Buen Dia from Granada

The old silk market, now a bazaar (Granada, Spain)

June 21, 2011

Hola!

Yesterday afternoon we arrived in Granada, which used to be the greatest Moorish city in Spain until the Catholics conquered it. Last night we weaved our way through the old silk market, which is nowadays transformed into a labyrinth of bazaar shops featuring Moroccon-esque trinkets. We also found a few spice markets, where we bought some Granadan tea that we had to scoop out of a large bin. It smells like heaven. Apparently they are known for their saffron here, and it is much cheaper than back home. The North African feel of Granada made us a little less sad that we had to cancel our side trip to Morocco (due to a cafe bombing, Osama bin

Intricate tile work at the Alhambra (Granada, Spain)

Laden capturing type events, and the resulting anti-American sentiments).

Today we toured the Alhambra, which is the largest castle in Spain (I think?). It's Moorish in design, and features sprawling and meticulously manicured gardens that are watered by an elaborate irrigation system that boggled Husband S's mind. Later we went to San Sebastián's lookout point, which gave us an amazing view of the Alhambra in its entirety. The vista point was located in the Albayzín quarter, which is the world's best preserved Moorish district. Many gypsies live here,

A reflecting pool at the Alhambra (Granada, Spain)

and they were dancing and singing at the vista point. We were told that gypsy women will try to give you a "free" sprig of rosemary, and if you accept it then they will grab your hand and force you to pay five euros for a palm reading. We actually saw this in Sevilla, but not here in Granada.

It is HOT here. Every day is hotter than the last. It was 97 today...which isn't that bad unless you're walking up and down hills and streets all day every day like we are. We have taken a break on the Spanish food and recently enjoyed a barbecue chicken pizza and some cheeseburgers. Fruits and veggies are scarce in Spain, so we slurp down smoothies and snarf down iceberg lettuce salads drizzled with olive oil (salad dressing doesn't

View of the Alhambra from San Sebastian's point (Granada, Spain)

seem to exist here) as our only means of combating vast amounts of breads and meats.

Delicious looking gelato (Granada, Spain)

The best olive oil in the world supposedly comes from the Andalucía region of Spain, where both Sevilla and Granada lie. Spain is responsible for 1/5 of the world's olive oil production, and is the first country to ever produce olive oil in the first place. We sought out an olive oil shop, and the owner gave us samples of different types. At the same shop we also tried sherry (which is also world renowned in this region) and some sweet wines. We picked up a few goodies to bring home with us.

While we both decided that Sevilla was more picturesque, Granada definitely had more breathtaking views. Tomorrow we head to Barcelona, for beaches and a supposed 20 degree drop in the weather!

Buenas noches,
K & S