Granada

Flying from Lisbon to Madrid to Granada took all day. They are two one-hour flights, but getting to the airports, navigating them, all the security and preparation, it was exhausting. We made it, and were met by Carmen, who will be our tour manager for the next two weeks. Also on the plane were several other members of our group, including Peter and Martin who live about 500 metres from us, in Georgina Street, and Margaret, who lives in Annandale. The inner west is well represented.

 Since our arrival we have done a lot of walking around this lovely city. We spent yesterday wandering around the Albaicin area with its narrow streets, hilly terrain, lovely open spaces, and fabulous views. I can’t be the only tourist who comes home at night and checks available properties, both for sale and rent. I don’t think I would live in Granada, but it is fun to dream.

One of the most noticeable aspects of the city is the number of pedestrians. The streets, the plazas, the restaurants, everywhere is filled with people shopping, walking, eating and drinking. It is lively, and contrasts markedly with the empty streets in US cities and towns. When we were in Houston in January there was nary a pedestrian to be seen, but the freeways were jammed with cars.

Today was a highlight. I have always wanted to see the Alhambra, and today was the day. It did not disappoint. The Islamic decorations are beautiful, the tile patterns, the stucco, the arches, the water, it is all paradise. Despite being spring in Spain, it was really cold. Up high in the wind the temperature was about 6 or 9 degrees C. We had been warned, so had dressed very warmly. I had on three layers including a cashmere jumper and a possum cardigan, and over that my Dublin hooded raincoat, plus a Turkish pashmina shawl. Plus a warm headband, stockings under my pants, woolly socks and boots. We were both very glad of our Lisbon leather gloves, mine are lined with cashmere.

We had an excellent tour guide named Martin, who looked very like Julie’s Martin. Very tall, probably originally Dutch, judging from his accent, he was very engaging. He wove the narrative well, it was not a collection of dry historical facts, but a series of enchanting stories told with flair. And what a place it is. We did the Alhambra itself, the Palacios Nazaries, the Alcazaba, and Generalife. Today (Tuesday 10th) my phone informs me that so far I have done 10,803 steps and 6 floors. Yesterday’s tally was 12,188 steps or 8 kilometres,  and 10 floors. My Fitflop boots have been wonderful.

We have eaten well, but as yet have not made it into a Croissanteria. Yes, there are such establishments. Yesterday’s lunch was little tapas plates of croquettes, albondigas meatballs, and battered prawns. Today’s was Iberian broadbeans (tiny broadbeans with jamon and fried eggs on top), and mixed croquettes. And now for some pictures.

Firstly, some of the Albaicin area, including some looking across the valley at the Alhambra:




And a few more of the Alhambra. What a beautiful place.