Friday, March 25, 2011

Granada Proper.

 After my adventure on the mountain I headed to Granada. I originally was going to stay for one night but I extended my stay by two more nights! I absolutely loved Granada. From the stunning Alhambra hovering over the city, to the Albaicin and its pretty buildings, to the gypsy caves looming on the hill top and the the Arabic influence resonating through the city. It was all amazing. To top it off, if you buy a drink anywhere you get free tapas!! FREE TAPAS!!! As if the bright, patterned textiles lining the streets weren't enough to put me in my happy place, I was also being given free food. Yes, I was in heaven!

   My first afternoon, I was indulging in some afternoon FREE tapas and some vino blanco out on the patio in the main plaza (pronounced platha) when I heard a familiar North American accent behind me. I discovered two gals from the US were sitting behind me so I turned around and started chatting with them. We ended up spending a couple hours chatting and it was a wonderful experience! I think I should make a promise to myself to talk to random strangers more often in the future.

   Back at the hostel, I met some wonderful new friends from the USA and Australia who I spent the next day with. We discovered crazy Spanish pop music videos, more free tapas and wonderful kebabs and shawarma together. I also went with two to the gals to an authentic flamenco show in a random cave like bar.

All in all, I had a great time in Granada and I hope to return soon. Very soon but probably not on this trip.

 Buddy basking in the sun on the windowsill at the hostel.

 Beautifully decorated buildings all around the Albaicin area.

 View of the Alhambra.

 The river... it was maybe 6 inches deep... But beautiful all the same!

 Stunning detail inside the palace at the Alhambra. See even more photos on my Flickr HERE.
The upper gardens at the Alhambra.
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2 comments:

  1. RebekahMarch 26, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    Isn't it beautiful. Have you heard the "old adage": "Dale limnosa, mujer, que no hay en la vida nada como la pena de ser ciego en Granada" - Give him alms, woman, for there is nothing more tragic in the world than being blind in Granada. So true.

    The free tapas thing is awesome too. Tapas actually started in that area of Spain. A law was passed that food had to be served with drinks to help, supposedly, avoid the over abundance of dunk travelers, etc. Because drink was cheap but food wasn't. So they would put the ham or cheese or olives on a little plate on top of the drink like a lid - "tapa" means lid.

    Don't know if you heard that before. But in the South lots of places, especially local bars, still give the tapas for free.

    Hope your adventure continues to be amazing!

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  2. SarahApril 13, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    Granada was fantastic! It was great to meet you! The free tapas were definitely a delicious plus! :)

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