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Learning Spanish in Spain

A June 2000 trip to Madrid by SunLover Best of IgoUgo

A Beautiful ViewMore Photos

I went to Cordoba, Spain to learn Spanish, AND to explore Spain! I had one month to do it.

  • 7 reviews
  • 14 photos

Learning Spanish in SpainBest of IgoUgo

Overview

My first weekend was to Algeciras, taking a bus over to Gilbraltar...gorgeous place.

My second weekend I took a day trip to Seville (beautiful Cathedral) and another day trip to Granada (La Alhambra is a beautiful place).

My third weekend I visited the beach in Cadiz.

My last few days I explored Madrid and LOVED it.

Quick Tips:

Make sure you plan for little jaunts around the country as they can be expensive after adding the train, taxis and or buses, hostels and food.

In Spain, the ONLY salad dressing is Vinegar and Oil (occasionally you'll see something SIMILAR to Thousand Island). Caution: mass quantities of vinegar (daily) can irritate your mouth.

Make sure in the summer to drink plenty of water!

The parks (Parque del Retiro is BEAUTIFUL) in Spain are truly my idea of parks!

Best Way To Get Around:

Taxis are a bit more expensive than in Mexico. Best ways to get to other cities within Spain are buses and/or trains. There are several different priced trains. Always ask for a schedule (horario).

AlhambraBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "La Alhambra - Palace and Dungeons"

Prisons in the past
La Alhambra has much to offer. The gardens are beautiful but the history of the palaces is equally fascinating as we gain insight into the types of places the elite of the past lived in and see the beauty and extensive work put into the design of the palaces. There is also a picture attached here of what used to be the prisons during war times before the Catholics took over this palace (the last palace to go to the Catholics in all of Spain).
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by SunLover on August 28, 2000

Alhambra
Plaza Bib-rambla 27 Granada, Spain
958 523 929

Cordoba CathedralBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Cathedral in Cordoba"

The Bell Tower
The Cathedral is Cordoba is like no other in Spain (although it comes close in awe to the one in Seville). It is known world-wide for it's archways designed from the 12th through the 16th centuries. The architectural beauty is beyond compare. One entire worship room is carved entirely from pure mahogony and the size is incredible. This is one cathedral in Spain not to miss.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by SunLover on August 28, 2000

Cordoba Cathedral
Cordoba Cordoba

Alcazars In CordobaBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Alcazar in Cordoba"

My Favorite Pictures
There are Alcazars in every city in Spain always located next to the Cathedrals and they are all worth the trip. There is art inside beautifully old buildings but I went for the beauty OUTside. The gardens were all manicured perfectly with flowers all arranged perfectly...plenty of romantically inspired areas. My favorite picture of all of Spain is at this Alcazar in Cordoba.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by SunLover on August 28, 2000

Alcazars In Cordoba
Cordoba Madrid, Spain

Rock Of GilbraltarBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Rock of Gilbraltar"

Flowers at a park on Gibraltar
The Rock of Gibraltar was much larger than I had even imagined and I had no idea there was so much to see there. If you take a tour up the mountain there is a cave, a fort where the Rock was defended in past times, and even monkeys that run around loose. The young ones even like to get on your shoulders (when they're not climbing all over the vehicle). It's worth the money they charge to take you up there and especially knowing it would be back breaking to climb to where most of the sights are at. It's interesting that Gilbraltar is a part of Spain but owned by England, therefore, be ready to spend 'pounds' even though you're probably traveling over there from Spain and are only carrying pesetas! The city itself was built because Britain brought in a LOT of dirt and built the ground up around the rock a LONG time ago (the guide told me but I don't remember when it was...just remember the amount of dirt he talked about was unreal). It's an experience worth going to see.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by SunLover on August 28, 2000

Rock Of Gilbraltar
Gilbraltar Madrid, Spain

AlhambraBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "La Alhambra - The Gardens"

The gorgeous flowers!
La Alhambra was one of the most beautiful places I've ever been in my life. It takes up a good portion of the side of a mountain and took me 4.5 hours to get through it at an enjoyable pace. One side is all palaces from past centuries before the Catholics took over the palaces (some) built as early as the 12th century. The other side of the mountain is all wonderous gardens with roses, perfectly cut shrubbery and natural beauty.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by SunLover on August 28, 2000

Alhambra
Plaza Bib-rambla 27 Granada, Spain
958 523 929

BeachesBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The City and Beach of Cadiz"

City Street in Downtown Cadiz
Cadiz is a city on the southern coast of Spain (on the beach and the reason I headed that direction). It's a good coastal town where all the Europeans take their vacation starting the beginning of July (I found out the hard way trying to find a place to stay when the whole town was full). There is a cathedral in this city as well but the main attraction is the beach. This tends to be a windy beach so even though it's very hot you don't feel it so be careful! I burned myself the first day (after being in Spain with no problems for over 2 weeks prior). The beach tends to be fairly clean and somewhat family oriented though be prepared...many women go topless while sunbathing (not ME)!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by SunLover on August 28, 2000

Beaches
Cadiz Cadiz, Spain

About the Writer

SunLover
SunLover
Kansas City, Missouri

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