I was out of the blocks at 9:30, intent on maximizing my stay in Granada. The city is a tourist Mecca and I was one of them today. For starts, meanderings through the narrow cobblestone roads and alleys was interesting in itself. Next I came the cathedral where I sprung for the self guided tour. Put aside the religious hype of the place, the architecture and countless paintings and carvings are outstanding. The numerous chapels and alters, huge supporting stone columns and towering arched ceilings are meant to inspire awe. Given Jesus’ humble nature, I can imagine how he would have reacted if he knew all these cathedrals were done in his honor. What happened to ‘keep it simple stupid’? Ok, enough of the philosophical conjecturing.. The place was definitely worth the look-see. Just out the door, I came upon a 12th century Moorish market place. A two story tile and stucco building housing a large inner court yard with a surrounding balcony and rooms for the merchants. The accompanying museum was small but gave a good history of the daily life and mercantile goings-on during the years of Moorish era. The person at the front desk give me the inside tip as to where to have lunch. No tourists, no sticker shock prices, just s good lunch standing at a counter talking it up with the locals. It was a fun time despite the language barrier. A couple next to me helped me with the menu and later treated me to a beer and side dish. The owner kept me in his favor as well.
With the rain in full swing, it was time to find my way up to Alhambra for the three hour tour I had signed for in the morning, online. My Airbnb host told me I might have trouble getting a ticket. Sure enough, I snagged a ticket just in time. This UNESCO world heritage site is without a doubt one of the most outstanding places I have ever toured. I highly recommend the place, it is a crown jewel. Despite the relentless rain, our guide hook us up with earpieces and receivers and kept us thoroughly mesmerized for three hours. Washington Irving was one of the catalysts behind the state takeover and restoration of the palace. Queen Isabella and Columbus pow-wowed in one of the majesty rooms as to how to fund his voyage. The history through the ages, changing hands in 1492 when the Spanish Christians ompleted their conquest of the Moors, is facinating. The architecture with all its religious significance, tied in with the numbers 3,5,7 was really captivating. Anyways, put this place on your must see list.
Pretty much drenched except for my upper core, I made a fast retreat to my Airbnb. Stripping off my clothes and had myself a divinely hot shower. I am now sequestered for the night and plan on sleeping like the dead.
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