Revisiting Real Alcazar, shopping, McDonalds, going to the market!!

 Saturday Paola and I went to the Real Alcazar.  I had already been with my program, but we didn't get to see it all and Paola hadn't been yet so we decided to go.  We got there about 30 minutes after it opened and there was already a line forming (although it was a lotttt longer when we left).  We got in free with our student cards and spent the next 2 hours exploring the grounds.  Above is a picture of some pretty tiles.  The entire place is very detailed and elaborate in its decoration. 

 For some reason I was really in love with this door.  It's just so colorful and pretty! :)

 This is one of the many patios.  The water wasn't as gorgeous as I thought it should have been, but the patio itself was breath-taking.

 This is a window shutter.  It reminded me a lot of the door (above) and it was very elaborately decorated.  Paola and I both decided that they reminded us of Aladdin.  Haha.

 Pretty doorway to the gardens.  Notice the Carolina blue archway.  (sorry some of it got cut out.  we spent the whole day dodging huge tour groups so I had to take my pictures really fast so no one would get in them).

 LOVED these steps!!

 In the gardens. :)

 Paola and me! :)  Although the picture didn't really capture the scenery that was around us, it's still cute.  (The guy that took it was struggling with the camera..haha).

 Pretty Carolina blue flower pot and upside down flowers!!

 For some reason this is one of my favorite pictures of the day.  Pretty fountain and awesome background. :)

Below is a picture of some really fancily "dressed" horses.  Not sure why they were there, but they were gorgeous.  And La Giralda of La Catedral in the background!!

The other day several of us went to a restaurant near our house and I got a strawberry crepe.  It was good, but too sweet for me!

After Paola and I went to the Alcazar, I did a little shopping in Santa Cruz.  Got a dress and a pair of flats -- both for really good prices of course!  For lunch we had McDonalds.  I know, I know...but I was craving something from home. 

Today I went to the market that's on the street behind our house.  They have pretty much everything from fruits and veggies to clothes, shoes, pajamas, curtains, jewelry, etc.  I got a skirt, pair of boot, tights, and a cardigan.  The total I spent was probably the equivalent of what just the boots would've cost in the US.  So not a bad deal at all.  :)