Hello again, June 2 - 4, 2008 Granada, Spain
I just left an amazing city - Granada. This was I think the first city I´ve visited on the trip that really exhibited its historical cultural mix from the past. Walking thru the vendor lined streets, and alleys in the Albyzin district, you can see the Islamic past, shops and restaurants with gifts and tastes from North Africa. And high above the city, much like the Acropolis in Athens, stands the Alhambra.
The old city is the best place to stay and visit. Its actually quite compact and easy to see the sites. The old cathedral dominates the center of the old downtown. This structure took some 200 years to build, finished in the 15th century ( I believe). And the main thoroughfare from the old city stretches into the new Granada. It is a wide tree lined street, with a center walkway. Walking this street, allows you to see daily life in the city. Families walking, older citizens chatting on the benches, children playing.
The Alhambra - I spent the better part of a day there, touring this incredible site. The Alhambra is a fortress, a palace and a garden all rolled into place, surrounded by a huge wall and all high above the old city.
The Alhambra, a World Heritage site, dates back to Roman times, but was re-build by Sultan kings when Arabs invaded the Iberian Pennisula from Northern Africa. Upon the existing fortress site built in the 9th century, Sultan kings built an amazing palace around 1260AD up until the time of Columbus. Its palace is breathtaking, exhibiting Islamic writings, carved columns, patios and gardens with intricately flowing water systems. Beautifully colored tile is everywhere.
Later in the 17th century, King Charles who loved the site, built his own palace there as well.
Granada is filled with history, and a cultural past. And of course, representing today, some great food, Tapa bars and restaurants that are fun to visit and enjoy. I stayed in the Albyzin district, in a hostal right across from the Alhambra. Its back yard patio had an incredible view of the palace high above on the hill. The Albyzin, is a maze of small, very narrow streets. Its a challenge just finding your way back to your hostel. But beatiful small plazas, with outdoor cafes and shops. A fun and picturesque place.
I miss the Portuguese pastries, the Spanish just can´t compare in that category.
Well I´m off to Ronda, a small city in the hills above the Spanish coast. I´ll spend a couple of days there.
See you back then.
Bill
