Cordoba

I am still a bit confused about the correct pronunciation of "Cordoba". I know the accent is on the first syllable, and thought the "b" was sounded like a "v", or something in between, but I've heard several versions, all from people who are Spanish or speak Spanish well. Perhaps the problem is which Spanish one is using. However pronounced, we are here. 

We tried a new app, "Welcome", as recommended by our travel buddy, Mary. Aimed at "newbies" arriving in a new country/place/language challenge, we used it to book transportation to the train station from the Madrid airport. Yes, we could have figured out the bus system or taken a regular taxi, but the Uber-like feature assures you (us) an English speaking driver and we paid up front. We shared pics with our driver and arranged an easy meet point. Using the app takes stress out of the day. Don't get me wrong, I love an adventure, but there are much more exciting things to spend adrenaline on than intra-city transport. Two thumbs up for the app. 

The high-speed train to Cordoba was relaxing and even though "Welcome" doesn't serve this city, the cab queue was obvious and flashing our driver the Google map of our hotel worked perfectly. 

View from a window. Note a wet jacket.

Unfortunately, we seem to be in the middle of a series of storms and it has raining "gatos y perros". Our hotel is lovely, a very old building with thick walls, elegant furnishngs, and lots of Andalusian charm, which is nice when you opt to stay in and have a cozy snack and a glass of cava in an elegant setting.

Inside the Mesquita

We have been able to tour the highlights of Codoba, namely the Mesquita (Mosque-Cathedral), the archeological site Madinat Al-Zahra, and the Alcazaba gardens, mostly between rain drops. 

 

Alcazaba Gardens

The gardens were rather disappointing in that the main attraction are the beautiful reflecting pools. However, all but one was empty.  Intimate views of plumbing, while mildly interesting, is not picture worthy. I was nearly bonked, twice, by large, falling oranges (the trees were thick with them), so there was at least some excitement! 

I am not doing justice to Cordoba in this post, and I beg you, please do at least one look-up on the history of Cordoba. It's facinating!