kickass travel buddies
I love road trips. Being that I'm blogging slacker and I'm writing this post 1.5 months after I returned from Spain, I'm happy to report that I just returned from another road trip -- this time to New Orleans.
I knew I was going to have to work when I went to Spain. It's the reality of my flexible, travel-filled life--I can swing it but I still need to earn money. After five weeks of work and quick getaways, Mad, P, and I loaded up the Fiat and headed west, to Andalusia.
Andalusia... my only reference point was The Clash's "Spanish Bombs." Oh my corazón!
First stop - Córdoba.
After a delicious yet simple tostada for breakfast, we decided to start our day at the Madinat Azahara, the ruins of an Arab Muslim city built in the 900s. It was the seat of Caliph and only 10% of the city has been excavated. Intricate stone carvings, elegant arches, and gardens dot the property.
I knew I was going to have to work when I went to Spain. It's the reality of my flexible, travel-filled life--I can swing it but I still need to earn money. After five weeks of work and quick getaways, Mad, P, and I loaded up the Fiat and headed west, to Andalusia.
Andalusia... my only reference point was The Clash's "Spanish Bombs." Oh my corazón!
First stop - Córdoba.
After a delicious yet simple tostada for breakfast, we decided to start our day at the Madinat Azahara, the ruins of an Arab Muslim city built in the 900s. It was the seat of Caliph and only 10% of the city has been excavated. Intricate stone carvings, elegant arches, and gardens dot the property.
View from the entrance
My favorite rock: these deep purple rocks were brought here from the Sierra Nevada
After a couple hours perusing the Madinat azahara, we decided to check out the Mezquita/Cathedral. We parked across the river and beat the rain (mostly) to the site.
View from the other side of the river
Arches everywhere
Stone walkway. Constructed with rounded stones that are now worn flat from walkers.
The Mezquita/Cathedral is probably the most famous tourist attraction in Córdoba. It began as a Christian visigoth church in the 600s but came under Muslim control after Abd al'Rahman purchased half of the church. Over hundreds of years the mosque was designed to resemble the Great Mosque of Damascus. There are 856 of these columns (pictured below). The vaulted ceilings are stunning. The Mezquita came under Christian control again in the 1200s and a Christian nave was constructed in the middle. If you ever find yourself in Córdoba it's worth the entrance fee.
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