Andalucia - first solo travel.Cordoba. Sevilla. Cadiz. Malaga.

Another adventure I signed up for and I was quite anxious about it at first, but then I thought 

“I’ll survive”, although I did have a lot of extra stress at the bus station just starting my journey to Burgos bus Station. 

The purpose of the trip is to spend as little money as possible, visit as much as possible and bring back good impressions. Travel direction: Burgos - Cordoba - Seville - Cadiz - Malaga -

Granada. At the moment, I only have a bed and acquaintances in Seville, we'll see how it goes elsewhere :)

So, Burgos, I was supposed to leave at 23:59, but the bus was half an hour late, I guess it’s a Spanish style and the driver is from Andalucia, where the rule is: take your time ..and you will be first, not sure about the first one, but take your time.. everything is handled very slowly.

The trip lasted 8 hours, I tried to sleep the whole trip, and I can't say that I got any sleep, in the last hour I was almost counting the seconds when I would be able to stretch my legs. It was my first time going on vacation alone and I was a bit nervous, I was constantly repeating to myself, “If I can survive the first day I can survive the rest”.

27.01.2011. Cordoba

It's good that I started from Cordoba, at least I could talk there and understand (people in Burgos were already scaring me, “preparing me” that an accent in Andalusia is very different and it will be challenging to understand).

Cordoba, a city steeped in history and adorned with architectural wonders, captivated my senses with its timeless charm. Walking through the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter, I was transported back in time, surrounded by centuries-old buildings adorned with intricate tilework and wrought-iron balconies. The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the awe-inspiring Mezquita-Catedral, a masterpiece of Moorish and Christian architecture that left me speechless with its mesmerizing beauty. As I crossed the Roman Bridge spanning the Guadalquivir River, I felt a profound connection to the city's rich past.

The city is not big, I started the excursion at 9 am and now, at 2 pm, I'm already sitting at the bus station, resting from walking and waiting for the bus to Seville, where I reflected on my beginning of the trip and what impression did Cordoba leave on me. It's a pretty small city by the scale of Spain, but it has beautiful things, especially the architecture, hmm.. strange, many years ago I saw pictures of the same Mosque - Catedral of Cordoba and never dreamed that I would visit it... and now I did :)

So, I would call the beginning of my adventurous trip - a city between the cultures of the Spanish north and south in terms of architecture, and the people. I already felt the difference, that the people are very different here and in Burgos. They are more open here and if you ask a passer-by how to go somewhere, they will tell you the direction, but also will tell you the whole story and several walking options :D 

Conclusion: A small, beautiful, old city with a beautiful cathedral and very nice people and many ladies with long skirts trying to sell you a lucky rosemary branch, to tell your future from a hand or just asking from many for their little children.  

27-29.01.2012. Sevilla 

Sevilla, the beating heart of Andalusia, cast its spell upon me from the moment I set foot in its ancient streets. The city's rich tapestry of Moorish and Spanish influences unfolded before my eyes, revealing a captivating blend of history, culture, and tradition. Wandering through the labyrinthine alleys of the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, I marvelled at the intricate tile work and graceful arches that adorned the buildings, each one telling a story of the city's past. The majestic Alcázar Palace, with its lush gardens and ornate courtyards, left me in awe of its beauty and grandeur. As I explored the bustling markets and sampled the tantalizing flavours of Andalusian cuisine, I was enveloped in the sights, sounds, and aromas of this vibrant city. Seville's lively spirit and warm hospitality welcomed me with open arms, leaving me with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

I remember that my last evening I was sitting in one of the squares and thinking that this was the most beautiful city which I visited or seen before, I fell in love with Sevilla. I fell in love with the beautiful gardens, architecture, people and general - vibe of the city. The only thing that was missing there was a sea, to make it perfect, or at least that is what I thought after staying 3 days there. Leaving Sevilla I felt like separating from love and promised to come back.  

30.01.2011 Cadiz  

Cadiz, a coastal gem steeped in history and bathed in sunlight, left an indelible mark on my travel memories. Strolling along its golden sandy beaches, with the Atlantic Ocean stretching endlessly before me, I felt a sense of tranquillity and freedom. The city's ancient streets, lined with whitewashed buildings adorned with colourful flower pots, whispered tales of its Phoenician and Moorish past. As I wandered through the bustling squares and vibrant markets, I was enchanted by the rhythm of flamenco music and the aroma of fresh seafood wafting from the taverns. Cadiz's rich maritime heritage came alive as I explored its historic port and gazed upon the majestic Cathedral, a testament to its grandeur and resilience. In Cadiz, I discovered a timeless beauty and a warmth that lingered long after I bid farewell to its shores.

I remember that I was coming by bus, by the road from which if you look to the left, you see water, and if you look to the right, you see water as well. And at that moment I thought “wow”. When I left the bus the first thing I did was a deep breath and I still remember the smell and freshness of the air in Cadiz. It’s an amazing city for a relaxing holiday near the sea. During the day, you can spend time on the beach, and in the evening, you can walk in the small streets of the old town. In Cadiz, I experienced the quintessential Spanish atmosphere that I had always imagined – a country surrounded by the sea, sun, and flamenco. And especially when leaving, the bus was late for a half hour, and when it arrived, it was full of "Gitanos" (Romani people) who drank beer and sang flamenco songs.

03-04.02.2011. Granada - a city which needs to be repeated during a different season.

Granada, a city nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, captivated me with its enchanting blend of Moorish and Spanish cultures. Walking through the narrow, labyrinthine streets of the Albaicín, I felt transported back in time, surrounded by centuries-old architecture and the echoes of flamenco music drifting through the air. The jewel of Granada, the Alhambra Palace, left me in awe with its intricate Islamic designs and breathtaking views of the city below.

But... I want to come back very much to visit this site because I want to fall in love with it and I did not enjoy it at all... I was not prepared for a winter season I found I struggled to see the beauty of the city because of the cold.  I did see the city’s greatness, or maybe better to say history, but now I need to come back and see colours and beauty. 

I did enjoy a culture of free "tapas", which was from a little cup of hot soup (very appreciated during cold days) to a mini sandwich.