The one with the Alhambra (Granada)

 

Unfortunately, we really only had one day in Granada as a consequence of only having a 'normal' three day weekend. The good news is that there isn't 'that' much to do in Granada. Don't get me wrong, it is a beautiful, happening city, just not a TON in terms of site-seeing.  We got up and enjoyed the usual hostel breakfast of toast and Nutella. I can't complain because it is delicious!! Then we had to find ways to entertain ourselves in the time we had before our scheduled time on our Alhambra tickets.

First, we went to check out the Catedral de Granada, which is a pretty cool place, even though they gouge you for all you are worth and make you pay four euros twice to see different parts of the cathedral.  We only went into the crypts part because that is where the tombs of four of Spain's Kings and Queens and buried, including Queen Isabel de Aragon and Fernando de Castilla.  Their marriage united most of Spain and created what we think of as Spain today.  Furthermore, Queen Isabel was the one who sponsored/order Christopher Columbus (Cristobal Colon in Spanish) to sail to the West Indies by way of the East, discovering a land near and dear to my heart!  I thought it was interesting that, in addition to all the usual religious scenes depicted, the main altar included images of Isabel and Fernando.  

After a quick stop back at the hostel to map out the rest of the day and to let Marissa change clothes (it was colder than we expected), we headed over to Plaza Nueva, the oldest plaza in Granada. There we got some information on where to go for the Alhambra later, before beginning the trek up to the neighborhoods of Sacremonte and Albaycin.  These are two of the oldest neighborhoods with a long tradition in Granada.  Sacremonte is known for its 'caves' built into the sides of the mountain and home to the gypsies and flamenco. Some say that flamenco originated here in Granada, but there are other cities that have just as big a claim to it, like Sevilla.  Albaycin is the old Moor neighborhood dating all the way back to the times of Arab control over the Iberian peninsula.  Though the Arabs were eventually pushed out and their mosques destroyed by their Catholics, their influences on the area are evident, and today you can enjoy the smells of sisha, teas, and kebabs as you stroll down the street.  Speaking of kebabs, we stopped and got some on our way over to the Alhambra, and man, were they good!

The Alhambra was breath-taking.  Also built during Arab rule of the area, its architecture strongly reflects these influences.  Its history dates back to the 1100s and was also home to the later Spanish Monarchy, including Isabel and Fernando. More than anything I enjoyed the views and the smell of the flowers surrounding us.  

We spent the afternoon strolling around the extensive grounds and tiring ourselves out, so a little rejuvenation was in order.  We freshened up with some Nutella-flavored gelato that really hit the spot.  Then it was time for a nap. Eventually, I forced myself out of bed, so we could scrounge up some more awesome food.  We ordered some more tinto de verano to drink (that was maybe the best I have had), and it came with a tapa, that had like these cheese torilla wraps along with cabbage and covered in a yogurt sauce and a berry reduction sauce; it was SOOOO good, unexpectedly so!  I ate chicken curry for the first time with a side of creamed rice, and both were absolutely excellent.  They weren't flavors that I am used to eating, but they both had a comfort food feel to them.  

After some good sleep back at the hostel, we got up in the morning to some more Nutella and toast before heading out.  Granada isn't that far by car, but it required a three hour bus ride to Sevilla, then a three hour wait before another hour and forty-five minute bus ride to get home. I certainly appreciate the benefits to driving myself around a lot more.  My review: the Alhambra is totally worth a visit, especially in the beautiful spring, but if you are staying in Granada more than a couple of days, plan on taking a day trip to one of the cool surrounding places like Nerja or the Sierra Nevadas.