the alhambra

Cameron took me to the Alhambra yesterday. The Alhambra ("red fortress") is the most visited site in Spain, and was completed during the 14th century, the mid 1300s. It consists of a Muslim palace, Christian church and a fortress, and once held a city inside its walls above Granada for soldiers and their families. Its views, buildings and design have been the sources of inspiration for many artists, architects and writers including M.C. Escher and Washington Irving.

Artsy kids walking to the Alhambra:

On the outside of the Christian palace of Carlos V - a lion adornment, and a frieze depicting the Christians conquering the Muslims...

Cats of the Alhambra (given free reign of the historic property):

Patterns inside the Moorish palaces - the Nasrid Palaces:

The throne room, entirely surrounded by carved
walls with inscriptions of the Quran throughout

Archaeology at work! Restoring the iconic lion fountain that has been working with advanced plumbing for hundreds and hundreds of years:

(one of my favourite photos)

More cats of the Alhambra:

The fortress, the Alcazaba ("best view in the city" - Cam):

View of Granada, the Albaicin

In the Alhambra, looking out at the Sierra Nevadas

Four flying flags:
(left to right) EU, Andalucia, Spain, Granada

Generalife, a residence and palatial gardens adjoining the Alhambra:

We left the Alhambra as the sun was setting. A perfect day!

granada with the holmes'

I dropped my bags off at Cameron's apartment after being picked up at the airport, and the two of us met his parents and brother at their hotel. The five of us took a hike through the Albaicin, or the gypsy neighborhood, and up Sacromonte ("Sacred Mountain"). The viewpoint of Granada and the Alhambra was unparalleled. The structures are built into the hill, like caves, and the streets are cobbled-stoned and winding. Stray cats are everywhere, and I was surprised how well-groomed they were. The Sierra Nevadas, topped with snow, are behind the Alhambra and definitely a sight to see. Cameron said we might take a daytrip to the snow while I'm here. And we have tickets to see the Alhambra on Thursday. The walk with the Holmes' around this old part of the city was a great intro to Granada.

After our trek through Sacromonte ("Sacred Mountain") we rested a bit at their hotel, walked around downtown, and then exchanged Christmas gifts at the hotel before dinner. Cameron's family gave me a beautiful, rose-coloured pen - such a perfect (packable) gift! Dinner at the hotel restaurant was unbelievable, I've never had such an elaborate meal. The chef was voted "Best Chef in Spain" in 2009 and it was apparent in the quality and presentation of the food. The table shared some appetizers, and I got shrimp with prosciutto and mushrooms for my main meal. Needless to say it was delicious.

We made it through dinner just in time to catch a taxi back up into the Albaicin to watch a flamenco show at Venta el Gallo. Even if you stared at the dancers' feet you couldn't understand how they were making such rapid and loud sounds. The passion in their dance and facial expressions is evidently derived from flamenco's origins - the dance started when Christians came to Spain and reconquered the land, disenfranchising the resident Muslims, Jews and gypsys. The flamenco comes out of the pain the gypsy community felt. The show was amazing, I had never seen anything like it, and am so glad I had the opportunity to see it.

We ended our night out at the same look-out point, staring at the Alhambra lit at night. What a gorgeous, unforgettable first day in Granada and chance to spend some time with the Holmes' before they left for home!