Andalucia and the magic of the south

Southern Spain is a magical part of the world, but just happens to be situated precariously close to North Africa. Historically this has proven to be a big problem for the Spanish as Muslims conquered almost the entire Spanish peninsula by the year 714, and continued to rule Andalucia for the next 800 years. The enduring Muslim legacy of the Moors lives on in the architecture and culture throughout the major cities of southern Spain, which have gone on in recent times to become major tourist attractions for Muslims and Christians alike.

I left Madrid as the great European adventure rolls on, and planned to take the train south to Andalucia and on to my first port of call Cordoba. To my surprise there was not a single train ticket available during the whole day, but after legging it on to the train bound for the bus terminal it proved to be a blessing in disguise. For some reason the difference between train and bus tickets is crazy in Spain, so for the rest of my trip I will definitely be on the bus. I purchased a ticket for a third of the price paid for a comparable a train ticket and the bus got me to Cordoba in comfort and style, it was all too easy. The cities of Andalucia in southern Spain are famous for their beauty and their Muslim monuments, and Cordoba kicked off the adventure with aplomb. The attractions of the monuments have proven to be a magnet also for Muslim travellers who come in their droves to witness first hand the great heritage left by the Moors in this part of Spain.

The Mezquita is the main tourist magnet in Cordoba and my hostel was only a couple of blocks from the vast monument. It is unusual because it was originally built by the Muslims, but in later centuries a Christian cathedral was built inside the walls of the Mezquita. This makes it quite a special tourist attraction where the different styles used over the centuries all add to it's appeal. On the second night in Cordoba I was lucky to be in town for the latest installment of "el classico", again showcasing the intense rivalry between the two great football teams in Spain, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The game was played at a packed Nou Camp stadium where Barca had not lost for three years, but on this occasion they went down to a determined and committed Real 1-0. The pub was absolutely jammed with excited Spanish fans, and it was a great experience to be the only foreigner sharing in the electric atmosphere created by this Spanish sporting rivalry. I really enjoyed the game along with the crowd, and even managed to get to the bar through the crush for a few beers during the course of the evening.

From Cordoba I caught another bus a little further south and on to Granada. The city centre is absolutely superb, and is as pretty as a picture. Granada is at the foot of the snow capped Sierra Nevada mountains and features the magnificent Muslim Alhambra perched on a hilltop overlooking the town. It is a truly vast complex and could almost be described as a fortified town in itself. My visit to Granada was on Christmas day and unfortunately the inside of Alhambra was closed for the day, but I had an excellent time strolling around outside the walls and taking to some of the trails around the complex. Granada is one of the most gorgeous cities I've visited on this trip, and the Europeans always seem to excel in making their cities look superb, with Christmas lighting everywhere at this time of year. The people in the hostel were very relaxed and friendly, and I had an enjoyable Christmas day in Granada. The Spanish just love to get dressed up to go out and about, and Christmas day in Granada was no exception. The streets in the city centre were absolutely heaving and this pulsating atmosphere is what makes Spain so enjoyable to visit, because there's always a great vibe when you step out anywhere in the country.

The final city on my magical Andalucian travel adventure is Seville, from where I am posting this journal. Andalucia is the traditional home of Flamenco dancing, and while walking along the main boulevard en route to my hostel I came across an impromptu street performance. The singer, the musicians, and particularly the dancers in a quality Flamenco troupe perform with an almost unearthly passion, and it makes for a very dramatic performance. Ole! I found my hostel after a few inevitable wrong turns, as it's rare to have a drama free hostel search on arrival in a new city in Spain. There are good people sharing my dorm, and on the first night I went out to a Tapas bar with a guy and a girl from Poland. I love Tapas bars, and really think that the Spanish have a great tradition going here with these bars. My impression of Australian pubs is that they're mainly an outlet for drinking, although they do often have good quality restaurants. But in Spain, food and alcohol always go together, and I don't think the Spanish could even comprehend one without the other. So you chat with friends at the bar over a beer, and order Tapas on small dishes as you please. The atmosphere is great with ever attentive Tapas bar staff ready to attend to your every need. It's lots of fun going to a Spanish Tapas bar for an evening out with friends.

And so my two weeks travelling in Spain are rapidly drawing to a close in the country that gave to the world paella, sangria and tapas. The entire country feels so vibrant and alive, and the locals always want to get out and about. The Spanish enjoy the good things in life; good food, a drink and good company. Life is always exciting in a country that lives on passion; whether it be the drama enacted in the bullring, or a quality flamenco peformance, perhaps witnessing an animated conversation between friends or the consistently brilliant and original street performers. Because the Spanish are always on the go the country is very stimulating, and even to venture out alone for a stroll means a traveller cannot help but be caught up in the passion of magical Spain. Here's a thought that springs to mind,........... basically all of you should be here now!

"I drink to make other people more interesting." George Jean Nathan

Top 3 Hotels/Restaurants
Instalacion Juvenil - Cordoba, Spain
Backpackers Posada de Colon - Granada, Spain
La Taberna del Gongora Tapas Bar - Seville, Spain

Top 3 Sights/Activities
The Mezquita - Cordoba, Spain
Alhambra - Granada, Spain
Seville cathedral and Alcazar - Seville, Spain

As I continue my travels, until next time it's signing off for now

Tom

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