Córdoba y Granada

This past weekend, my ISA group traveled to Córdoba and Granada, Spain. This trip was a little more relaxing compared to Paris because everything was planned for us, since it was with our study abroad program. The nice hotel room was also a perk..

On Friday, we left early in the morning for Córdoba. We visited la Mezquita de Córdoba, or the Great Mosque. The mosque was founded in the year 785 and was later used as a church after the Christians took over the city. Later, we toured the Sinagoga de Córdoba, a small 14th century synagogue, which is one of the three surviving medieval synagogues in Spain. We also visited the beautiful Judería, or Jewish Quarter.

La Mezquita de Córdoba

Narrow streets in the Jewish Quarter

My ISA Group in Córdoba

Later that day, we left Córdoba to head to Granada. After checking into the hotel, we hiked up the narrow streets of the city to the Albaycín quarter and the Mirador de San Nicolás, a beautiful, hilltop viewpoint. I don't have any pictures from the top because my camera just didn't do it justice at night. After, we all attended a flamenco show! The show was held inside a bar/restaurant that was actually a cave. It was a former cave home in the Sacromonte neighborhood, or gypsy quarter, of Granada. The show was even more amazing than I had imagined! Check out my Facebook or Instagram for a short video of the performance!

On Saturday, we visited the Alhambra. The Alhambra is a former fortress from the 9th century. It was largely abandoned until the 11th century when the moorish king, Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar, reovated and used it as his royal palace. The Islamic Palaces of the Alahambra were built for the last Muslim emirs in Spain of the Nasrid Dynasty. After the Reconquista, some portions of the palace were used by Christian rulers.

La Alhambra

Out for the night in Granada!

On Sunday, we visited the Royal Chapel in Granada, where the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand, are buried. Isabella commissioned the the gothic-style mausoleum, so that she and her family could be buried there. Unfortunately, no pictures for this one either (we weren't allowed)!

París

Two weeks ago, for Valentine's Day weekend (I'm a little behind on my blog posts), I traveled to Paris, France! I went with two of my friends from ISA, Katy and Heather. We got there Thursday night and checked into our hostel, where we were a little shocked to see that our fourth roommate was actually living in the hostel. Also, our showerhead snapped off, so it was pretty much just a hose (Oh, the trials of hostel living). But, it wasn't bad for my first hostel experience. 

Later that night we took the metro to the Eiffel Tower becasue we couldn't wait to see it! On the way, we met a really nice French man who thought Heather and I were sisters (it's just the curly hair) who talked to us about the negative stereotype that French people dislike Americans. According to him at least-not true! Afterwards, we had some crepes and french fries (typical tourists).

The lights shut off right before this picture, but oh well!

On Friday, we visited the Palace of Versailles, which was amazing! 

King's Quarters

Hall of Mirrors

Outside of the Palace

Heather and I in front of Versailles

Later that day, we went to the Catacombes de Paris. The catacombs are underground ossuaries that hold the remains of about 6 million people. The bodies fill a renovated section of caverns that remain from the limestone mines. It was a very eerie, but interesting experience. The sheer magnitude of the catacombs and amount of people buried there is astounding. Also, they check your bag on the way out to make sure you didn't steal any bones. Apparently people do that (creepy)?

That night we had a nice dinner near Notre Dame! The waiter didn't speak English, so I spoke to him in Spanish!

Heather, Katy and I on the Love Lock Bridge near Notre Dame

Love Lock Bridge

Notre Dame

Shakespeare and Company Bookstore (a bookworm's paradise)

Later that night, we found a Ferris wheel near the Arc, so we decided to go for a ride! I'm afraid of heights, but thought I would be fine because the cars on the wheel were enclosed. I was wrong. I was terrified, but there were some beautiful views up there!

Heather: "Look, it's so pretty!" Me: "I can't move!"

On Saturday, we woke up early to climb the Eiffel Tower, literally, we walked! You're able to walk to the second level of the Tower then take the elevator the rest of the way (it's cheaper). I was slightly scary for me (again, heights), but definitely worth it! Did you know there is a champagne bar at the top of the Eiffel Tower?

Fountains near the Eiffel Tower

Views from the top of the tower!

Later on, we stopped in the Louvre. I didn't stay for too long because I just wanted to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa!

Sarurday night, we met up with some other friends from our program that were in Paris for the weekend as well. We ended up in a Canadian bar. We tried...

Aside from getting locked in the metro once, Paris was fantastic! Maybe next time I'm there I won't have to take the metro and I'll be able to afford a check luggage, so I won't have to wear the same outfit twice (as you can see from my pictures). A girl can only dream. See you soon, Paris!

Thanks to Katy and Heather for the stolen pictures! My camera died...