Saturday, September 5, 2009

Alhambra y Granada

I'm so glad that we have the weekends free to wander about the city and really do whatever we want. Today we woke up, ate a small breakfast (pan toastado) and walked over to Plaza Nueva to meet the rest of the AIFS students. We had a special trip planned to the Alhambra which is a Moorish settlement (now turned monument). After a very, very steep hike we met up with two guides and split into groups. I've always been a bit of a history buff and I was very excited to take the tour. Our guide was was very knowledgeable and I got some great pictures (which I hope I will be able to upload...) Once I upload them to flickr I'll write detailed descriptions for each one. The tour was a great way to learn more about the city and its history. In 711 the Muslims invaded Spain from the south and conquered most of the country in only 7 years (a fairly fast take over in those days) all except the upper Basque area which was protected by the Picos de Europa in the north. The Spanish began their reclaim of the area but it took them over 500 years to reclaim the land. So the culture of Granada and most all of Spain is tied into the culture of the Muslims. Spanish language, architecture, etc all have Muslim influences. The Alhambra served as a fortress of sorts housing a small city of 2,000 people. So its rather a complex of buildings/palaces and gardens rather than one palace.

Outside the walls higher on the hill behind the Alhambra is the summer home of the Sultan. The gardens there were absolutely gorgeous. And the palace itself is a work of art. It is designed to move air through the corridors and out the other side, allowing it to be cooler during the day. Look for the pictures coming soon and there will be more information about each section.

Well siesta is almost over and the city is starting to fill up once again. I have errands to do since its still another week without clean clothes, maybe even do some hand washing....

Not much for dinner tonight so I might go up to the cathedral and sit down for dinner at one of the Italian restaurants.

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