Did You Say Free?

I was informed that the Mosque of Córdoba was free from 8:30-9:30 am. Honestly the Mosque of Córdoba was my whole reason for coming.  I had seen pictures and just loved the architecture. I also secretly hoped that no one else knew about this free time allotment.  Of course they did!

It still wasn’t as bad as it could of been. I was able to get some shoots before the security guard wouldn’t let me be great again.  What’s the deal Spain?! Can someone please explain to me the rule against tripods. It’s killing my solo adventures!  Luckily, this time I was able to get the shot before being shut down.

I probably could have used an hour and half.  I was not ready to go at an hour. I just really wanted to linger longer to take it all in more.  It was definitely worth the visit. I went back to the hostel because breakfast was also free until 11am.  I got to talking to the guy at the desk again. I wanted to know about the famous patios. I had walked by some but everything was closed and they required payment.  I wanted to know was that the only place for the patios. He informed me that just around the corner there were some free patios. Say what!? There was also a free medieval festival starting that day.  Talk about good luck! The festival only happens once a year and today was the beginning. Seriously!? As if I wasn’t already winning, my new friend came down and wanted to join me before he had to set off a little later.  This is what I love about solo traveling. You get to meet amazing people along the way. Ethan was one of the highlights of the day. He also played great subsitute instagram husband lol. Which definitly makes the process quicker.  Although, these next five pics I took. 

Alright!  Ethan for the win with these next set of pictures.

Sadly, Ethan had to leave to catch his train for his next location.  So I headed to the medieval festival. It was a lot bigger than I thought it would be.  The first thing I encounter is a huge grill with all kinds of meats being cooked. Sold!

There was a bit of a communication barrier, but I was told it would be $5 euros a plate.  Sounded great. Then how was my bill $33 euro!?!? I got a cup of sangria, a plate of steak, fries, and a couple of chilies.  I tried to ask why was it so high and he pointed to the cup of sangria and my plate. That’s ridiculous! I pretty much got got.  I’m sure I was the only person paying that price. They can get you because there is no sign with prices. I was pissed. When I passed other stalls they had prices costing 50% less.  Ugh...moral of the story is walk around first and check your options smh. I usually do, but they got me with the presentation. Sigh…

It was a lovely day.  I strolled around the festival for about an hour.  I then decided to go to Casa de Sefarad. Which is a small museum focusing on Jewish history in Cordoba.  But, along the way I found hidden gems all over the place. It’s amazing what you can find just wandering those little streets.  Again my favorite part about this city. I basically spent the rest of the day wandering around the streets and taking pictures.

Now it could not have ended all peachy.  When I got back I decided to book my train for the morning.  I am not a plan ahead kind of person. Usually it all works out, but not today.  The train I needed was sold out. The very next one would have cost $88 euro one way.  What the!??!?! The third train would have really been pushing it to make it on time for my flight.  So it wasn’t really an option. Good Lord I didn’t want to pay almost $100 dollars. I kept refreshing and the first train popped in again at $48 euro.  Yes! I try and book it and a box came up in Spanish. I had put the website in English, but that didn’t apply to the pop up. So I went downstairs to see if the staff could help me.  Basically, the train was still sold out. I don’t know why it let’s you pick it then. Super annoying. They saw the next price and thought it was a ridiculous amount too. So they looked up a bus.  I could leave at 1am and arrive at 6am for $20 euros. They thought this was the best option. They said I would be safe and helped me book it and ordered me a taxi for 12:30am. Guys I cannot thank the staff at Mayflowers Hostel enough.  They were so helpful and kind my entire stay. I highly recommend you stay if you are passing through.

I may have gotten off at the wrong stop, but quickly was able to fix that error.  I had about 4 hours to kill before my flight, but it was totally worth the amount spent.

Cordoba is now one of my favorite cities.  I loved the peace and easy going nature of the city.  The endless orange trees added a special touch as well.  If you are ever near by you have to add this city to your list.