We left Barcelona at 730 am on a dark and frigid Sunday morning. It was a struggle, to say the least, lugging my bags throughout the metro to meet the bus at the University. It took 14 hours to get to Granada. I sat next to my friend Ali from Ohioooo. We slept a lot, talked a lot, watch Toy Story on her laptop and basically felt uncomfortable in the stuffy bus for half a day. Spain requires all bus drivers to stop every 2 hours for at least 20 minutes, and to switch drivers if the drive is more than 12 hours long. Señor Antonio was our driver, we stopped every 2 hours for him to smoke a cigarette or two and drink cafe sin leche. Unlike the USA, the truck stops have 5 star restaurants inside.. I’m talking 20 euro cheeses, fresh paella, etc.
Once we finally arrived in Granada at sun down, we were pleased to find our hotel was in the center of town. We stayed in the Hotel San Anton, seemingly the largest hotel in all of the city. The hotel looked over a river(forget the name) and was 10 pisos tall. I was assigned the same room mate as the 1st week in Barcelona, Alaina. That night, we were treated to dinner at the hotel - we all scarfed down our meals - a buffet of pasta with marinara, tons of bread, delicious vegetables, etc. My friends and I explored the city that night. The buildings seemed miniscule compared to those of Barca and so well kept. While admiring the leather boots in all the windows, we accidentally ran into the catedral de granada. I was in COMPLETE awe at the size, beauty and power the building held. It is hidden amongst a neighborhood of cafes and stores and literally popped out of nowhere. One of my friends, Samantha, is a really talented singer and sang Ave Maria in the steps on the front of the cathedral - it was really beautiful as we stood in awe of the building mid morning.
The next day, we went to La Cartuja Monastery. Founded in 1519, the monastery is a beautiful piece of isolated religious history. The courtyard is simple and classic, totally emanating the serenity that I imagine most monasteries to possess. The garden in the center of the courtyard is simple and well kept. Once stepping inside, all feelings of tranquility are discontinued.. every centimeter of the church is covered in gold/colorful paint. Thousands of paintings of saints and angels dance throughout the walls of the building. The alter is reminiscent of the Basilica at St. Peter’s with the twisted golden columns and over the top decorations. Mirrors cover the back wall, reflecting the structure’s beauty.
Later that day, we went to a neighborhood at the top of a curvy hill. We were given a tour of the barrio, where a perfect view of the Alhambra is found.
As our teacher, Gustavo, gave us some background information on the neighborhood a local Spaniard started playing some classic Spanish guitar..
It was a perfect welcoming to the beautiful city and the Alhambra.
We then walked down the curvy tiny streets and had free time to find lunch in the city. My friends and I wandered around the city, shopped and ate.
After reconvening with the rest of the group, we took the bus to the Alhambra. Outside of the Alhambra is the Palacio de Carlos Quinto=
It was built for Carlos to celebrate his wedding to Isabel of Portugal in 1526. It was one of the first Renaissance buildings created outside of Italy, and its architect, Pedro Machuca, was a student of Michelangelo in Rome. The design is monotonous and massive, mainly distinguished by its circular courtyard, in the Roman tradition. There are these huge bronze rings, which from their height above the ground seem to have been made for giants to tie up their horses.
The Alhambra
is beyond beautiful.. It was created as both a palace and a fortress in the 14th century by Moorish rulers who were occupying the southeastern border of Granada. The site later became a Christian palace. It is an astounding structure. Each room is built so that you have no idea what is around the corner. It a wonderful combination of Islamic architecture, with Christian additions and outrageous views of it’s hilly surroundings.
*beautiful tiling and calligraphy decorates the entire structure
*beehive ceilings
Moorish poets called the Alhambra a “pearl set in emeralds,” in allusion to the color of its buildings and the woods around it.
That night, went to a tapas bar for sangria and tapas.
