Ringing in the New Year in Cordoba & Granada

Christmas & New Year's have usually been family holidays for Jyl and I, but with baby growing at a healthy pace in Jyl's belly it seemed like a tough year to make the 9+ hour flight.  We decided to make the best of it with a road trip to Cordoba & Granada, two beautiful old cities in Southern Spain.  Our trip managed to balance getting our fill of the dramatic history and sights of Andalucia while also relaxing and decompressing in some modern amenities.  We took in all of the must-see landmarks, ate some good food, listened to some great flamenco, and did our best to soak up the laid back atmosphere.  Looking back on a year that was full of travel to many incredible locations, I have to say that Spain really tops my list... if you are reading this and haven't been, put it on your bucket list... it's an amazing country. 

Cordoba's main attraction: The Mezquita; a cathedral built on top of and inside an ancient Mosque.

Light streamed in through vibrant stained glass.

Don't worry, I found the craft brew place in town.  Good selection!

mmm... elbow...

The Alcazar

The old roman bridge

"All this is mine!"

Contemplating... something.   

The Cathedral in Granada: Built over an old mosque, it's hard to believe how massive it from the outside because it is so enclosed by other buildings. 

The Alhambra awaits...

Contemplating... something else. 

We waited in a very cold line for an hour to get tickets into the Alhambra... a massive complex originally built during Granada's Islamic age.  Worth the trip. 

Granada, from above. 

Gatekeeper. 

We finished our trip to Spain with an indulgent night at the Precise Resort in El Rompido, just a short drive from Portugal.  Although the resort was very nice, we were stoked to learn that it abutted an extensive wetland park system.  We saw spoonbills!