Day 83 - What I've learnt from the trip

1) Open your eyes big big and you'll be safe.
Like those women outside the Mezquita giving out some branch of herbs. I didn't accept it, but I suspect if you do, they will over charge you. Or the person who solicit donations for disabled children outside the La Sagrada Familia - how come your organisation got no logo or proper letterhead on your sign up sheet? Where's your license? Why are you so persistent at tourists but not locals? Or the fake police with pathetic cloth badges.

Open your eyes big big when you travel and you'll be safe.

2) Spanish Meal Timings - I can't get use to it.
Lunch at 2 or 3pm? That I can get use to. But dinner at 9pm? I can't. But it's an interesting food culture.

3) There is a life outside work
Like the shop owners who close for 2 hours to go home for lunch. Life still goes on what, despite the small inconvenience that wouldn't cost a life. I learn to be more appreciative of others' effort to balance their life with work.

4) Spain is very very very diverse
Like some of the travellers at the hostel in Córdoba put it, it's more like the United States of Spain. Each region is different, and the regional identity is so strong, even though they all speak Spanish, their local language is still very much in use in everyday life (and appreciated if you could attempt to speak some instead of Spanish). Especially in Barcelona, the capital of the Catalonia region - Catalan language is used as frequently as Spanish in everyday life. I was told that Catalan language is a lot closer to French than Spanish. I also hear that the regional identity at San Sebastian is very distinct, and fiercely protected.

5) Know where Spanish dishes come from and where not to eat it
Different regions produced different food habits and food culture. Like tapas came from the Andalusia region, so you're better off not eating tapas at Barcelona as it is likely to be more touristy. I was told that tapas in San Sebastian is very different from what's served in other parts of Spain. Paella, as much as it is seen as a "Spanish dish", is considered a Valencian regional dish (southeast region), but you'll see it everywhere in tourist traps.

Day 82 - España Solo - Barcelona II and back to London

Last day in Spain. When I planned this trip, I wanted to move on to Germany or Paris from here. But the prices are either crazy or the journey is so long, that I've decided that it was more worth it to return to London first before heading to Vienna to visit Shiyang a few days later.

The living room in my "apartment".

After my usual bread and tuna, I headed off to the metro station. Need to take a bus to Girona Airport, which is a neighbouring town about 80km away from Barcelona. What to do, budget airlines are like this.

Nice little gesture on the metro. The red arrow points to where the door would open at the next stop. Then again, it's so one-sided for Singapore's MRT, that I doubt there is any use for such indicators.

The lady at the counter refuse to accept my €50 note. Hello? €12 ticket, no change for €50? None of the shop owners in the bus station were willing to change either. It was when I beg the lady then she dig out some changes. !@£!@$!%!%

1 hour and €12 later, I've finally arrived at small Girona Airport.

I've never seen so many bimbos before! Duty free bimbos somemore!

Cook your own Paella. Pan included.

Finally it's time to board the plane. One problem - there is no passport control to return my departure card to! Ryanair staff suggested that I return it at London.

Flying over the white cliffs of Dover.

Going through UK immigration is always a pain. Sigh.

Day 80 - España Solo - Córdoba II

Zaki and I woked up early to have breakfast at the hostel. Most importantly, we want to head to the Mezquita for the free entrance period.

But there was a slight problem at the Mezquita. They don't allow big bags like my backpack in. So I had to walk back to the hostel, who kindly let me store my backpack securely for free, and walk back to the Mezquita. I have no idea why they don't allow my bag in, and there was no cloakroom somemore. I guess it's disrespectful to bring such a big bag to a religious site. Then again, probably the lady at the hostel is right when she said "They were probably worried that you'll steal the Mezquita with your bag"

By then, Zaki was almost done with the Mezquita, and was rushing off for the bus to the Medina Palace.

The famous forest of pillars in the Mezquita. It's suppose to evoke the feeling of palm trees.

I'm a sucker for Arabesque designs.

A Cathedral in the middle of the Mezquita. When Alfonso the (can't remember the number) re-conquered Spain from the Moors, he stressed that the architecture of the Mezquita must be retained with minimal changes. Indeed, much of the Mezquita has been remained.

I think it is this wall that points to Mecca.

There were other panels depicting stories from the Bible, but like I said, I'm a sucker for Arabesque designs.

The huge courtyard within the Mezquita.

I'm not sure if this is a modern addition, but I love how Arabic and European elements integrate on this gate!

I'm so in love with the Mezquita.

Next I headed off to the Fortress of Alcazar, where the Christian Kings resided. Unfortunately, all the descriptions were written in Spanish, so I couldn't learn more about the place.

The huge Gardens of Alcazar. An unfortunately drizzly day.

Ponds leading to the fortress.

I went on to explore Córdoba.

And you thought the Merlion was the only "vomiting" fountain.

Think this wall would be gorgeous when the flowers are in full bloom in summer.

A small synagogue in the Jewish Quarters. Strangely, Arabesque designs were used.

Spotted this poster on my way to Plaza Corredera. A tribute to my fellow Machas.

A welcome break from my usual bread and tuna - Egg sandwich.

The market. Seems familiar doesn't it? I was wondering why there was a rabbit hanging from a stall. And I realise it's a butcher selling it.

1 pm at Plaza Corredera. Why so quiet? Cause Spanish lunch time starts at 2pm odd. Many non-eating shops in Córdoba follows the Spanish tradition of closing their shop to go home for lunch, and reopen at about 3 or 4pm.

Spontaneous dancing. I have no idea what's the occasion, but there were more of these travelling bands of men in black and red sash today.

Bar Santos, as recommended by Lonely Planet. Good place to try cheap Tapas.

Spanish Omelette. It was good, and only €1.50!

I was done exploring most of Córdoba, and decided to head back to the Mezquita area. I've fallen in love with this wonderful small city, that ooze so much charm.

More travelling bands. I seriously have no idea what's the occasion.

The courtyard of the Mezquita. Sunnier weather at last.

I basically sat around the area to wait for night fall, for night shots and my overnight train. In the meantime, I became the official photographer for 7 groups of people. :P

The Mezquita at night. It's just so gorgeous.

The Roman Bridge at night. I wonder if they'll turn off the lights for Earth Hour today?

The very modern Córdoba train station. Bumped into Zaki here, who's taking an earlier train. He complained about the palace being "nothing much" and poorly maintained. Thank goodness I gave it a miss.

Getting down to the platform. Due to the 2004 Madrid Train Bombings, you have to have your belongings scanned before going on to the platform.

I think Córdoba is my favourite European city now. Off to Barcelona!

Day 79 - España Solo - Córdoba

Woke up early to catch a bus to Córdoba. Had a really weird dream. I dreamed that I was back in Singapore, but was very much aware that it's a dream. Like huh?

Oh and I bumped into Melissa Chua (From Kent Ridge D Block) over breakfast at the hostel! Her gang is heading towards Portugal, while I'm heading towards southern Spain.

The older metro trains. This time, you don't press a button to get the door to open. You lift this lever.

When I arrived at the bus station, I walked the whole ground floor. All I saw was buses, but no ticket office. Turns out the ticket office is upstairs with the other shops and travel agencies. =.=

My bus to Córdoba. I have no idea what Soci means. Definitely not Sociology.

You can see how big the ground floor is, and how much time I've wasted to walk around looking for the ticket office. Wah lao, how come no signs to say that the ticket office is upstairs one......

And after 4 hours on a extremely comfortable bus (with loads of leg room space. Worth every euro cent of the €12.50 ticket), I've finally arrived in Córdoba. Basically, this place was recommended to me by Keng Rui (or Mr Wee to some of you) as a more unique place in Europe. Córdoba was basically the capital when the Moors conquered Spain. At the height of this empire, a lot of scientific, religious and philosophical knowledge was developed. The key attraction is the Mezquita, which is the third largest mosque in the world. And what's more interesting about the Mezquita is how it integrates Christian elements when the Christian Kings re-conquered Spain.

The bus station was kinda at the edge of the town, which was pretty modern. So after about 10 minutes of bus ride, I've finally arrived at where my hostel is.

The older streets. Narrow, quaint, and well trimmed trees.

For some unknown reasons, the whole street was filled with daffodils floating around. I had to cover my nose and mouth to prevent myself from breathing them in.

Souvenir T-shirt designs. Just because the Mezquita is the key attraction, Córdoba is being represented with Arabic designs, when it doesn't have much relevance to modern Córdoba? It's like Singapore is being represented by European Designs just because of its colonial past, when it has not much relevance, nor a true represent of Singapore today.

The Mezquita. I'm saving it for tomorrow, as there is free entrance between 8.30-10.30 am.

The older and narrower streets of Córdoba.

The minnaret-turn-bell tower.

And across the road from the Mezquita.....sigh.

Wonderful integration of mural art with Christian motifs and Arabesque designs. I'm beginning to like the Mezquita.

The Minnaret turn bell tower

I have no idea what this thing is called.

I just love the Mezquita's design.

A restored Roman Bridge. Yes, the Romans were here before the Moors.

Sigh...McDonalds......

The Roman Bridge has a raised bottom that is higher than the river bed. So of course it has some effects on the ecology and sedimentation in the river. Ok I shall spare you the geography lecture.

Onward to the Roman Bridge

I went on to Torre de la Calahorra (Calahorra's Tower), where there is a museum about Córdoba's history and achievements.

The first set of surgical knifes in the world, invented during the reign of the Moors. I was absolutely awe-struck by its intricate designs, and the variety of surgical knifes for different purpose. And the knifes are really small!

I love the concept in this museum. Instead of an audio guide, where you have to hunt down for the number to press, you're given this pair of headphones.....

And when you're in the room, just press the red glowing button, which will play the explanation in your earphones! Cool huh?

View of old Córdoba from the top of the tower. The old Córdoba is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site (I can see why)

A restored water wheel, which is unfortunately, blocked by some pavement works. The Moors brought along several agricultural and water works innovations, one of which is this water wheel.

I'm welcomed into my Hostel!

Basically it was already 7pm when I returned back to my hostel. And the sky was still very bright. One thing I don't understand about Spain, is that it's at the same longitude as UK, but yet it's one hour ahead. So the sun doesn't set till like 8+pm here.

I thought Córdoba would be a good place to try Spanish food. After all, it's less touristy than my next destination (Barcelona), so I'm likely to try something more authentic. My hostel owner recommended me this restaurant just around the corner.......

Eating al-fresco. Nice environment.

It's 8+pm and yet the sky is still so bright. I can't imagine what it would be like when Day-light Saving Time (DST) kicks in in 2 days time.

My Paella - Spanish Mui Fan? Kidding. It was really really flavourful and good. And the seafood , which can turn dry and rubbery very easily, was cooked to perfection.

My hostel room. Turns out among the 8 people I'm sharing the room with, there is a Malaysian who's on medical exchange at Barcelona! No wonder I saw a Zaki on the blackboard at the entrance of the hostel that welcomed us!