Saturday, February 4, 2012

Adventures in Granada: Day 3: The Alhambra

Alhambra /alˈhambrə/ 1. A fortified Moorish palace, the last stronghold of the Muslim kings of Granada, built between 1248 and 1354 near Granada in Spain (dictionary.com). 

Some may consider it the 8th wonder of the world.

Tom and I woke up early on June 13th. We had tickets for the Alhambra for 7:30am. 


An early morning hike up the hill certainly got our blood pumping. No need for a run today!


The air was cool and the city was quiet. I couldn't think of a better way to start a day than a stroll through the gardens of the Alhambra. 

We rented audio guides and began our tour of the beautiful palace.
Hard to believe that this wall used to be full of color hundreds of years ago
Beautiful architecture
You don't know how many years I had been waiting to bring Tom to this place!


Overlooking the Albyzin
I would give anything to live in the palace and wake up to this view every morning. Too bad I was born in the wrong country and at the wrong time. 



The famous lion fountain that used to be in the center of this section of the palace was moved to a new museum-type location. This areas was being restored when we visited, which was too bad. It's quite a magnificent area to visit.

The enchanting Albayzin


Tom on top of the tower. The Sierra Nevadas are off in the distance
We spotted our hotel from the tower. Its one of the pink ones!
I don't know if you can see how freakin' excited I was to be back here. Life couldn't have been better!


Que bonita! 

A quote on the side of the Alhambra reads, "Dale limosna mujer, que no hay en la vida nada, como la pena de ser, ciego en Granada"

English: Give him alms, woman, for in this life there is nothing so pitiable as to be blind in Granada

I totally agree.








Stopping to smell the roses
We spent the entire morning at the Alhambra, soaking in the sun and enjoying the gardens and the views. Our day was far from being complete....

To be continued....

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