Granada and the Alhambra (almost)

So, lah-dee-dah, we think we’ll stop in Granada and see the Alhambra….NOT! This is Spain’s most popular tourist attractions, for which we learned one has to buy tickets MONTHS in advance, so we spent our time in Granada looking at the site from the outside and finding other nice ways to spend our time.

Getting there from Murcia: beautiful morning’s drive through olive and citrus orchard country at first, but turning into mountains later in the day, just lovely rocky scenery and cooler-climate agriculture all along the way.

And speaking of cooler climates...

We can tell we’re getting near Granada when road signs appear in Arabic.

Stopped at an interesting building we spotted from the highway, enjoying the small town and tiny back roads leading to it. Turned out to be an old observation/warning tower from Moorish times, now converted into a church. 

Were lucky parishioners were doing housecleaning so we could get inside.

 Some of us are getting tired of being asked to pose.

In Granada I took the city’s hop on/off excursion, these small cars pulled by a short bus-let. I was impressed that we indeed made it through some of the cityy’s narrow streets! This made it easier for me to explore more of Grenada, as it’s quite large for walkers and every street is a hill.

Obligatory narrow old city streets...

...including for an Arab-style souk full of souvenir vendors.

 City hall had these wonderful cyclamen “trees” outside. I love that plant.

Tapas buffet (we did not partake at this one). But there were freebies every day. Every happy hour or glass of wine also brought a complimentary plate of tapas with it – bread, cheese, fab olives (not salty), usually, so appreciated.

But these were our favorite olives of the trip, not salty, just a bit of cumin and very olive-y.

My first pomegranate trees!

Neato experience. I went into an historic convent open to the public.

Inside was this incredible display of gold, gold, gold. Photos weren't allowed so shameless me sneaked this one anyway. But the surprise was that at the back of this room was a large iron gate of sorts, behind which nuns were praying or reciting aloud, this with the room between them and altar full of tourists.

One of the things I really liked about Granada was that a number of gardens and homes of locally famous folks were open to the public for a walk-through. This, for example, was a garden affiliated with some sort of private college.

And this was the inviting home of portrait artist Max Leon Moreau. These "hosts" actually beckoned me in, what a treat.

We encountered a loud, large demonstration in support of a woman gang-raped by five men elsewhere in Spain where the jury found the men innocent. "We believe you" with hands held up was the chant and accompanying behavior. There were demonstrations like this all over the country on this issue.

Found our way to a highly regarded restaurant where there were exactly four seats. Four. (We got two because we ate so early, Spanish-wise.)

Biggest burratta appetizer ever - and delish!

Loved scenes like this.

Watched part of the Bayern v. Barcelona game at a British pub.

Lots of grilled windows with pretty pots and plants

Lots of nicely grilled shishito peppers too!

I dunno...another grand cathedral.

Mantillas, combs, fans shop

So, what we were able to see of the Alhambra...home to sultans, Isabella and Ferdinand, and countless other royals since the 800's, part fortress, part palace, struggled over, and Spain's most-visited tourist attraction.

I took a walk along outside walls.

Had no idea when I began the descent that it would be down to sea level. Took my thighs a day to recover.

Three colors of wisteria in one ensemble.

The Gate of Justice (Puerta de la Justicia) is also known as the Gate of the Esplanade (Puerta de la Explanada) because of the large esplanade that extended before it. Its magnificent silhouette stands out, making it one of the symbols of the Alhambra. 

In addition to its structural function, the Gate features one of the most significant symbolic icons of the Alhambra: the hand carved in the keystone of the arch and a key in the centre of the inner archway (Islamic symbols). These contrast with the Gothic figure of the Virgin and the Child, by Roberto Alemán, placed over the original Arab inscription of the Gate by order of the Catholic Monarchs. 

Four engaged columns with the representation of the Muslim Faith carved on the capitals, frames the door, which has preserved its iron-plated door leaves and other original iron work, recently restored.

In the background

Just a garden I admired.