Our first stop was at the Great Mosque of Cordoba, also known as La Mezquita and La Catedral. I actually studied the Mezquita in my Islamic Art and Architecture class last Spring, so it was really nice to walk into the actual building with such a deep understanding. The Mosque was built in various stages starting in the 7th century, under the Umayyad Caliphate and Abd al-Rahman II, and construction of additional parts and exterior gardens continued into the 11th century. In the 13th century, however, the central chamber was converted into a cathedral by the Christian Visigoths. Cordoba, as a cross-roads of Europe and Africa, has always been religiously mixture of Muslims, Jews, and Christians, with enough fluxuation to alter the dominate religious group. Therefore, the Mezquita (Catedral) is a unique mix of traditional muslim architecture and an over-the-top Baroque style. The juxtaposition of the two creates quite a visually stimulating and somewhat disorienting atmosphere. Unfortunately I was too much in my own world and tuned out most of what our guide was saying, but I was enjoying myself so much... Here are a few pictures:
One of the mosque sections
The Quibla Wall
The Cathedral alter (but notice the traditional red and white Islamic columns to the left)
The second part of our tour included the old jewish synagogue here in Cordoba, though I didn't get the chance to take any photos. We also toured some of the famous gardens around the city. Since water is so scarce, gardens were not only a huge social gathering place, but also a sign of status and wealth. And since it was over 100 degrees today, it took some serious self control to not jump right in to all the pools and fountains. The most beautiful, however, were most definitely the royal gardens at the old palace:
I knew we were in the vicinity of our house, in the Judiera (the old jewish quarters) but I had no idea how close we were until I recognized the blue roof by the pool and the chair that I napped in yesterday.
As it happens, our house backs up to the royal gardens. Proof:
Of course, I know we have a beautiful house, but somehow I missed that we have what is perhaps THE most prime spot in Cordoba. The garden is spectacular, and from what our guide told us, we should be able to see the nightly fountain, music, and light show from poolside on the roof. Tres chic.
The rest of the day was pretty low key. Kim and I ate lunch at home and had siesta time. Our parents are out of town for the weekend (they are taking their daughter Celia to London where she will be studying for a year) so our housekeeper Packi is staying with us. Later on, I went to a nearby gym and signed up for a three month pass; its just too hot to run outside here. The pass also includes unlimited group classes, so I went to a spinning class with a bunch of other PRESHCO girls before coming home for a late dinner.
Packi greeted me at the door when I arrived (sweaty and gross) saying that I had received a gift, and showed me to my room where I discovered the most beautiful bouquet of flowers that my Mom sent me for my birthday! (Thanks Mommy, I love you!) I didn't expect anything at all, so it was a great surprise to get tons of flowers!
And even though it is Friday night, Kim and I are having a quiet night at home (admiring flowers), with the exception of a brief trip to get ice cream. We have to be ready to celebrate my 21st tomorrow night with most of the PRESHCO group!
Hasta bien pronto :)
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