When you hear about
Granada, people tell you how wonderful, charming and homey it is. With so many
people in Spain having been there already, we made it our destination this past
weekend (Feb. 13th-Feb. 15th). Although Shannon had been
there twice, this time we both got to experience new things. Instead of flying
to this Andalusian city, we decided to take a 5-hour bus ride there. Yes, it
was long and a bit uncomfortable but ultimately pleasant. As you go further
down from Madrid, you see more vegetation, and the landscape becomes more
mountainous.
We were lucky enough to
stay near Plaza Nueva, a prime location to be at. Hungry after a long trip, we
searched online for restaurant recommendations and found Cacho & Pepe – a small,
Italian take-out place less than 2 minutes from where we stayed. The smell was
heavenly, and the place – although small – was very homey. Shannon and I
ordered a home-made pumpkin and almond lasagna, and let me tell you, it was
absolutely worth it.
(source: http://slowhomes.es/blog/utiles-visitante/)
The next day we woke up
early to secure tickets to the wonderful Alhambra (the most visited attraction
in all of Spain by the way), and got our workout out of the way after an uphill
climb to the ticket office. That was alright, as we headed to the Hammam Arab
Baths a few hours later to indulge in a sequence of hot, warm and cold baths,
while drinking tea and getting a massage towards the end.
The Alhambra was our next
destination after securing our tickets, and having been rejuvenated from the
Baths, we were ready for more walking. Composing several areas within it – such
as the Nasrid Palace, Palace of Charles V and Generalife – this UNESCO World
Heritage Site did not disappoint. The beautiful architecture and water
fountains everywhere gave it a calm and cooling place that symbolized the
dominance Arab culture had in Spain hundreds of years ago. Our favorite part was
listening to music – possibly flamenco or jazz – played in the distance while
we were overlooking the city on the towers of the Alhambra, as the city life
passed by, birds flew and the wind moved the clouds overhead.
It was an electrifying
experience that defines what traveling and learning about our world is all
about.
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