Day Tripper: Córdoba & Italica

It is high time I post some of the great pictures for the two Saturday field trips our group took! Last Saturday we spent the day at quaint, cute and COLD Córdoba! It is about 2 hours away from Sevilla so we woke up very early to make sure we made good timing. After stopping for some pan tostado and cafe, we arrived to the Andalusian town! Córdoba itself is not very large and thus does not have nearly as many touristy things, however IT DOES have La Mezquita-Catedral, the combination mosque and cathedral built beginning in the year 600! It was incredible to tour the mosque with one of our EUSA professors, Carmen, and learn all about the history--of how it began as the worship center for the Muslims and then was subsequently conquered by King Ferdinand in the 1200s. It is also very interesting to see the cathedral coexisting approximately a few feet away from one of the mosque's corridors. After we left the mosque, we walked through the winding streets to stop by the Jewish quarter and the synagogue. One of the most interesting parts about Spain, especially Andalucia, is this incredible mix of religion, that for certain points of history, coexisted without significant conflict. I really enjoy that our professors want us to see all sides of the story and our trip to Córdoba was wonderfully well rounded. Additionally, Córdoba is a 2016 candidate for the European Cultural Capital! This explains the hundreds of flower pots that cover the town, all touting the 2016 candidacy. Below are some pictures that attempt to do justice to the unique Mezquita and atmosphere that is Córdoba...

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Yesterday was our second day trip, to Italica, the Roman ruins located just outside of Sevilla. Although Italica itself is "a lot of rocks" as one of our professors put it, it was very interesting to see ruins dating back 256 B.C.! We also saw the amphitheater where the gladiator prisoners were forced to fight bestial creatures of all sorts--also, Italica's arena is the third largest the Romans built. Honestly, it is most incredible to see the technology that existed in this historical period: kitchens, completely outfitted homes, libraries, the like. Of course to us, it was just a few layers of rocks, but still pretty magnificent! It was also wonderful to be outside on a chilly, but sunshine-filled morning, looking out into the rolling hills on Andalucia's skyline. The south of Spain really is a treat--city life is definitely great, but lucky for us, the open fields that cover the south are just a skip and a hop away. I look forward to finding the time to do some more exploring of Spain's hidden treasures like Italica.

La Comida Española

Food in Spain? No questions should be asked concerning its importance

If the Spanish are known for anything else besides their soccer, flamenco, and bullfighting, it is probably the food. And especially varies types of meat. Here there are so many varieties of pork, sausage and ham that it would probably be a while before you had a repeat of any dish! We have had chorizo, salachicha, jamon cerrano just to name a few. And let's not forget the FANTASTIC beef (it blew my mom's beef stew out of the water...shhhhhh) and delicious chicken. Meat is definitely one thing they know. So if you are a vegetarian, I wish you luck.

In addition, the amount of pastries and baguettes here is astounding--I am pretty sure I eat the equivalent of a baguette everyday. We found the cutest little bakery down the street from us that sells fresh croissants all day for only 0.80 euro! Sometimes I just can't resist...

Additionally, one thing that people general associate with Spain is "tapas." Now that I have officially gone out to a tapas bar, I can tell you all about it! In Spain, the largest meal of the day is the midday lunch, while the dinner, which is usually much later than in America, consists of more snack-sized portions. And that exactly is what tapas is intended to be. At a reasonably priced restaurant, they run around 2.00 euro to about 3.70 euro and are a smaller portion of general entrée items. Ordering 2, definitely no more than 3, and you have yourself a fine meal! It's also a great atmosphere to share with friends and of course very reasonable in terms of cost. Definitely something I will be doing again soon...

Which brings me to the first food post of my journey thus far. I've had requests for some food pictures, and I hate to say it, but it has taken a few days to eat some genuine Spanish food. My señora is a huge fan of potato chips and fries, and we have had more than a few meals with them. Also, salad with every lunch and dinner. So those things aren't super Spanish--but some of the other dishes definitely are, and they are fantastically delicious to boot. Here is a little recap of some of the great food España has presented to me...

Cerveza! Some of the crew at Levies Tapas Bar

La tortilla española is one of the most

traditional foods, it is basically potatoes and

eggs whipped into a cake-like patty.

MUYYYY deliciosa!--my señora makes the BEST tortilla

Fantastic pastries at the "croissantería" RIGHT DOWN

my road. guilty. pleasure.

Tortilla al Whisky at Levies. My señora's was better.

Cous-cous con pollo (chicken). This looks a little like a

mystery concoction, but I assure you it was one of the

BEST things I tasted on our Tapas night

Spinach empanadas + glass of red wine

Arroz con pollo (chicken and rice)

European clubbing?

This is a song that has been circulating my roommate's and my head for the past two days. It is supposedly a popular song in las discotecas, or dancing clubs, here in Spain. We have yet to go to one, but judging by the size of the city, we have a lot of options--this weekend for sure! I just don't understand the strange obsession with Barbra Streisand....viva España!

Los Reales Alcázares

Yesterday, as part of our class, we went on a little field trip instead of going to class! We went to Los Reales Alcázares, the palace/gardens where the king and his family stay when they come to Sevilla! It also may be one of the most GORGEOUS places I have ever seen! There are tons of buildings inside, ranging from ages of the EIGHTH century up until current times. And the gardens are absolutely enchanting! There is a huge Arabic influence in the architecture, with wonderfully elaborate designs and winding hallways. But it is also very chilly inside the buildings since everything is made of stone and wood--a great oasis for the scorching summer temperatures. Our professor Rafa also mentioned that parts of the film Lawerence of Arabia were filmed on the premises--Los Reales are quite the place. I also get free admission with my student ID--definitely a new favorite place of Sevilla! Honestly no words could describe the amazing atmosphere, but here are some pictures that attempt to...

the queen's bathtub

Christopher Columbus sat here

8th century wall

un pavo real (peacock)