Summer in Spain: June 2012

This weekend we took our last excursion with ISA. We left Saturday morning and drove two hours to Cordova. We visited an old Mosque and Cathedral combined into one. It was very neat to learn about how the Catholics took over the Mosque. Cordova also had pretty side streets, especially a famous one

called "Calle de Flores." This is a street with a bunch of hanging flower pots which is beautiful! We were a little disappointed with Cordova. We spent a lot of time there but other than touring the Mosque for an hour, there really wasn't much to see. In the afternoon we left for Granada. Once we arrived in Granda we checked into our hotel, Hotel Melia. The hotel was right in the center of the city. As we were walking in I ran into a younger KSU Pi Phi who is also studying abroad in Spain but in Madrid! I was so surprised to see her, it was such a familiar face in an unfamiliar area.

After getting settled into the hotel we went on a walking tour of Granada. We climbed to a very high point to see La Alhambra from the other side of town and got a panoramic view of the city. SO COOL! From there we walked to the Flamenco show which was in a cave. We had a private performance for our group that lasted about an hour. The performers were all cousins and then there was an older woman who was the grandma. It is have a family tradition, how sweet is that!

Sunday morning we had the opportunity to sleep in (YAY!) and start our day at 11am with a tour of the Cathedral in Granada. It was a very cool place. We got to see the grave of Queen Isabella and King Ferdanand. I couldn't believe I was seeing such a huge part of history. We went underground to see their actual coffins but unfortunately we were not able to take pictures. The tour was not very long so before we went to La Alhambra we went to lunch at a cafe on a side street. Granada is known for giving complementary tapas for every drink you order. So the five of us ordered coca colas and had five tapas brought to us! Some of our plates were fried fish, empenadas with tuna and tomato, toastada con olive oil, apple, and jamon, and a vegetable/fruit plate. We sat there for about an hour and a half and with each new drink we ordered they would bring us more food. Our bill was only 17 Euros! It was great.

Later that afternoon we left for La Alhambra. I have to admit, this was one of the coolest sites we have visited on our entire trip. We started off touring the amazing gardens of this city and then eventually made our way through the palaces and common grounds. I did not want to leave. It had amazing views of Granada and the architecture was unbelievable. Our tour guide spoke to us in English and gave us very cool information. I however, was a little more interested in walking off and taking pictures so I don't remember much :) Guess I'll have to read about it online!

We came back to Sevilla Sunday night and just began our second to last week here. My time here has flown by. I have really enjoyed submersing myself in this culture. It is so unique but not extremely different than the American culture. One of my favorite parts has been the food (surprise surprise)! Lola, my host mom, makes great food. I usually don't like to ask what it is until after I have tried it...that way I don't freak myself out. I have eaten a lot of white fish, tuna, pork and chicken (I know you all are probably shocked right now). However, I have a strange craving for a grilled hot dog, french onion dip and watermelon. I might have to satisfy that craving ASAP when I get home :)

Here are some pictures from the weekend! Be home soon!