Granada 16th - 18th

 

Sierra Nevada mountains to the left.

The famous Ahlambra the ultimate reason to visit Granada

Granada from the Alhambra

First night in our cosy apartment we realised we were in the  Monty Python skit "....lived in shoe box in middle of the road......." such was the noise from vehicles/buses labouring constantly up the hill and the local population. Loud does not go near it, the Spanish people  speak at full volume incessantly no matter the hour.  3am and still walking past engrossed in conversation at full revs!! None the less we made the best of it and were out the door Thursday for our prebooked time to visit the Alambra.

The Ahlambra is a palace and fortress, one of the best preserved of the historic Islamic culture. Began in 1238 built on a hill overlooking the now Granada city, with the Sierra Nevada mountain range as a backdrop.  It was constantly remodelled and additions over the centuries by various rulers. It has six major palaces and totally self contained with its own water supply, mosque, artisans workshops etc. The superlatives just do not do this icon justice, just jaw dropping.

The Gate of Justice you enter with QR code at the ready.

Incredible plaster work adorns walls, ceilings etc. No animals or people as in Islam culture not acceptable.

Water, fountains, ponds everywhere in courtyards that the rooms run off giving a feeling of coolness and serenity.

Note the stalactite sculpting that gives a three dimensional look to the vaulted ceilings.

The gardens were something else; rampant with roses and sweetpeas. Lots of buxus hedging and small ponds.

We were lucky with the droves of tourists, mostly French, German and Spanish. In fact two Kiwis were a novelty to most..." you live far away....." too right we do. Being early to a site is the key as tour groups favour 10am plus starts or the afternoons. Also stairs tends to slow down most whereas we zip around like goats.

This is the military barracks where archaeologist excavated many store rooms holding gun powder, living quarters.

This is looking to the Albaicin area of Granada we are staying in. There are buses but we prefer to walk the medina areas as around every corner there is something different to see. Almost looks Italian with the favoured cypress.

Artist with a portable easel

The next Keith Richards?

Ceramics on apartments.

After several hours we decamped to a nearby bar, 3 euros for a beer. The apartment block we are in has a garden at the back one can relax in, which we are grateful for notwithstanding the traffic, people noise.

Friday we decided to check out the Centro.  Homes and stores tend to have pull down steel doors for security at closure which are tagged. Same as in Seville. We think it is ghastly but "art" in the eye if the beholder. Centro was full of folks either shopping or drifting.  We decided to replace our worn out sports/walking/cycling shoes. With no discernible tread left cobblestone streets can be deadly.

Imagine the skill involved in making these cobblestone alleyways.

There seems to be no large fruit/vegetable stores in the city. The St Augustin mercado was not worth visiting so we collected from little shops like this.

Some of the buildings have had fabulous murals that have been painted or plastered over. A travesty in our opinion.

We came across a transport workers protest, all banging drums and whistles. The police had closed off various intersections to allow the marchers a straight run. Made their point.

Today was a "Sandra Tour".  Had found a day hike south of the city starting in a town called Monachila. Three different buses required but not deterred we were on for the challenge. Weather was perfect at 25-28C, with Jeff's famous baguette with cheese, ham packed and we were away.

The hike left the township and headed up a gorge beside a river. Quite narrow path, soon to get narrower. Popular with weekend warrior Granadians with a large carpark near the start.

They even tag the swing bridge poles. My new grippy shoes with yellow soles no less.

There was also a water race beside the river that how ever long ago workers had put in a path with the occasional hand holds.

Was not kidding about it getting narrower. Hands and knees shortly. A German couple in front of us were the intrepid advance party.

Once at the pinnacle of the track it headed along the tops with great views heading back towards the township. Seem to be dozens of folks making their way with dogs, picnics, and kids. Fortunately we managed to keep ahead of the incessant chatter/ shouting. Being fit sure helps. The vegetation was lovely wild herbs; rosemary, thyme, poppies, artichokes. Smelt amazing.

Seem to be what looked like Quinoa growing on the side of the track.

Back to the bus stop we were well pleased with ourselves.  Buses back to Granada and we called into the Aixa cafe/ bar up the hill from our apartment for a well earned 3 euro beer. 

Saturday night in the Albaicin area of Granada and already a party atmospere so will aim for a late dinner as no doubt peace will not be heard until 3am.