INTERESTING TIMES

(in Spain, Portugal and UK)

Granada - The Alhambra

Tuesday 21st May, 2019

Drop Cap oday we went to the Alhambra! This is the number one tourist hotspot in Granada, a fortress on top of a hill, a mix of centuries which grew from a Moorish Citadel to a Christian fort and administration centre cum royal palace.

Alhambra photograph

The Alhambra Citadel, Granada

Alhambra photograph

The Alhambra

Alhambra photograph

Alhambra Decorated Doorway

Alhambra photograph

Alhambra Wall Decor

Drop Cap here are several palaces and acres of garden and the whole complex is breathtaking (in more ways than one) We had a very enthusiastic local guide and she showed us in minute detail all the wonderful Arab work which has stood the ravages of time (and Christianity) quite well.

Alhambra photograph

Granada through the Arches

Alhambra photograph

Alhambra Wall Decor

Alhambra photograph

One of many Pools

Drop Cap very wall, door, arch and window is decorated with colourful tiles, glorious calligraphic mouldings and fantastic ceilings. After Ferdinand and Isabella finally expelled the Moors after 1492, the Alhambra was adapted to Christian use and the decor (in my opinion) suffered. Moorish decor does not include images of humans and animals, but of course, Christian decor does.

Alhambra photograph

More Wall Decor

Alhambra photograph

Another Pool

Alhambra photograph

A Wonderful Ceiling

Alhambra photograph

Another Interior

Alhambra photograph

Arched Entrance

Alhambra photograph

More Wall Decor

Alhambra photograph

Fishing Cat

Drop Cap ac's day was made by the proliferation of cats which seemed to live there. One was obviously fishing in one of the pools for goldfish. It was a wonderful place and I would not have missed it for any number of broken ribs.

Drop Cap fterwards (and after browsing through the inevitable shop) we came back down to the city and joined quite a number of the group for lunch at a rather small cafe which I think found it hard to cope with so large an influx.

Drop Cap was not feeling too good so decided not to go out to the Cathedral with the others this afternoon but came back to the hotel for a siesta. Feeling a bit better now, but this hotel is really a long way from anywhere inviting to eat so I think we might indulge in sangria and tapas in the bar tonight.

Drop Cap e ended up in the hotel's restaurant, which specialised in rice dishes. After a couple of sangrias and a cava we had lobster croquettes for a starter then our first paella with chicken, mushrooms and snails. Very nice too, although a bit filling. We are just a bit squiffy now, though. Probably should not be drinking so much sangria and wine while taking strong meds. We went back to the room and collapsed. Up at 0630 tomorrow!