Sztuczka, Day 203

I love travelling. I love new places. I love not nearly dieing every other day! I have a lot to catch up on here, since I have not had much of a chance to write lately! So much to learn! So much to see! So much gold to be made!

When I got my horse from Ismir, I had intended to go home. Instead I found a missive from my father telling me that he had heard Al-Andalus was a grand city full of canals and beautiful architecture and new music! He heard this from a merchant who said he was that far east because oddities from the Steppes are, though every day items to those in the Steppes, worth small fortunes in Al-Andalus. Since I am in the area, my father requests I go gather stories and music to bring back with me.

And so I find myself in Málaga, the capital city. The architecture is something to behold! It is far different from anything in Ismir and the rest of the continent! The buildings are full of undulating lines and amazing stucco work! The reliefs out of stucco are so detailed, so ornate! Yet, they also have elements of the Land of the 5 Rivers, from what Arcadius has told me of his homeland.

Indeed, I have seen many buildings dedicated to Pelor. Almost as plentiful are dedications to a Sea Goddess, but the people here are not forth coming with information about her. I have not yet figured out why. All I know is the main temple to her is built on it's own little island in the canals and when the high tide comes in, it reaches all the way to the doors of the temple. It's black and white marble facade shines in the evening sun. Near it, is the main temple of Pelor which is a sight to behold when the sun rises.

I am set up at one of the nicest inns available. Apparently, gnomes are not common in this area either. I have been here almost a month now and have already performed for several Don y Donna. They are all fascinated by my stature as much as they are for the music and tales I bring from the Steppes. I have even taught a few nobles to polka!

I have met many other Bards here too. It is almost a cultural center for Bards right now! I have been teaching one such Bard, a native named Carmina, to play violin and she has been teaching me guitar! I have decided I must learn guitar because I must learn to play the music and learn the dancing here. Both are very lively and very entrancing! There are two main types.

The Tarantella, which suits my violin just fine. It is a fast, lively tune! It is why Carmina wants to learn the violin.

I want to learn the guitar because the other form of dance and music, Flamenco, is far more suited to a guitar's strings than a violin. Though admittedly, I am not sure I get the point of the dancing portion. They do little other than shrill, stand, and randomly clank castanets!

But what is even more fascinating right now, is the city itself. It does not have roads, but rather canals. Boats travel from point to point. The city appears to float on the canals. I inquired as to how this was possible and was told that there are pillars underneath every building that support them and hold them above water.

There is a masked festival in the city tonight. I must make preparations. The tailor has made me an outfit, much like my traditional clothing from the Steppes, but out of very, very fine fabrics. The Don y Donna who wish to be my patrons have commissioned the outfit for tonight's festivities. I should prepare. I just hope their son likes the dress as much as I do!