Madrid, España and Lisboa, Portugal

While on my Study abroad, I was a short train ride away from Madrid.  I took full advantage of every chance I got to explore the city and fall in love with it.  One particular weekend we also took a trip to Portugal which also captured my heart with its beautiful architecture and language. 

What's more classic Spain that a good ole' Bullfighting match?

I must admit, I was extremely nervous to watch a bullfight.  

Although this was not my favorite part, the whole event was a worthwhile experience. 

Sunday afternoon in el parque del Retiro.  It's full of drum circles, slack lining, good food, and an amazingly calm atmosphere.  

I couldn't resist this adorable scene, that little girl LOVED the fountain. 

I literally became addicted to this park and the overall ambiance. 

Santa María la Real de La Almudena aka Madrid's Royal Cathedral, where all the Royal's get hitched.  

The edge of the Royal Palace and Cathedral courtyard provides break taking views of the city. 

Just in case you forgot how iconic bullfighting was for Spain, this street performer is there for you. 

On the odd chance that you don't know where you are going, don't worry, Portugal is that way. 

I love wandering around castle, this one was the Castelo de São Jorge in Lisboa, 

Super proud of their exploring and conquering past in their empirical days. 

The Carmo convent was destroyed by a massive Earthquake and the city left its beautiful structure up as a testament to it's strength and as an archaeological museum. 

Not very professional, but what an amazing Royal Throne! 

Córdoba, Andalusia, España

While on study abroad in Spain back in 2007, we had the opportunity to travel all over the country and experience more fully what is Spain.  One of these trips, we went to the south and got to be immersed in the rich history that surrounds Córdoba. 

La Mezquita, or the Great Mosque began as a Christian church in the 7th century A.D. and completed in the 10th as an Islamic Mosque. During la reconquista a cathedral was placed in the midst of the Mosque.  This blend of religions has led to an amazing beautiful structure, with mostly gorgeous Muslim architecture. 

The prayer hall of the Mosque.

I love how this beauty of the dome of the mosque forces you to look heavenward and be at awe of the creators of this place. 

I couldn't take my eyes off this amazing doorway. The Mihrab in La Mezquita. 

If you haven't noticed by now, I have a fixation with the skeleton, how death is represented, and how people treat their dead.  The accuracy and use crossed femur in this sculpture caught my eye.   

The light bursting in from the open windows seemed to hightight this hallway perfectly. 

Best decoration for an alleyway that I have ever seen in my life. 

Check out the symmetry of this window pane garden with the sun just over the building. 

Don't worry, the Burger King is not in la Mezquita...

I love deteriorating buildings. Albolafia Mill.

Archaeological site of Medina Azahara, just outside Cordoba was a medieval Muslim palace and town. 

Entryway to the house of Ya'far, seriously check out those engravings.

 I love being able to wander and walk the same streets that people walked  a thousand years ago.