This week’s post is the first (and probably the only at this point) that doesn’t feature the whole Joyce/Self family. Instead, I’ll share a few pictures and experiences on our final group travel adventure to Spain. Because of the itinerary, travel times and other reasons, we decided I would take this trip with the students, and Jennifer and the boys would stay in Malta.

We began by flying to Malaga, early on Friday morning. Our main goal on Friday was to get to our hostel, rest, and have a nice meal. All of that happened just fine.

On Saturday, we made the long trip by foot to the Alcazaba in Malaga, and then up the hill to Gibralfaro Castle. The goal of this trip was to see remnants of the Islamic period, which are difficult to see in Malta because of the scant archeological evidence. But in Spain, the evidence is much easier to see and understand.

Sunday was our travel day to Cordoba, where upon arrival, we headed to the Medina Azahara, the seat of power (briefly) for one of the Caliphates in southern Spain. In the evening, after another memorable group meal, we visited many of Cordoba’s famous patios.

And on our final day, we toured the Mezquita, an amazing, stunningly beautiful mosque in Cordoba which was converted to a Christian cathedral during the Reconquista. We also toured the old Jewish quarter, where we could imagine how religious tolerance might have looked and felt 700 years ago.

Picasso is Malaga’s favorite son. Hannah Gadsby probably won’t be eating at this restaurant anytime soon…

Our wonderful group, enjoying one of the decorated patios in Cordoba.

My only selfie of the trip, posing in front of one of the two organs in the Mezquita. (You hear lovely organ music when you visit, but it’s canned, not live, unfortunately.)