Granada has made it to the top of my favorite cities list after my trip there this past weekend. The city is surrounded by beauty and history. The city has a perfect back ground of the Sierra Nevada Mountains with snow on top year round. Every road has narrow cobblestone winding roads, which provided for a really scary bus ride around the city. Those bus drivers have serious talent and I felt like I got a rollercoaster ride for 1.20 EUR. Granada is one of the few cities in Spain that still has a huge visible Muslim influence. The tourist stores were all packed with hookah, Arabic writing and tapestries. The Muslim architecture is beautiful.
The first day we arrived, unpacked at the hotel and got prepared for our 4 hour tour of the Alhambra. Our hotel was located right next to the Alhambra which was really awesome to walk next to when going to other places. The Alhambra is the most incredible palace I have seen so far in Spain. It is so huge that it was once its own city. The Alhambra was first a Moorish fortress that later the Christians conquered (like most things in Spain) to make the King’s place. At least they were nice enough to leave the architecture. Each room of the Alhambra had its own story: the king’s favorite wife room, the lucky room, etc. My favorite was the plaza inside which had a large fountain that symbolized eternity. The water coming out of the fountain was birth and the flowing of water the continuing of life. Each color in the Alhambra signifies something different- green for the Gods, blue is water, etc. It is amazing to me how detailed and intact everything is.
Later that day three girls and I headed to the market, which was so fun to walk around. It got me excited for Morocco this weekend because I feel like that is how it is going to be lots of junk and haggling. I bought a scarf that is very Sevilla looking. I got asked for directions yesterday by some Spanish tourists, I guess I am really starting to look like I fit in.
The next day we visited a typical Granada neighborhood. It was beautiful, all white and close together. They style there is to have plates and ceramics put on the walls. It is giving me ideas for my Spanish themed room next year, be prepared.
I am very excited for this week. Last night I went to a flamenco show at the Teatro Central. I took the bus for the first time to get there and it was a success! The show was incredible. It had five dancers in total with 2 guitarists and 3 singers. Today I am meeting with my intercambio for the first time. We are going to 100 Montaditios, which on Wednesday has 1 EUR drinks and sandwiches (a montaditio). On Friday a group of us are going to Jerez, a town about an hour away from Sevilla. They are famous for their Sherry, flamenco, horses, and motorcycle racing. An odd combination. When we are there on Friday there will be a flamenco festival so we will definitely be participating in a workshop and seeing shows. We are also planning on going on a vineyard tour. Friday night is a hip-hop show in Sevilla that benefits Haiti. On Saturday I head to Africa to Morocco! I’m not every sure what to except, but I’m extremely excited for this once in a lifetime experience, especially the camel riding. We will be there from Saturday to Monday. Monday we don’t have class because of the Puente (holiday) Dia de Andalucía.
We finally finished booking all of our hostels for Italy. I can’t believe I have been here for over a month. Everything is finally so comfortable and I feel at home. I cherish every minute I am here in this beautiful city and can’t wait for more adventures!
PS- Window shopping here is quite the art. Shoe stores have all of their shoes on displays outside the store. The only reason you go into a store is if you see a shoe you like and have a serious desire to buy it.
Mucho amor,
Elena
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