Day 12

We awoke early this morning at the first bells from the tower across the street (7 am). We were in the hotel bar before the Mezquita opened across the street. After coffee, orange juice and a croissant we were fortified for the morning. Thank goodness for not being forced to eat the gut busting breakfast of the previous two days.

Into the Mezquita we went. It was free as promised. It seemed like there was Ann and me and about ten other people in this gigantic building. Although the sign said no cameras the other handful of people were taking flash pictures (it was very dimly lit) even in front of the several guards present. Apparently it was not their job to hassle the tourists. That station was occupied by an English lady tourist who took it upon herself to tell me that the guard was watching me and we cannot take pictures here. I cannot tell you what little difference that made to me!

I was, to use the sixties term, “blown away” by the Mezquita. A Muslim mosque built in the 700s over a Visigoth Christian church of the 400s which in turn was converted to a Christian place of worship with a cathedral built within the walls after the expulsion of the Moors in 1492. What a history this building has seen in the past 1600 years - just awesome and awe inspiring.

After about 90 minutes wandering the Mezquita, we were off to the Alcazar, a Muslim palace/ fortress also along the river. Why did we visit? Well, there were gardens and I am married to Ann. The gardens were beautiful in an Arab world way – fountains and much moving water. A real Garden of Eden. Boring of that activity, I suggested we move on and my spouse reluctantly agreed.

Lunch was fantastic. We had scouted this place earlier in the day in a plaza somewhere in the old town area and Ann had talked to the waiter, liking him immediately. So we returned at lunchtime. Our lunch this day consisted of eight tapas (tiny plates of food) and the obligatory cervezas at a table on the plaza. The weather was again absolutely perfect – 75F and clear blue skies. What made the meal memorable was the lack of funds in our pockets. Putting together all the dinero we had, the best we could do was 23 euro – about four short. Asked about Visa, the nice waiter merely said, “No”. I have to admit that was very unusual. But then again he told one table he had no coffee and then served coffee to another table. This was not a man to question.

I still had beer to finish so Ann went off pan handling or looking for a cash machine whichever came first. She did return although she said she might not. Finally paying the bill we headed home for siesta time after a lunch of almost two hours. We are really getting into this Andalucían schedule of life.

After touring the Jewish area behind the Mezquita, we rested then went out after the sun set for tapas hopping. Visiting several bars and tavernas we had a drink and two tapas at each place. That was a nice way to end the day.

Now I REALLY like Cordoba.