Granada, Espana!

I know, I know. I haven't been as good as Chad with making these posts, but I'm making a deal with myself to start!

After 24 hours of travelling, five airports and two shuttle buses later, we finally made it to Granada, Spain. It was a long day to say the least. When we arrived at our hotel at 9 PM, we did what any other traveller would do: grabbed some gelato and headed to bed for the night. We stayed at a great little hotel, Capitel Nazari, which was found between a small alley and along some cobble stone steps in the Albycin of Granada. You can refer to this link to view the hotel: http://www.hotelcasacapitel.com/

Naturally, still being on California time we woke up ready to start the day at 6:30AM. We forced ourselves to sleep a little more so we could become adjusted to this 9 hour difference. At noon, we began our exploration of the city. I showed Chad where I lived in the Center of town and even rang the bell to my familias casa. Unfortunately, they weren't there but were at their other house in the countryside where they own acres and acres of olive trees and have an olive oil business. My senora's sister, however, was there and was more than obliging to let us in and allow me to leave a note for my family. She also let me show Chad my 'piso' or flat of where I stayed when I studied abroad there in 2004. Everything remained the same. It was as if I went back in time and was just walking in from morning class to go meet my family for lunch and siesta. The flat was absent of any people and they were cleaning it for the next student that was to live there in a few days. Lastly, Chad and I went up to the terrace (the roof of the building) which overlooks the entire city and the base of the Alhambra (the Moorish Fortress). I was so disappointed to not see my family but was glad I was able to show Chad what my life was like back when I resided in Spain.

Spanish was slowly coming back to me after 4 years of being inactive. I found some confidence in it once again after being forced to speak it with my senora's sister (who does not know English). By now, it was 2PM and for Spaniards, that means lunch time and siesta. Chad and I found a great cafe and I introduced him to Tortilla Espanola and Paella (something we have continued to eat ever since... oy). Since it was siesta time, stores were closed so the town was quiet. As a result, we walked through the Albycin and meandered our way throughout the white-washed houses and tiny stores. We visited the Mirador de San Nicolas (the best viewpoint of all of Granada to see the Alhambra). After seeing it from the outside, it was now time to see its vastness on the inside. (I will be sure to post pictures here when I can).

The Alhambra rests upon a hill between the Darro River and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It represents Islamic art in design as it was a Muslim ruled fortress until 1492, when Spain gained it and the city of Granada. In fact, Arabic is still found throughout the city as there is a great influx of residents from Morocco and even Africa. Yet, the palace’s boundaries are overwhelming, consisting of 13 towers and its own gardens.

Of course we had dinner at 11PM (again, typical when in Spain) and I only had 3 gelatos throughout the day :)