This morning started out pretty early, at least by Spanish standards, at a bit before 10am. Entrance to the famous Córdoba Mezquita is free before then so we made a point of squeaking in the doors a moment before the bells began to ring. The beauty of the inside and the fact that the Catholics literally built a cathedral in the middle of the Islamic mosque never ceases to amaze me. I also always think about my first tour in the Mezquita when one of the Preshquitas asked out tour guide about Muslim use of the building today. Muslims, despite the building's original construction for Islamic religious purposes, are not allowed to pray facing the Quibla wall towards Mecca. This is all despite the fact that the Quibla and the alter of the cathedral are completely separate parts of the building, and disregarding the infamous historical period in the beginning of the second millenium in which the two religions co-existed in peace here for over 300 years. I suppose it just shows that the same religious conflicts, whether over constructing a cathedral in the middle of a mosque or use of space for religious purposes, will continue to rise and fall across thousands of years. Nonetheless, the building itself is still really spectacular after three visits. It was also the perfect opportunity to try a new panorama feature on my phone's camera:
After we finished taking in the Mezquita, we had a bit of time to wander around the old Juderia area or Córdoba and take in some of the twisty-turney old streets, patios, and shops. Its been a while since anyone has visited me here in Córdoba, so it was nice to wander around again and take in the incredible ambiance of the city. Sometimes, despite my best efforts not to, I forget how amazing this place is!
After wandering for a bit, I went to a brief History of Photography review session with my professor before coming home to go for a run. Kim, despite having already run 6 miles this morning, decided to come with my mom and I for our final long run before Sunday's half marathon. We ended up running up the the park that overlooks the city up in the Santa Rosa neighborhood and then taking a brief water break before running back home. It worked out to be exactly 8 miles, which is perfect. Starting tomorrow we'll taper down. And by taper I mean we'll continue to walk around cities like maniacs trying to see everything we can possibly see before our 10 glorious days are up.
This evening I had class, but when I got home my mom and Kim and I went out to dinner at one of the falafel places on the Plaza de la Corredera. The falafel really isn't good (and I can say that now after having eaten good falafel in Madrid this weekend), but it still tastes so good to me. The mere suggestion that a food could possibly be served in Northampton or is a potential staple of my diet at home immediately increases my appreciation. We were going to go to one of my favorite bars here in Córdoba after dinner, but unfortunately it was closed. Hopefully we'll have a chance to go another evening.
Since Campeón was closed, we bought a bottle of wine at the Tienda de Chinos on the way home. Carlos was in the kitchen when we walked in the door, and the three of us- me, my mom, and Carlos- ended up sitting at the kitchen table for an hour eating chocolate and drinking wine. Carlos is literally the nicest man I've ever met. He is so invested in making sure his Preshquitas have a lovely time and really improve their Spanish while here. When he speaks English my heart melts, too. We're going to Sevilla tomorrow, and he really intent on giving us the forecast in English, "Tomorrow, sunshine. Thursday, sunshine. Friday, cloud." I told him he should leave his job as a Urologist here in Córdoba and apply to be an American weatherman.
Ok- its late again, and we're up and out early tomorrow for a day-trip to see Sevilla, our third Spanish city. Adios!
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