|
GRANADA
Ever since I watched a special on Granada (perhaps on Discovery Channel) many years ago, I've longed to visit. In particular, to see The Alhambra, the Moorish palace. It did not disappoint.
The Alhambra (http://www.alhambra.org) was built from 1338-1390 and was used as a palace and fortress for Muslim Kings. I think Rick Steve's sums it up best when describing Alhambra: "busy stucco, plaster "stalactites", colors galore, scalloped windows framing Granada views, exuberant gardens, and water, water everywhere." (Water, to the Moorish people, was the most pure symbol of life.)
Alhambra is breathtaking. Every inch of surface within the palace is ornate and I was at a loss with what to take picture of...it was soooo beautiful. But one must take pictures quickly, as so many tourists flock here, they must limit the number of visitors inside to 350, as well as limit the time spend inside...to 30 minutes. So when you visit (make reservations, as it books up well in advance), be prepared to have a short, yet amazing visit. NOTE: This only applies to the Moorish Palace (Palacios Nazaries) and not the three other areas of Alhambra (Charles V's Palace, Alcazaba Fort, and Generalife Gardens).
Now a little about Granada. Granada is a sprawling, really cool city. Lots of shops, great restaurants, tapas bars, parks and some beautiful Art Nouveau architecture from the late 19th, early 20th century. It was in Granada that Queen Isabel granted Christopher Columbus three ships to discover new worlds and riches, and there is even a statue representing the meeting.
Before our 2 hour drive to Granada, we asked the Concierge at our hotel (the wonderful Villa Padierna) to recommend a locals-only place for lunch. He sent us in the right direction, for sure! He recommended a place called 'Bodegas Castaneda' on C/Almireceros 1 and 3, near the Plaza Isabel la Catolica. Bodegas Castaneda is a typical tapas bar (one of the originals) and offers a lengthy list of wines or local beer (Alhambra). With each drink order, you receive a complimentary plate of tapas. Each additional drink you order, brings another plate, different tapas. Needless to say, we drank alot, we ate alot and it was all to-die-for. Our bill came to around $15, which when considering the vast amount of consumption, is ridiculously inexpensive. Be forewarned.....the tapas menu is in Castilian (Spanish), they speak only Castilian (Spanish) and the bar is very, very popular (thus crowded) with the locals during lunch/siesta (12-3). But if you feel like throwing caution into the wind, ordering a thing or two from the menu and enjoy (very, very tasty) surprises, you'll love this place. There is so much energy buzzing around, but in a leisurely way....oxymoron, I realize...but that's what it is. Rustic bar, good food, good people and a taste of real Spain.
|
