Alhambra and Granada

We had a ridiculously early start today with a pick up at 6.30am. Annoyingly, the coach drove an hour to Nerja for more pick ups before finally heading off to Granada. Note to self: when booking an organised tour ask how many pick ups there are, and where you are on the pick up list.

However, the Spanish mountain scenery was fascinating as we drove up hills and through tunnels on the motorway towards the Sierra Nevada, Spain’s skiing mountains. They had actually had snow last Saturday.

The Alhambra palace was built in the 14th century. Our guide ‘Lena’ ushered us through the corridors and courtyards of the beautiful buildings. Lots of pools, Arabic inscriptions, marble floors and Moorish styled architecture. Right up my street.

There was a cantankerous older lady in the group who tested the patience of our guide somewhat. The funny thing was we all had an ear piece so we could listen to our guide, including the banter between her and Mrs Darwin, (Tom decided to call her this and if you understood Tom’s humour you would be amused).

I have been here before in early March a few years ago. But I was pleased to go at this time of year (September) because the gardens were in full bloom and very fragrant.

Following Alhambra Palace the bus took us into the heart for Granada City for a couple of hours. We wandered round the streets and found somewhere to have lunch. They brought us beer in the old Tennants glasses ( it remained me of my dad). We people-watched for most of the time and finished off the visit with a perusal round the silk quarter where they were selling lengths of cloth, silk clothes,scarfs and the like. There were also lots of Turkish and Moroccan style lamps, but I don’t have anymore room in my suitcase!

We arrived back at the hotel around 7 pm. Tom was too exhausted for dinner so I dined alone.