Alhambra in Grenada

Thoughts of Spain often conjure the images of the Alhambra Place in Grenada. It is known as the Red Palace and was declared an UNESCO heritage site in 1984 and is considered to be one of the most beautiful palace/gardens in the world. We can attest that this is true. It has a great history beginning in the 13^th century with the rule of the Nasrid dynasty. The Arabic design is still so very visual today. It wasn’t until the 15^th and 16^th century that the Catholic monarchs-Isabella and Ferdinand conducted extensive repairs and made the alterations that are still present today and give it some of it’s Spainish flare. It is breath taking and it is easy for one to meander the grounds and get lost in time.

Our friend Luis suggested that we take the walk the locals take called the Cuesta de los Chinos. This is a trail that takes you around the periphery of the Palace and gardens and allows you to

see a bit more of the history of Grenada. We have never been lead astray by his recommendation so away we went. With nothing more than a hand written map we set out to explore the old city. It was breath taking and quaint to say the least. We meandered the quiet streets stopping to look at the history along the way. There are still the old Arab markets that have a feel and sound that is different than anything else you see in Spain; bright colorful fabrics, jewelry, music, and spices galore.

To mix the old with the new, Luis told us about a couple of Bodegas/Tapa bars where you can bring your own bottle and they will fill it up with the local wine for one Euro. The Tapas are free at these places when you have a glass of vino or a cervesa. So, away we went trying not to look like foreigners. We went into the Casa Julio and walked up to the bar and in our very practiced Espana ordered our drinks. And with that came our first order of fried sardines. They were awesome. Next we had…well, I’m not quite sure but I think it might have been a vegetable dish. These places get quite full during siesta time and people line up for a chance to squeeze up to the bar. Luis tells us that the working people often stop here for a drink and snack before heading home for lunch and rest before the evening gets under way. Sounds like a good deal to me. They get very crowded and noisy so when I say we were holding our own here that really is quite an accomplishment.

The pictures do not really do the grounds justice nor trying to explain the feelings of peace and tranquility one feels here while meandering between the 13^th and 21^st centuries.

Suffice to say that each time we recall the Alhambra a smile will come across our face and stay a very long time.