Brian's Rick Steves' Tour of Spain Scrapbook
Journal of Granada
Eventually it was time to move away from the big cities. In the morning we said adios Granada.
We arrived in Granada and after checking into our hotel toured the Plaza Isabel La Católica with its statue of Isabel agreeing to Columbus’ petition to obtain ships and supplies. Pretty amazing!
Monument To Columbus And Queen Isabel
From the Plaza Isabel we toured the cathedral as well as the Royal Chapel with its royal tombs featuring the tombs of Isabel and Ferdinand. These monarchs are famous among Christians for taking back Spain when they expelled the last Moslem rulers in Spain from Granada in 1492.
On The Way To Dinner
For dinner we took a crowded city bus to San Nicolás viewpoint across from the Alhambra as the sun was setting and Venus appeared brightly in the western sky. The Restaurante Estrellas de San Nicolás served up a terrific meal with sea bass as the main course and the Jorge and Augustine made sure the wine flowed.
We Dined Across From The Alhambra
We walked back to the hotel passing through the smells of marijuana smoke in the Plaza Nueve.
The next day Margarita, our guide took us on a very pleasant morning walk through the Alhambra. Margarita was very informative, but I remember very little of what she told us. When one walks through the ancient agora in Athens or near the temple to Hephaestus or among the ruins of the Parthenon, one walks in one’s heritage as an American – democracy, critical thinking etc. Or the connection with the struggle for social justice one makes when meditating before the drama of Goya’s May 3rd 1808 or Picasso’s Guernica. I did not make a personal connection in the Alhambra other than to say it was extraordinary, dazzling and an example of excellence.
Our Guide Through The Alhambra
Excellence
After the tour of the Alhambra we followed Jorge on a downhill walk into the city. Then we were on our own for the afternoon. Annie and I sat outside the entrance to a Moroccan restaurant, Arrayanes, enjoying a cold drink while we waited for lunch service to begin.
We had walked up from Plaza Nueve on Calle Vieja past several tourist shops and a hookah bar. Once we were seated indoors we ordered very tasty dishes – Annie, rice and chicken, Brian - rice and lamb. I mention this because it was very good.
After lunch we made our way through millions of tourists like ourselves to Plaza Rib-Rambla, where we ran into Judy and Tom. Sitting outside we ordered churros and chocolate and thoroughly stuffed ourselves. The shopping force was growing strong in Annie and she wandered among nearby shops while I spent a little time writing in the journal.
Satisfying The Sweet Tooth
Later when it was time for dinner, we were too full for a big meal and simply had bean soup while Dwight, Linda, Mark and Vivien who were hungry ate at the Arrayanes. Jennifer and Joyce sat a few tables away.
After our supper we made our way the short distance through noisy streets to our hotel.
On The Way To The Cathedral
A Nice First Night In Granada
Arabic Civilization During Europe's Dark Ages
Cool Waters
A Court Of Jealousy And Intrigue
One Of Many Fountains
A Garden Very Pleasing To The Eyes
A Well Trained Dog - Plaza Rib-Rambla
