THURSDAY to SUNDAY

Another train ride this time to Granada.As we had first class tickets,we had the pleasure of wine and a delicious fish dinner.AS the train drove through the country side,it was obvious that it had suffered drought, but still crops of olive trees.We arrived in Granada without a map(and none in the train station)we took a taxi to our apartment.It was a lovely one bedroom with a WASHING machine.

We had a learning curve with the machine and had our You Tube out for a lesson.There were no dryers,but a rack..so a slower game.

The apartment was in a great neighbour ;wine store,grocery store and tapa bar. We were situated at the base of the steps to the Alhambra….very steep and a million steps.

Our first day was finding our way back to the train station.Our train was to leave at 7:12 am ,and we were concerned that if we could not organize a taxi,we would need to walk.We did try to organize one,but were unsuccessful.On the day that we left,we learned that there was a TAXI strike(third strike this trip).Uber versus taxi and Ubers were more expensive.Uor driver said the issue was licensing.

We did make the climb to the Alhambra.We had realized on line that it was difficult.They have 2 million visitors yearly.The person at the ticket office said they were all sold,but if you came at 7:30 am,there might be some.We went back to the computer and were able to fine some.Shortly after confirmation,that emailed said it was cancelled,but they rebooked us at a different time…finally.

The Alhambra is a huge fortress and palaces on top of the city with moats(currently dry) to protect the King or Emperor at the time.It was built by the Muslims in the 1200s.The founding king was called Alhambra…thus the name.The name means Red Fort(red clay).It had a complicated history of takeovers and the Catholics and the Muslims were often at war.Currently the two live together happily in Granada.It was abandoned in 1812.

There were barracks for the soldiers,and a cold cellar to keep their food cold.

There was initially a large garden of fruits and vegetables..to help feed the soldiers.Today it is maintained and the food given to those in need in the city.

There are magnificent gardens,fountains and pools of water.

In front of this garden was a summer castle for one of the kings.He and his concubines lived on this side ,and his many wives live in at the opposite end of the garden in their own…less fighting…..

In the Islamic religious art there cannot be any iconography…no images of people or animals.The walls are decorated with Arabic letters and patterns,intricate tiles on the walls and ceilings

We spent time at the Alcazaba Fortress and Generalife.

Here are a couple of pictures from our high perch down on the city of Granada

AS we wandered back down to the bottom ,we found a nice little tapa bar for supper.It was colored a bit by what was happening back in Nova Scotia.I/we were busy texting to our kids as it progressed.There was a helplessness on our part….not able to help or even protect our own.

With the 5 hour time difference ,we kept watch with CBC app and the Hurricane Centre.Whilst doing that ,we packed ,set our alarm for the possible walk to the station.

Since it was a 6;00am start to the walk,and no traffic,we could roll our suitcases down the street instead of the sidewalk.We were able to flag down a taxi and off we went.

See you in Lisbon!!