We made only a short stop in Cordoba. A tour guide showed us around an old Moorish church now converted Catholic. The pillars made of grey and red limestone immediately strike your eye. Although I try and fight my feeling I have to confess I'm becoming sick of cathedrals and churches. I KNOW there is nothing that compares to these religious structtures in the United States but I think I've just been overdosing on churches lately. In fact while viewing this particular carbon copy a classmate muttered to me, "You've seen one You've seen them all." Oh ungrateful spoiled California kid Iam. Anyways after the church we hopped back on the bus and headed to Seville.
I must also mention that we were given the opportunity to stay in a hotel! No more hostel dorm rooms I'm moving up in the world. The Feria was going on during our visit. This is a major carnival in Seville with flamenco dancing and rides, games etc. Arriving at the Feria I was very much reminded of the Orange County Fair minus the expensive entrance fee and smelly carnies. Spanish guitar echoed in the background as we walked around, the lights illuminating our smiles. We made two trips to the Feria. The second time we walked into a Flamenco tent to watch and participate. There are tents hich scatter the fairgrounds some private and some public. The private tents display the last name of the family who is hosting. After some alcohol carnival rides and dancing we headed back to the hotel.
Our hotel had a rooftop pool so the next day I decided to go swimming and lay out because the weather was near perfect. I will never forget looking at the skyline of Seville churches scattering and gothic stuctures penetrating the nature's blue roof. I've had more than my share of nostalgic moments on this trip and this was definitely one of them.
Our next stop was the beautiful Grenada. This city if full of lustrous greenery including the famous Alhambra. I have the pleasure of smoking hookah with my history teacher (thats a first). The Alhambra is the palace of mid 14th century Moorish rulers with heavy Muslim influence within its walls. When Queen Isabella overtook Grenada she wanted this place to be her new home, but did not destroy the religious objects it contained which I found interesting considering she enacted the Spanish Inquistion. The gardens were nothing short of breathetaking while the hill top provided a panoramic view of the city.
Overall another wonderful weekend. We attended a authentic flamenco dance in Grenada (photo above). I suggests youtubing flamenco dance. It combines Spanish guitar, with wailing (not in an annoying way), and a sort of combination of stap and stombing dance. The facial of the dancers was always very concentrated, never smiling until the performance was met with applause.
Just one more apect of Spanish culture which confirms my love for this country. I am not looking forward to or upcoming breakup. Please let me down easy Madrid, I'm sensitive.
Pictures:
Here's Manu Chao "Machine Gun":
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