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Monday Morning Photo - Palacio de la Merced, Cordoba

Once one of the most important buildings in Córdoba, Palacio de la Merced was founded in XIII century as a  Mercedarian monastery. When the order was dissolved it became an orphanage then in the 1970s a Provincial Government seat. The Baroque portal is in the middle of the enormous frontage, the cloisters and monastery church remain and services are still held there today. Palacio de la Merced See the Monday Morning Photo list. Where to Stay in Córdoba city? See my choices in my Only Spain Boutique Hotel collection -  Casas de la Juderia Hotel Balcon de Córdoba Hotel Viento 10 What else to see? Check out my Córdoba - Lots to See and Do post on Luxury Spain Travel.

Solo Travel - One Middle-Aged Lady in Andalusia

Just got back from a two day escape, checking out cave houses and exploring Guadix and the surrounding area. What fun and how beautiful is this land I live in.

From the lunar landscape around the Altiplano de Granada and the aquamarine reservoir of Negratin to the soaring pine covered mountains of Sierra Magina it is stunning. Here´s a photo or two to whet your appetite until more detail is posted.

Cave Houses and View in Guadix


Guadix Cathedral


Embalse Negratin
Embalse de Negratin and bar table

This trip stemmed from my reading about the horseback explorations of Penelope Chetwode in 1961. Two Middle-aged Ladies in Andalusia was one of those books on my reading list that finally I ordered from good ol´ Amazon, I wasn´t disappointed.

Rather the opposite in fact I was animated, not wanting to jump on a horse but certainly follow in her footsteps. Which I partially did. With my escape from home, hubby and kids planned I headed south to Granada province and the troglodyte town of Guadix. Staying overnight in the lovely cave houses Cuevas de Rolando, a family owned and run business two minutes out of Guadix town, I explored all around.

Guadix is a fascinating town with a cathedral, cave houses, cave museum, alcazar and gorgeous ceramics. I could have done with another night or two. It´s definitely somewhere I want to return as I only scratched the surface.

The rest of the trip following Chetwode´s route is yet to be written.

If you are a solo traveller heading to my area and would like to make contact, maybe to meet up, share a meal or stay in my holiday home in Jaen please get in touch. My email address is rachel dot martos at gmail dot com.

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