The great mosque and it's misty shades
We go to
that nice square again, with the fountains and the pigeons, to eat our
breakfast. We stay here for a wile enjoying the sun and chatting with some
local people. Mainly old men sit here to drink a beer or smoke a cigar, and
they are all very friendly and willing to tell stories. They seem to like our
pale skin, while we which we were more tanned...
The bells in the church tower ring. Siesta time. No ding dong, they sound
like a Spanish guitar and call out over the city. Time for us to go.
We visit the great mosque. The square beneath it's walls grants us some time to
draw and admire the beautiful building style. The floor is patched with little
stones, that you see quite everywhere in this town, and olive trees throw there
shades around.
The Arab parts of this huge mosque are what's left of the original interior. They
are magnificent. Wide architecture, low wooden ceiling. Dark and warm. Grey, matte
marble covers the floor we walk on. In silence we gaze around. Lanterns shine a
warm, soft light through the pillars and shades wonder around like mist. I feel
so tiny here. This part of the mosque is the part I love deeply. The catholic
one on the other hand is hideous: White marble and high ceilings. Statues,
paintings and golden details are everywhere. Where has the deep, quiet
atmosphere gone? Suddenly there is so much light, so much 'glory',... so much posh
crab. I turn my back towards it and decide to stay in the mysterious part of
the Mesquita. I find peace here. Peace in the interior and in the thought that
two religions become one here. Each in there own specific way, but within the
same walls. It's a strong signal that can't be ignored when visiting this
sanctuary.
