We started our day with some breakfast and took an early bus to the Alhambra.
In my opinion, the Alhambra should be on the top 10 things to see in southern Spain if such culture intrigues you.
I dare you to read more and try not to be intrigued: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alhambra
We visited what used to be the "Media," which is literally translated as city, within the Alhambra grounds --- I started to wonder how many people would live and be served in here at one time versus how many were just servants.
A quick stop of the Palace of Carlos the V was beautiful but compared to the art and integrity of architecture we had already seen, it was peanuts; Nicely salted peanuts - but peanuts.
Just in case you are not sure, yes we are still within the grounds of the Alhambra! Its massive size and ability to have withhold such peace and utter beauty today makes me really believe it was more than just a jewel in the crown of the Spanish Emperors within its heyday.
Next was the Palace of Nasrid. During our visit, it was clustered with multitudes of children on field trips.
Please do take the time to look at some pictures of the above mentioned places even before I post pictures and share them. The architecture will undoubtedly astound you and take multiple breaths away.
How could this stone and wood been so gently sculpted into fine and intricate designs which are nothing less than artwork, in a time when the poor had almost no food and no jobs to make ends meet - if they did have a job it also did not also provide enough? Some may or will say the same of our generations.
Below is a picture not of my own but from Wikipedia - it passes some of the general idea of the minute architectural design to which I'm referring.
Next on our early afternoon agenda was a visit to the Alcazaba; literally translated from Arabic as a city with fortified walls. Although stunning on its own - today it does not meet the Alcazaba in Malaga nor does it even come close to the Alhambra of Granada.
Matt and I had seen enough historical sites for the day with the interior and exterior grounds of the Alhambra; of which I should mention, if you are planning to visit - BOOK AHEAD. This can be done online or over the phone; you simply will not get in if you just show up.
Culture of cuisine was definitely needed at this point. We went to a very cool tea bar and cafe called Kasbar. It was decorated with multitudes of pillows, bench seats or booths, candles, and hanging traditional lanturns. The time we did not spend eating, was spent mostly in silence taking in the overwhelmingly peaceful atmosphere. This tea house has a menu just for teas. I ordered rose tea while Matt ordered a heavier black tea called embrujo de granada. We also ate fresh and lovely hummus and tabbouleh - to of my most favorite dishes.
After lunch we hiked up small streets which very few if any American's could fit a car down - of course a Spainard could with ease. Our upward destination was the recommended Mirador San Nicolas. At the top of this hill a grandoious view of the Alhambra with snow tipped mountain peaks as background could be enjoyed. The area is also litered with hippies; old and new ones. I use "old and new" to refer to the type and even age of the persons. It was also obvious multiple were traveling gypsies - selling handmade jewelry or dime bags of marijuana right there on the spot. Local cafes filled with cigarette chain smoking men boardered this central part of the hill yet this sight and crowd was clearly old hat for them.
Despite the multiple types of persons - Matt and I found this to be a peaceful and relaxing place. We played with what Matt deemed, 'the cutest puppy ever.' Granted this puppy was barely weened so that helped his cause.
At this point, you are thinking - what is next? So were we - we decided a much deserved siesta, or nap, was needed.
In the evenings, especially in Granada due to its large influence of Arabic culture, markets containing closet sized shops line streets within a neighborhood. Matt and I found ourselves floating in and out of each with eyes pealed for the perfect gift or treasure to take home.
We at dinner not far from the markets place of Granada. Our wine was not corked by means of being sour but was just not right. I have never sent back a bottle of wine before so this was my first time - but the wait staff was courteous. For dinner we had a traditional dinner dish called tagine. This particular dish was with cous cous, a puffed like grain, and chicken. It is oven baked within the dish you eat it from and is full of flavor and natural deliciousness.
Photo from Wikipedia:
With our bellies stuffed to the brim and our bodies ready for rest, we went to bed for the evening.
Bed time
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