Better Now: The End of Our Journey: Part 1 Cordoba

Once packed, Sue, MaryEllen, Dennis and I headed out for breakfast. After eating we got two taxis to take us back to the apartment, get our bags, and head to our separate destinations. Sue and MaryEllen were off to the airport to spend time in Barcelona. Dennis and I headed to the train station loaded down with our luggage to visit Cordoba.

The taxi driver in Cordoba explained that he could only go so far because the streets get very narrow. We were less than a block from our new home in the old Jewish quarter of one of our favorite cities. Miguel greeted us and took us up to see our apartment. It was quite spacious and charming.

The Courtyard

We quickly unpacked and went out exploring with our umbrellas tucked into the backpack, just in case.

We had not eaten since breakfast and though it was time for coffee, we broke all the rules and found a place that serves tapas even at 4:30. Our new favorite restaurant was La Antigua Vidriera and our favorite waiter was Juan.

The next morning, Friday we found the tourist information office in the plaza and set off to find the Hop-on/Hop-off bus. In Cordoba there are two, a large double decker that goes all around the city and a small one that is able to get down some of the very narrow streets. This gave us an idea of where we wanted to go to see more. And boy! is there ever more to see!

We spent the day on the two buses, getting to know Cordoba and ended the day with another visit to Juan at La Antigua Vidriera. Juan told us where we could get some food supplies. Would you believe Aldi's was just around the corner! A very modern bright Aldi's. With the big pink bag off we went to Aldi's, stopping in the plaza for a moment just to appreciate so many people enjoying the pleasant evening.

On Saturday we had tickets to the Mezquita and then hoped that we would be able to get into to see the Cristiano Del Rey gardens nearby. The Mezquita holds a cathedral. It is so immense. I'm not sure who, those many long years ago decided to keep what was there and simply adapt a mosque to serve as a church but I'm very glad it was left standing. It is such an impressive building.

And this is just the outside, the inside is even more incredible...

And then on we went to Cristiano Del Rey Gardens...

Cordoba is spectacular, with early history from the Romans to modern day Spain and the culture of the Moors and the Jewish peoples squeezed in-between. Around every corner there is an eye catching display, whether of architecture or flowers or patios. To end the day we went to the Flamenco Equestrian program. My only disappointment with it was that you couldn't take photos during the performance. I'm sure that it's because the horses could be distracted but I was itching to snap away.

On Sunday we were back on the bus for our last ride. We got off on the other side of the old bridge, built originally by the Romans but rebuilt and strengthened many times since. It is now a pedestrian bridge. At this side of the bridge is a museum of Moorish history. It ends with the Spanish unification of the country.

The day begins...

Thanks to Raquel I got a message from Angela who asked if we had time to get together. And hurray! We got to see Angela on Monday evening. It was a highlight of Cordoba.

Raquel and Angela had been teachers in Cicero. It was a time when we were in need of Spanish speaking teachers for our bilingual programs. The Spanish Ministry of Education and the state of Illinois had an agreement that allowed districts to accept an invitation from the Ministry to go to Spain, interview teachers who passed our state English tests, and offer them positions. As the Director of the bilingual and ESL Program in Cicero, I along with two other staff members were sent to Spain each year to hire teachers. It was a wonderful opportunity and I had the chance to meet and work with many wonderful people.

When we went to meet Angela, we turned left out of our door. This was a first and it was a wonderful discovery. Angela took us on a walk to see some of the hidden patios. A delight. We stopped for a glass of wine and then continued to our favorite restaurant to say good-bye to Juan. A wonderful last evening.