Cordoba!

We had our first excursion today to Cordoba!  The first thing I learned getting off of the bus today was that Cordoba means city by the hill and it is one of Andalucia's five White Hill Towns.  It was a cute little town, but definitely one of those single-day trips.  We got a tour of the Cathedral which used to be a Mosque until the Christians took over and converted it into a Cathedral.  Inside was insane!  Below is a picture of Julie, Kelsey G. and myself posing in the arches found throughout the entire Cathedral (left over from the Mosque). 

In the middle of the building you can find the alter.  Like any other Catholic church, it was required to be in the shape of a Christian symbol.  When you're in the middle you can see the shape of a cross made by the pews, alter and choir area.  While we were there, a group of young men were having choir practice (or something of the sort).  They had amazing voices!  I felt like such a tourist taking a picture of them, but I couldn't resist.  (at the same time I am a tourist...so it's expected right?)  Below is a picture depicting the two contradicting Religions found within this building with the Arabic arches and the Crucifix. 

 

After the Cathedral we walked over to the Jewish Quarters which was a cute little area, but I didn't catch much of what the tour guide was saying if I'm being quite honest.  It was a small little garden area with a cute fountain... wish I had paid attention a little more!  After that we walked along/inside the walls of the city.  Inside the walls was (what you could tell would normally be) beautiful gardens.  Unfortunately, we came at a bad time and a lot of construction and upkeep going on.  When we climbed up the tower of the walls we saw an amazing view of the city!  Here's one of me with Cordoba in the background!

As always, you can find lots more pictures on Facebook.  (I'll have these posted in the next day or two at least), but I can only add so many pictures on my blog! =)  The day was really fun, but tiring, especially since I've been sick lately.  But, I'm not letting this interfere with my travels!  Julie and I are headed to Jerez and Arcos tomorrow; two more of Andalucia's White Hill Towns!