Al-Andalus, Alcocéber

Advantages: The Mezquita, the Jewish Quarter, the history
Disadvantages: The heat

...open today, although only for pedestrian traffic. Guarding the bridge at the south side is the Moorish Calahorra Fort and inside, the MUSEO VIVO de AL-ANDALUS. This is as good a place as any to begin your visit to the city. It has a decent explanation of the history of the region and some excellent models of the original Mezquita. It's also possible to access the tower for some really good views over the river and the old city. Córdoba's greatest days of glory came after the Moorish invasion of 711 AD. It was around 780 that work began on the Mezquita which, after many years of continual enlargements, became one of the largest Mosques in all Islam. The city eventually became the capital of the independent Moorish kingdom of El-Andalus in 929. In the 11th century it was one of the most important cities in Europe (in fact it was more than... Read review

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Advantages: Splendid weather. Duty-free. Plenty to see and do
Disadvantages: All year season leaves no "down-time" for accommodation maintenance

...train was, but thought better of it. In this area, we settled on the Bar Capaco and the Al Andalus Tapas Restaurant. Both were excellent value for money, serving mainly mainland Spanish dishes. They don’t seem very keen to serve Canarian delicacies, unless of course there aren’t many. The exception is “Papas Arrugadas” which you get just about everywhere – wrinkled “taters” to you, served with a salty skin and with a spicy dipping sauce called “mojo” – I managed to get mine working! Of course, with the Atlantic Ocean just down the road, meaty fish like char-grilled swordfish is a good bet and delicious with those spuds..mmmmmm! Bar Capaco had a resident guitarist - it was great fun trying to spot the transition between tuning up and playing! The Al Andalus has a more formal couple... Read review

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Advantages: Overland travel broadens the mind
Disadvantages: Overland travel broadens the behind

.... The new Ghan route still takes in Port Augusta (SA), which comes about 3.5 hours after Adelaide, but the standard-gauge Ghan line parts company with the route of the old one here and stays apart until only a few kilometres outside Alice Springs (NT). Oh yes, AND it uses concrete sleepers – sorry ants. WHAT’S THE TRAIN LIKE? Anyone expecting the Orient Express and walnut veneer had better stick with the Orient Express or Spain’s “Al Andalus”. This train is an 18-car stainless steel tube made to a US design with 1970’s-style detailing – you know the sort of thing, all melamine surfaces and Venetian blinds. Each coach had tea/coffee facilities near the end vestibule, and anyone who has read Eric Newby’s “Big Red Train Ride” about a trip from Moscow to Vladivostok will be familiar... Read review

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