Blog 8: ¡Me encanta Granada! (I love Granada!)

Blog 8: ¡Me encanta Granada! (I love Granada!)

            Imagine sitting and watching the sun slowly sink after days end. Stretching out before you is a palace, its façade both elegant and austere. And cradling it are snowcapped mountains with colors of pink and orange cascading down its sides.  It’s a view so beautiful and breathtaking you wonder if you are staring at a painting. What I have described is the Alhambra palace in Granada and the Sierra Nevada Mountains lying at its doorstep.

            Mi escuela (my school) plans fieldtrips outside of Sevilla so this past weekend we spent most of Friday and Saturday in la ciudad (the city) of Granada. Granada is such a cool place to visit because it was the last Muslim stronghold in Spain before the Christians retook Spain in 1492. But even though most Muslims were expelled from Granada, those who were willing to convert to Christianity were allowed to stay. Because of this, there is still a lot of Islamic influence in Granada. Granada’s fame lies in it’s Islamic fortress, turned palace called the Alhambra.  It was built in the 9^th century! It was like a bigger, more extensive Alcazar. I find it hard to imagine that there was a time when Sultans used to walk through its passageways living in luxury with their many wives and concubines. It’s also hard to believe that it was here that Queen Isabella gave Columbus support to sail to the New World.  Later we also went to the Cathedral in Granada where Queen Isabella and King Fernando are buried. An impressive history this city does not lack. But don’t expect the same grandiose, luxurious frills that some palaces boast like Versailles. The Alhambra is first and foremost a Moorish palace (mix of Islamic and Christian architecture) so it has a more simplistic beauty. I think that the Alhambra can most be appreciated through pictures so I’ll add lots for you guys. It was one of the most enchanting places I’ve been. ¡Muy bonita! (Very pretty)

            Ok I’ve bored you enough with history! Granada’s a little bit of a hippy city with lots of cute plazas where a good chance you can enjoy your tapas and wine listening to music of street players. There’s also a section of Granada calle (street) Calderería where there is a strong Arabic influence. The street is a burst of color and life. The faint smell of incense and sweet teas fill the air. And what better place to try authentic Arabic food! Some friends and I had an awesome lunch there. My roommate and I shared lamb with plumbs and vegetable rice. There’s not much seasoning in the food but it tasted so healthy and fresh. My roommate and I also tried Arabic tea. It was the best tea I’ve ever had! It had hot sweet milk in it and we drank it in the cutest little café. After we took a walk up into the windy, maze-like streets of the barrio (neighborhood) Albayzín. The neighborhood is on a hill and when we found our way to the top that’s were we saw the view of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada Mountains at sunset. What a magical view in a magical city!

QueenIsabella and King Ferdinand are buried here!