Touring Andalusia

I read in a guidebook about Spain that Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla are the three sister cities of Spain- each with their own unique identity. If I recall correctly, Sevilla is the youngest sister, the baby of the bunch, and, thus, the city greatly cherished. While Sevilla isn’t the perfect sister, she most assuredly has life, history, and charm of which to boast. When I signed up for this adventure, I did not fully realize the significance Sevilla plays in the life of Spain, and the life of its history. Next to the University where I have class, The Royal Alcazar boasts intricate Moorish architecture and design. This 12th century Moorish palace is the oldest palace-fortress still used by European royalty. The gardens are lush and expansive. Full of orange trees, I cannot wait for Spring (which is arriving soon!) to breathe its life into these gardens. The Catedral is the landmark I walk toward each day. Its tower, the Giralda Tower, rises strong and steady above the city. St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Paul’s in London are the only two cathedrals larger than Sevilla’s. Considered the largest Gothic building in the world, it is built on the site of a large Almohad mosque. The tomb of Christopher Columbus (well, at least one of them) is here. The Tower is unique in that it is the only part of the mosque to survive since the 12th century. The minaret was transformed into a bell-tower in the 16th century. The strike of the hour can be heard throughout the center of the city. Check out the pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/sgauche, Espana, Part 4. The pictures at the end of the section are of our Journey to Granada and the Alhambra, quite easily the most amazing structure in Spain. We stopped along the way to hike at Torcal. These rocks were underwater until the land mass, Pangea, broke into separate continents, forcing these rocks up. Years of wind and water have given them their unique look. Of course, my camera died, so I don’t yet have any pictures of the Alhambra. The “Red Palace” was the palace of the Moorish kings in Granada, meaning Pomegranate. It began as a fortress in 890, was enlarged in 1250, and was occupied through 1492. Built on an impressive hill, the Alhambra is exquisite. The design intricacies incorporating elements of the Moslem faith and life tell the larger story of a people who lived and ruled southern Spain from 711 to 1492. At the Capilla Real, the Royal Chapel, an ostensibly Gothic structure next to the Spanish Renaissance cathedral, is the resting spot of the Reyes Catolicos: King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. The gardens and palaces are expansive; one could wander for days. One of the best parts of our trip to Granada was a flamenco show in the caves across from the Alhambra. One of my classes is a studying of the art and history of Flamenco, its music, dance, and song. I’ll keep you updated on what I learn. The show was spectacular: a rich demonstration of culture and history.