We took another day trip to Córdoba
(click here for a little about our last visit). It's only 49 minutes from Málaga on the high-speed train. We weren't in any rush, so we took the slow train, which takes 65 minutes. The temperature hovered around 9C/48F, which isn't too bad — if you're from South Dakota, anywhere in Canada or Norway, or even Indiana.
For us, it was downright frigid. But, it was worth it to visit in January, the quietest month in Córdoba. Except for a couple of small tour groups, we had the entire Mezquita/Cathedral almost entirely to ourselves.
(Click any image to fill the screen with beauty.)
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CASTLE OF ALMODÓVAR, FROM THE TRAIN WINDOW AS WE SPED BY.
27KM/17 MILES SOUTHWEST OF CÓRDOBA. |
Our cab driver from the train station to the Mezquita was charming, once I initiated some conversation. He told us all the places he'd like to visit in the United States, before moving on to the subject of Córdoba, "the best city in Spain." Then he shared a bit of history as we entered the old city.
The driver mentioned San Fernando a few times, commenting on his importance to the city. So, I shared with him the fact that the man sitting next to him at that very moment, San Geraldo, was the 22-greats-grandson of San Fernando. It took him a moment to grasp what I was saying. When he did, however, he looked at me and asked, "¿¡¿Es verdad?!?"
(Is it true?!?)
"Yes," I replied.
"Mamma Mía!" he shrieked as he pulled to a stop beside the Mezquita.
San Geraldo held up his hand and I said, jokingly, "You may kiss his ring."
The driver grabbed San Geraldo's hand in both of his and kissed his ring.
I told him San Geraldo was descended from many kings, but there would be no need to kiss my ring. "All my grandfathers were peasants." "Mine, too," he laughed.
(San Fernando's grandson said "adios" while I paid the fare.)
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| THE BELL TOWER OF THE MEZQUITA/CATHEDRAL. |
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| JUDYSHANNONSTREETWHAT AFRAID TO STEP ON THE FLOOR. |
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| THE FLOOR IS A CEILING OVER MORE ANCIENT WORK. |
While we're on the subject of ceilings...
It is school holidays here and we were in a museum yesterday where there was a large glass floor with a dinosaur skeleton embedded into rock under the glass. Very few kids would walk over the glass.
ReplyDeleteAndrew:
DeleteI see that fear all the time. It's a little disconcerting for me at first when I step onto a glass flower, especially if I hadn't noticed it before I stepped. But I love it. Judy never did step on that floor. There's an arched walkway that heads out and back over the Grand Canyon. I wonder how THAT would feel.
A friend went on the went on some kind of glass platform at GC. It is look very scary, but the view down was terrific.
DeleteAndrew:
DeleteI've only seen the Grand Canyon walkway in photos. But we have family that went out on it and one of them (who is not afraid of heights) had a panic attack.
Mitchell it is an interesting trip. And 9C iot is a great temperature for me in January
ReplyDeleteGosia:
DeleteMy blood has definitely gotten thinner after all these years in warm climates. I'm freezing!
Ha! We've been having similar temperatures, even here in Indiana! SO much better than last winter.
ReplyDeleteMethinks our wee San Geraldo knows about the original S.G.'s forebears and has adopted them as his own; he certainly has that 'you may kiss my ring' attitude down pat. I, like you, am the descendant of peasants, the only thing royal about me is the pain... and placement thereof.... I can be, lol. =D
LOVE the cathedral photos and I would be as hesitant as Judy crossing that glass floor! (Also love your music, as always!)
Jacqueline:
DeleteAnd we haven't stopped complaining about how cold it's been here. SO much worse than last winter.
Only my all-time favourite piece by Paul Simon!
ReplyDeleteI hope you all brought your sweaters and parkas with you!
What a great dialogue between you, the taxi driver and SG! Laughed my head off! I believe you made the taxi driver's day!
These photos are gorgeous, Mitchell. Now THAT is a ceiling alright.
Jim:
DeleteIt's one of my all-time favorite pieces by Paul Simon, as well. But I have several! That conversation with the taxi driver made our entire day. So great to connect with people like that. I'm sure he raced back to the train station to tell his friends.
Beautiful pictures, Mitchell. Funny story about the cab driver. Is Cordoba where the knives are made? I remember going to several cities, but can't remember which one had the place where they made all the beautiful steel blade knives.
ReplyDeleteLinda:
DeleteI'm pretty sure you're thinking of Toledo as the city famous for it's knives. We haven't been there yet. My sister bought my a letter opener there in 1970... and I still have it.
Great pictures of one of my favorite places in Spain.
ReplyDeleteStephen:
DeleteThanks. It's incredible. Was so great to be there this time without the crowds.
Great pictures, as always, and I bow in deference to kiss San Geraldo's ring from afar.
ReplyDeleteWe've had a few 48°F days in Indiana recently, and I walked out to my car in jeans, a long-sleeved but light shirt and strappy shoes with no socks. It felt positively tropical! Of course, if I were walking instead of driving, that would've been a different story.
Michelle:
DeleteJerry's sister would be wearing capri pants in this weather!
Those ceilings are incredible!
ReplyDeleteKnatolee:
DeleteYour pictures would do them much better justice!
I am surprised the taxi driver didn't ask for a photo of him with the celebrity lol.
ReplyDeleteCheapchick:
DeleteAnd I so regret not thinking to take out my camera. I usually have it in my hand and ready for anything. He was a charming and interesting guy with a great sense of humor.
Oh! But I want to see Spain! The history and the wines! Perhaps I can hire you as tour guide?
ReplyDeleteSpo:
DeleteI think you would have a ball here. Judy's goal was to sample the different types of Spanish sherry, but she didn't accomplish it... yet. As for being a guide, I have seen so very little of Spain. Just imagine what's still to come!
Can San Geraldo perform miracles? I mean after this trip, he has too.
ReplyDeleteLaurent:
DeleteOh, San Geraldo performs miracles daily.