba was there to watch and celebrate! I have so many picture and videos... I can't wait to show you all! We then decided to just walk around town because the weather was beautiful and warm here at night ( typical southern Spain weather) and as we were crossing the street we heard music and saw all these people dressed up cheering... we turn the corner and we are right in front of a wedding....in Spain! I couldn't believe it! The bride and groom were coming out of the church, everyone was throwing rice and cheering, there was music playing, and everyone in the square was dancing! Like the whole town was celebrating! I couldn't believe we stumbled upon this.... this was such a great night! A night I will never forget! The next day we went to visit the fortress, Alcazar de los Reyes Christianos, "Castle of the Christian Monarchs" , which is known for its beautiful gardens. It was enormous! The gardens and fountains seemed like it went on forever! It was gorgeous! I could have spent all day there sitting in the sun! THe flowers and the statues were just amazing...I can't even imagine how many people it takes to upkeep it! We were also were able to climb to the top, where we could see all of Cordoba! Since we had a later train that night, we just walked around town along an old Roman bridge, and all around checking out all the different crosses in the neighborhoods! We even saw which one won 1st prize! And of course everyone was celebrating there! We are now off to Sevilla.... where is it going to be really warm! I can't wait! I need a tan! HaHa!