Day 11 - The Alhambra

Although we were planning to visit this place, we didn't seem in a hurry to do so until we learned yesterday that reservations were needed!!! Oops! A quick check on the internet revealed that the first openings were 2 days after our departure from Spain! A telephone call precisely set that date 2 days later yet!

Fortunately, we were told that 700 tickets were sold at the gate every morning at 8. We unanimously agreed that a trip to Spain without seeing The Alhambra was inconceivable. As we were an hour and a half drive from Granada, we left at 4h45 the following morning and after a half hour of nervous search for the"gate" in the city, we made it by 6h30 and found ourselves at the beginning of the line. That's where we met Hazel, a student from Oxford on a two-week "learning Spanish" trip to Granada. She graciously spent the entire day with us. A lovely girl. Thank you Hazel wherever you are.

One thing we forgot is the difference in temperature between the coast and the highlands of Granada. We were very lightly dressed for what was going to be a warm day but, at 6h30 in the morning, it was only 4 or 5C. A lot of dancing going on I tell you.

Anyhow, this place is a must. Words can't describe it and pictures don't do it justice. It's huge with three distinct groups of buildings: the Palacios Nazaries (Royal Palace), the palace gardens of the Generalife, and the Alcazaba. The legendary Moorish palace complex is a monument to sensuality and contemplative decoration.

Take a look at the pictures here.

Thanks for watching.