May 6th

WOW!!! Wow, wow! Today was a special day! Breakfast at eight and then off to ALHAMBRA.

  “The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex located in Granada…  It is one of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture and one of the best- preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world, in addition to containing notable examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture.” (sited from Wikipedia)

We walked there, about 2 miles with the last 1/2 mile (a steep uphill) entering into the palace area. We had tickets for 0900 timed entry into the palaces part of the complex. Most of the complex has been restored due to damages sustained over wars, time and natural disasters, i.e. earthquakes. It was started in 1200’s, built by Muslims (on an earlier site), in the foothills of Sierra Nevada Mountains. It came to be under King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in 1492. Christopher Columbus had gained favor for his travels to (Americas) West  Indies from the King and Queen in Alhambra! (Cool fact). Anyway, the Spanish do many “modifications” to the whole Alhambra complex. 1828 saw restorations (to return it back to Islamic Architecture) beginning. 1830 Washington Irving lived in Granada and wrote about it, as well as others, and brought about more favor in restoring Alhambra. In 1870 Spain declared it a National Monument. In 1923, Leopoldo Balbas, was in charge and credited as doing the best in restoration. In 1984, Alhambra received a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walking around the Palaces and whole complex, which included extensive gardens, was unbelievable! Every time we did a turn, or entered another area, it was incredible; and photo ops were everywhere with everyone wanting the same pictures!! After 11ish there were more people. But the architecture… The colors you could see were faint – if it were fully colored, wow, it would be overwhelming! On the complex grounds there is a small, free museum. But it does have pieces found and how the intricate ceilings were colored, unbelievable.

I could keep going on… it is just so, so awesome!!! We spent basically 5 hours there!

We left and went back to our hotel for a much needed siesta! Then went for a late (for us) lunch (around 2:30pm). I had Lamb Couscous with potato, pumpkin, brussel sprouts, carrots, summer squash, caramelized onions, and raisins. Jeff had Lamb Tagine with plums, eggs, almonds and sesame seeds. We will have a light French dinner.  What a day!!