On Day 7 we left Portugal and headed back to Spain. It was a full day of driving, but lovely country side views. With the size of our group (23) everyone who wants one will get a window seat (or at least shared by a couple). The Tour Director rotates our seat assignments every day, which is a nice way to get a different view daily.

We made a couple of “comfort stops” along the way and also stopped for lunch in a cafeteria-style restaurant. We arrived in Seville around 3:00pm, picked up our local guide and headed straight out to tour the city. We were taken to the Cathedral in Seville which I learned is the third largest Cathedral in the world! The #1 is St. Peter’s in Rome and the #2 is St. Paul’s in London. Interestingly, I’ve been to both, and can now say I’ve been to all three. Awesome! This church was quite impressive. Our local tour guide was very knowledgeable. I looked, however, there were no candles to light inside the Cathedral. So instead I said a little prayer for all my loved ones and fellow travelers. Here are a few pictures to enjoy:

Our day ended after a delicious Tapas Dinner with a local guitarist entertaining us during our meal. So far the food in both Spain and Portugal has been quite good. I have missed my salsas, I have to admit.

Another early start on Day 8 which was a Sunday. We boarded the bus for Cordoba. This visit was specifically to see the Mezquita/Cathedral. Let’s see if I can explain it accurately. It is officially the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. It was built as a Mosque (Mezquita) in 785 and was converted to a cathedral in 1236 when Cordoba was captured by the Christian forces. It is really a sight to see. The building is quite large and looks like a typical mosque, being quite spacious (no chairs, benches or pews). But right in the middle or so, is a high ceiling Catholic church.

When we arrived in Cordoa I was very impressed with this City. Though we didn’t see much of the “modern” city, it truly peaked my interest. I think Lola (my cat) might like it very much. We went directly to the “old town” where we walked through the Jewish Quarter, saw a couple of typical patios and even saw a few cats running around. We were given a couple of hours to tour the old town on our own, grab some lunch and cross the old Roman pedestrian bridge. Overall, I did very much like Cordoba.

Now, Day 8 wrapped up with a Flamenco dance lesson and dinner on our own. I decided to skip this part of the tour. I simply needed a little “Ana” time and stayed in the hotel. I organized my luggage, one suitcase, which is getting quite heavy. But I haven’t bought hardly anything.. or … Well, in any case, i think our two days in Barcelona might give me time to buy a small bag that I can check, as American Airlines allows me 2 free checked bags. This is much better than paying for an overweight bag. At least, I think so. HA! HA!

My evening in, ended with ordering Room Service and watching the European Cup final soccer game between Spain and England. It was on quite late, but when in Spain… so I watched it in my room. We are a bit beyond the half-way point of this 15 day tour. It doesn’t feel like it is going too fast and I’m enjoying every minute of it.

Day 7: 11,248 steps. Day 8: 10,573 steps.