Not knowing what to expect of Granada, we picked up our friend Robert who flew over from Ibiza to meet us for the 200km drive to town.
Turns out that Granada is a fascinating crossroads of different cultures. Morroccan tea houses, Islamic bathhouses, Andalusian Flamenco houses, and Moorish Sultan houses (okay palaces) leave you wondering if you’re really still in Spain. The smorgasboard of sounds does little to answer the question, replying with the rhythm of bongo drums competing with the melodies of flamenco guitar against the background of church bells. Plazas filled with dancing gypsies and dreadlock clad bohemians contribute to the colourful nature of this town.
Eager to partake in the energy of the city we kicked off the night with some fabulous wine and
“the best tapas in town”. We also discovered why so many students live in Granada, as long as you are drinking you will be fed, what student wouldn’t love that! The ordering process required shouting in Spanish over a crowd three deep and then elbowing your way to the bar to claim your plate of complimentary goodies before somebody else scooped it up. Normally we would’ve been a little intimidated at this prospect but we had a secret weapon – Robert! After our fill of food and wine, we moved onto a few other venues, finishing in the wee hours of the morning. Knowing that Robert lives in the party capital of the world and is far more accustomed to this lifestyle, we were proud to find that we were not the only ones hurting the next morning! Not that it stopped a repeat performance the next night that included some live Flamenco in a tiny smoke filled basement “cave”. We didn’t think human limbs could move that fast!
Of course we did some “official” sightseeing as well. Granada is home to the UNESCO world
heritage site called “the Alhambra” former address of the Sultan of the Moors that settled here until Islam was pushed out by the Christians. The palace is sumptuously decorated in Oriental style with no shortage of intricate details and impressive water features. If that wasn’t enough, the Sultan also had an equally magnificent Summer palace a short walk away through the gorgeous gardens. All of this makes Charles V’s digs (built later on the site) look a little ordinary if you can believe it!
If you want to see more or even take a video tour check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alhambra
All in all, this town of bongo playing, bohemian university students; ancient buildings; and Flamenco, was a fantastic stop and a great place to meet up with a (Spanish speaking) friend.
Robert, have a good winter in Chamonix and with some luck, we might just see you there for some skiing next year!
Turns out that Granada is a fascinating crossroads of different cultures. Morroccan tea houses, Islamic bathhouses, Andalusian Flamenco houses, and Moorish Sultan houses (okay palaces) leave you wondering if you’re really still in Spain. The smorgasboard of sounds does little to answer the question, replying with the rhythm of bongo drums competing with the melodies of flamenco guitar against the background of church bells. Plazas filled with dancing gypsies and dreadlock clad bohemians contribute to the colourful nature of this town.
Eager to partake in the energy of the city we kicked off the night with some fabulous wine and
“the best tapas in town”. We also discovered why so many students live in Granada, as long as you are drinking you will be fed, what student wouldn’t love that! The ordering process required shouting in Spanish over a crowd three deep and then elbowing your way to the bar to claim your plate of complimentary goodies before somebody else scooped it up. Normally we would’ve been a little intimidated at this prospect but we had a secret weapon – Robert! After our fill of food and wine, we moved onto a few other venues, finishing in the wee hours of the morning. Knowing that Robert lives in the party capital of the world and is far more accustomed to this lifestyle, we were proud to find that we were not the only ones hurting the next morning! Not that it stopped a repeat performance the next night that included some live Flamenco in a tiny smoke filled basement “cave”. We didn’t think human limbs could move that fast!Of course we did some “official” sightseeing as well. Granada is home to the UNESCO world
heritage site called “the Alhambra” former address of the Sultan of the Moors that settled here until Islam was pushed out by the Christians. The palace is sumptuously decorated in Oriental style with no shortage of intricate details and impressive water features. If that wasn’t enough, the Sultan also had an equally magnificent Summer palace a short walk away through the gorgeous gardens. All of this makes Charles V’s digs (built later on the site) look a little ordinary if you can believe it!If you want to see more or even take a video tour check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alhambra
All in all, this town of bongo playing, bohemian university students; ancient buildings; and Flamenco, was a fantastic stop and a great place to meet up with a (Spanish speaking) friend.
Robert, have a good winter in Chamonix and with some luck, we might just see you there for some skiing next year!
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