To Córdoba, Sevilla, and back

Time continues to fly by here in Spain. This past week I went on my first adventure without the whole study abroad group. Four friends joined me as I travelled to Córdoba and Sevilla.
La Mezquita in Córdoba takes the title for my favorite site I’ve seen so far. The red and white striped arches seem endless and like they are something out of wonderland.

Then all of a sudden there is a massive, bright, cathedral. The mix of old and slightly-less-old was amazing and, though it was chilly in there, I could have stayed inside for hours more. I can’t imagine attending church there every week, I doubt it would ever get old. Córdoba also offered a roman bridge (beautifully lit at night) and delicious tapas.

Sevilla was also riddled with history. I only wish I had had more time there. We stayed in a great hostel across the river from the historic center. We visited a bustling market, the Torre del Oro, the bullfighting ring, the Cathedral, the Real Alcazar palace, and the Plaza de España. Inside the cathedral we accidentally found the tomb of Christopher Columbus. I say accidentally because I hadn’t done much research before hopping on a train. I think it makes the surprises all the better. We climbed la Giralda, a bell tower from the original mosque, and saw the sprawling views of the city, I could have walked around the palace gardens all day, and I could see myself taking a picnic to the Plaza de España every weekend. 

As I said, my only regret of this trip is that I didn’t have more time. And yet, at the end I was so ready to go back to Valencia. During the many legs of the journey back, I kept thinking how ready I was to be home. Valencia has already become another home to me and travel makes going back all the sweeter.