Day 21. Friday 28 March

This week has reminded us that we are a long way from our family and loved ones. They are not, however, far away in our thoughts. We hope the love reaches you.

End of Week Three. An early start for us, with a drive of 70 km or so to Cordoba for the day. Pretty easy trip – traffic was light until we got to Cordoba. Having had a surfeit of roundabouts so far, there seemed to be few in the CBD, so when we missed our pre-booked parking it was quite a long turn around. Made it, checked in, but needed a new ticket, we presume because the system didn’t recognize the French number plates. But the attendant was very helpful. D pleased with himself (T very impressed) as it had worked.

Walked down to the Historico Centro, with first priority getting a coffee. Not so easy, so headed for the Mezquita, where, fortuitously there was a cafe just waiting for us! Shared a table with a gentleman of our age from Ireland, and a young couple from Turkey, and had some lovely chats. The gent from Ireland was an American draft dodger from the Vietnam War, and had, eventually, become an Irish citizen (D didn’t admit to his career). He became an artichoke farmer (Irish mists perfect for artichokes…T has been wondering about buying/cooking) and an environmental writer.

Wandered up to the Mezquita entrance, where T had her fortune told by a ‘special rosemary’ wielding seer. Apparently she is going to live a long life, is a grandmother, and will/has married a handsome stranger. Things turned sour when a paper note was asked for and T only had a few coins.

Entered the courtyard to the Mezquita to see a sign offering online login, so D hastily began booking entry and audio guides, at 1254, for an entry at 1300. Needless to say, the process was slow, but we made it through the checkpoint on time to find that the audio guides had to be picked up at a booth on the other side of the courtyard. D rushed over, picked them up and we were away.  And although entry is regulated, exit is not, so there was actually no pressure to rush.

We started listening to the audio guides and were somewhat bemused that the commentary didn’t match the numbers on the various significant points. It took about 10 minutes to realize that the numbers on those points weren’t the same as the ones on the audio guide pamphlet – duh! So, having got that sorted, we were away.

It is a magnificent structure – mosque built on church built on mosque (or some such progression). Over centuries, some parts were destroyed, taken over, modified but the essence has remained. We later heard of the tolerance between the Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities, and this building perhaps demonstrated it somehow. In the end, the whole experience was overwhelming.

We took a walk across the Roman bridge, where we saw what we think was a rescue of a young boy who had jumped into the mud, but was rescued by a couple of teenagers.

But now we were whacked and ready to finish up. Then we noticed a Big Bus, ticket seller, so opted for the overview: two tours – one around the Historico Centro and the other more generally around the city, with some overlap. As we have found before, a good way to get an overview.

Stayed on the bus until we were able to get off close to our parking spot. T suggested some refreshments at the Mercado Victoria, which she’d spotted on the city tour. The Mercado seemed to be a bit of a location for what seemed to be hen and stag parties: it might get interesting later. We had a couple of non-alcoholic beers and our first tapas! Picked up some supplies at a nearby Dia and then tried to exit the car park, but the ticket machine wouldn’t recognize the card. After several attempts, a very kind gentleman came over and also tried unsuccessfully. When D said he had no Spanish, he pushed the button to the attendant, and after much discussion back and forth, the boom lifted. Muchas gracias, Senor. An easy drive back to ‘home’ before dusk.

The little Peugot has been great, and easy to drive as we’ve become more familiar with it. D is a bit bemused by the fuel consumption: the range increases the further we drive! It is a hybrid.

Dinner. Rump Steak Medallion substitutes: New York burgers with red onion, tomato and chili salsa, with fresh bread and extra virgin olive oil.