Friday morning came much earlier than expected, but somehow we managed to get ourselves out of bed and to the Córdoba bus station in time for an 8:30 bus to Granada. I planned on studying for my Photography exam on the bus, but that plan quickly fell by the way-side and I went back to sleep for nearly the whole 2.5 hour bus ride. I’m not sure how I’m able to sleep anywhere at anytime, but it comes in really handy when traveling to make sure I get my precious hours in.
Upon arrival in Granada we checked in to our hotel and wandered around the central Plaza Nueva area a bit to find some lunch. Granada is full of Moroccan food since its so close to Africa, so we ended up chowing down on some falafel out in the sunny plaza before making our way up the mountain to the infamous Alhambra.
Have already been to the Alhambra with Preshco about a month ago, I knew what to expect on my visit. What I didn’t expect, however, was to be equally as enchanted by the palatial city on the mountain top as I was the first time. I think some of the enthusiasm was infectious from my mom, and rightfully so.
Mama at the Alhambra entrance
We spent over three hours wandering through the maze of castles and palaces and taking in the view over the entire city of Granada and the wintery feel of the snow-capped mountains behind. We literally dedicated the entire afternoon to the place, and I’d say we did it justice. With Preshco we were on a guided tour, and while that was wonderful to hear all the facts about the Alhambra, it was even better not to be rushed around, hurried through taking photographs, and digesting the architecture.
Palacio de Carlos V
Making our way up to the Palacio de Alcazaba
(the right-most tower of the Alhambra in post photos)
Mama on the tower of the Palacio de Alcazaba overlooking Granada
Flags on the tower of Palacio de Alcazaba
View looking to the Sierra Nevada mountains behind the Alhambra
Tower of Palacio de Alcazaba
Walking through the Alhambra gardens to the Generalife side of the monument
Palacio de Generalife
Panoramic of the Gardens
Palacio de Generalife Gardens
By the time we came back down into the Granada valley from the Alhambra, it was time to walk back up the next mountain over, the home of the Albayzín and Mirador San Nicolas. The walk the side of the mountain sides through stone streets and hidden staircases, but eventually emerges at a great little plaza that is exactly across the valley from the Alhambra and provides the perfect place to watch the sun set. We also picked up a liter of Alhambra beer to enjoy.
Drinking Alhambra at the Alhambra!
Mama alegre
Watching the sun set over the Alhambra from Mirador San Nicolas
The tower all the way on the right with the flags are where most of the previous pictures are from
After watching the sun sink low in the sky and the lights on the Alhambra turn on, we decided it was time for some tapas. I know a yummy Moroccan tapas place relatively close to out hotel from the last time I was in Granada, so after stopping at the hotel to put on a few more layers for the chilly mountain air, we headed over. Luckily we decided to eat early, because the place got packed just a few minutes after we arrived. We also went to another tapas place with chickpea salad, but it wasn't as wonderful as the Moroccan food. All's well that ends well, though; we needed an early night to make sure we got enough sleep in preparation for Sunday's half marathon.
This morning (already Saturday again! How?) we though we were going to get up and do some school work, but neither of us woke up until after 10. The rest of the day we spent wandering around Granada's magical little Moroccan shops and getting most of our Christmas shopping done.
Shopping in the Moroccan markets in Granada for Christmas presents
What a nice name for a bank! I think she is a saint, too.
Flamenco/Sevillanas dancer in the streets of the Albayzín
By the time we got through lunch at a little Moroccan café and wandered back down to the hotel, it was time to head for the bus station and back to Córdoba. Granada, I have to say, was even better the second time.
Tonight has been quiet here on Calle Postrera. We picked up our race number's for tomorrow's half marathon on the way home from the bus station and ate a quick dinner before coming upstairs for quiet time. Maricarmen and Carlos aren't home tonight, so Paki cooked us calamari, salmorejo, and salad for dinner in anticipation of tomorrow's high level of calorie burning. I can't believe its almost race day, or that its Sunday already....
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