My Experiences with the Wild...

Ma sent me new socks - I love them. Although NOTHING here is christimassy yet it has definitely made me excited for winter walks and Christmas baking!

Since my last post I have continued my cultural learning with a visit to the "Caballerizas Reales" (Royal Stables) and "El Parque Zoológico" - (THE ZOO)!

The Caballerizas Reales are part of the stables built in 1570 by Felipe II and are now considered a National Historic Monument. They're now home to the "espectáculo ecuestre" which Sinéad, Anna and I went to see one balmy evening.

 We were treated to different performances by horses, riders and flamenco dancers. It was quite something to behold - the horses were clearly some of the best trained in the country, (dare I say it) the world? To be honest, I wouldn't know, I haven't seen many dancing horse shows. 

As an admirer of horses, I can say they were absolutely gorgeous and I was quite jealous of the riders. Similar to when I saw Billy Elliot and immediately afterwards researched dancing lessons, following the "espectáculo" I was considering abandoning my current career plans for a life in the saddle.

Although I'm not sure where I stand on animals in shows, including this one in particular (during the show the performers occasionally seemed to give the horses a bit too much encouragement with the whips/reins) but it was a fascinating experience that I won't forget.

I can't tell you how excited I was to go to the zoo.

And how excited I was to see that Córdoba had managed to preserve some dinosaurs!

A student ticket only cost us 2 euros which is an absolute steal although this did ignite my inner animal activist as I worry this might be why the zoo seemed almost devoid of keepers and anything stimulating for the animals. Many of them were also poor little spinsters and had no pals to play with. This did indeed make me sad. However, they seemed to be happy and healthy so I shall complain no more.

Now follows the obligatory photos after a visit to the zoo. I'm sure you've seen all these animals before but... oso with me... get it? 

Oso means bear.

I adore these fellas.

This here is Nigel (we named him), he is my one true love.

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My Solitary Walk...

On Saturday, with both flatmates gone for the day, I faced a lonely day of iplayer and biscuits. However, I decided this was not the time for moping - I'm on my year abroad for goodness' sake - and so, after quite a lot of biscuits, I went out for a walk!

Luckily for me, the faculty building in which I have all of my classes is found in the Historic Centre of the city. 

This is a mere couple of hundred metres from my University building.
The wall on the left is the outer wall of the Historic Centre.

It is so easy to walk five minutes away from "uni" and find yourself next to a beautiful building or some sort of stunning view.

Patio de los Naranjos

El Puente Romano

On my walk I realised I've developed a new...hobby. Now don't judge me - I realise it sounds a little strange - but I've become fascinated by the Spanish children! They are always well dressed here, laughing and playing all the time and, believe me, a Spanish accent on a three year-old is just adorable. I may be wearing rosa-tinted spectacles but you just don't seem to see any bratty kids screaming whilst tugging on the arm of a worn-out, bedraggled looking parent - a sight I feel I've become too familiar with in England.

Oh, and I've also taken some photos of them. Like I said, please don't judge. If you imagine it's a fun project of mine it's really not that weird at all...

He jumped out at her soon after this photo.
She didn't flinch one bit.

Part of the African Cinema Festival which is happening here at the moment.
This man was telling what sounded like a fascinating story - the kids were enraptured.

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My Day Out...

  I've been away for a while, my apologies. I've genuinely actually really been doing things!

I think I've finally decided which subjects I will take at the University which is good as I have to register this week. I will be taking post-WWII English Literature (and no, that's not cheating), Themes and Forms of Spanish Theatre and Psycholinguistics.
It is quite liberating being able to choose whatever I want, but it has made it quite difficult too. Psycholinguistics is something I never would have chosen before and so I'm really glad I get to try it out here. 

Although I do feel a little naughty, I am looking forward to the English Lit class because we will be studying all the famous "classic" British writers - C.S. Lewis, Woolf, Tolkien, Plath, McEwan - the list goes on. And I also enjoy the lecturer saying things like "huge" instead of "Hugh", simple pleasures.

This weekend my fellow Brit, Sinéad, and I agreed we should be a little more cultural and a little less student-y and we set off to explore some of the historical sites in Córdoba. 

 Our first stop was the "Museo de la inquisición" - a small museum which featured the torture devices used by the Spanish Inquisition. If you're of a nervous disposition, look away now.

I would describe most of them as a cross between something you'd find in the London Dungeons, and Fifty Shades of Grey - not for the faint-hearted.

"Iron Maiden" - this very much resembled the chokey
from Matilda, but slightly more deadly.

A chastity belt - with teeth to discourage any intruders!

The most hideous contraption I have laid eyes upon.

Took me a while to get these images out of my head, but interesting nonetheless.

We then tottered along to the "Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos" - essentially a fortress where Isabella and Ferdinand once resided. I believe the Spanish Inquisition paid a few visits too...

Ignoring the possible tortures that could have occurred there, it really was the most beautiful place. 

Sinéad and I decided we could have our 21sts/wedding receptions here.
Not sure how much it would cost to rent out an ancient Spanish palace though...

Feeling a little more knowledgeable about our new home we set off with a growing list of other places to visit. This weekend made me realise how lucky we are: we have a whole world of culture right on our doorsteps and so much time to experience it all. 

With the glorious sunshine, the magnificent buildings and the history and culture pouring out of every street, I can't help but feel like I'm just on an extended holiday!

¡Qué suerte!

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