Cordoba, Heat and Farewell to Lora

The drive back to Lora was lovely and long, taking us through new territory along the more northern route and lush forests of pinon. By the time we meandered back through a string of small towns to Lora, the stars were out; luckily, it's almost never too late or early for churascos and beer / soda, along the passeo just a few blocks from Jose Maria's place.

Our last few days were spent taking down the show, visiting with Compledo and other friends of Jose Maria, and seeing more of the surrounding area. At long last, Mark got to see the Mesquita, Cordoba's famous mosque. Here's a description:

"The most striking building in Cordoba is the Mesquita. This was formerly the largest mosque in the world after Mecca, and a centre of pilgrimage. It must have been an auspicious site, because it lies on the ruins of a Visigoth church and an earlier Roman temple. Building on the Mesquita begun in 785, and the structure was extended three times to reach its present extent by 990. Christian nihilism led to a Renaissance cathedral being built in the middle of the Mesquita. "
(from "Fiesta Siesta" on the web). The Mesquita seemed to me like a wild contest between Muslims and Christians to see who could decorate the structure more lavishly with their own images. Inside, it is cool and wonderous.... outside, you re-enter the frying pan that is Cordoba... IT WAS 108 DEGREES that day! Thanks heavens for the fountains outside...

We slept once more on the rooftop, awoke to Jose Maria playing his guitar and the rapping of the storks, packed up, exchanged kisses on cheeks, and grinned goodbye to our dear friend, hasta la vista.