Granada is a unique part of Spain. It is a southern city but since it is at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, it doesn't have the intense heat of the rest of the south. This is where the Moors built their impressive Alhambra which is a fortress and a palace that overlooks the surrounding countryside. We were fortunate to get an Airbnb room directly below the Alhambra in the older part of the city. After enjoying a delightful meal in a Moorish restaurant during our first evening, we walked home along the narrow river alleyway being serenaded by street musicians while the full moon rose over the Alhambra. It was magical. The next day was sunny without a single cloud which made it the perfect day to spend inside this incredible place. Just as in the Royal Alcazar in Seville, arches and ornate designs are everywhere. The key feature to the gardens is running water so you can hear it the whole time you are walking among the hedges and bushes. Each Muslim ruler added more gardens and buildings until finally the Christians reconquered this last Islamic outpost in Spain. After much neglect the Alhambra has been rediscovered and is now a UNESCO heritage site.
Granada is also a fascinating city in itself. The Albayzin district is fun to explore with markets hidden away in its narrow streets. There are many Moorish restaurants and people are constantly squeezing by you. We could have spent more than just two nights in this fascinating city.
We had the privilege of getting to know two young Libyan men from Benghazi who told us their fascinating stories. They seemed quite optimistic about the future of their country despite the recent upheaval. It showed us yet again that traveling is more than just about visiting the sights, it is about connecting with others and seeing the world through their eyes. We had to leave at dawn but even as we walked through the dark streets, the Alhambra seemed to be keeping a watchful eye over us.
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