We are in Granada today. Got here by train yesterday. Smita had suggested the city pass ( i was sort of panicking because all the tickets to Alhambra were sold out) . It turns out that the city pass not only includes the tickets ot Alhambra, it also includes free bus rides all over the city, museum attractions and much more. We are planning to donate our cards to some luck visitor tomorrow.
We took advantage of free buses and went over to the Moorish areas and Gypsy quarters. Narrow winding streets, steep hills, white washed homes and kids playing around, this area is like a story book ( we were warned about the pick pocketers and Gypsies but we did not feel unsafe) .
Old town ( where we are staying) is also interesting, with squares, foods and fountains everywhere. It is very walkable town. This is a status of Queen Isabella making treaty with Columbus to discover " India"
Greenie with the Moorish town in the background
Main attraction of Granada is Alhambra and it meets every expectation and is much beyond that. The palace and the gardens are amazing after almost 800 years. The carvings in the Nazaris palace are intricate and colorful beyond any words can describe. It does remind me of Taj Mahal and other Mogul structures in India ( these were are same people and similar time period) . I tried to make lots of pictures but the pictures do not justify what it looks like. It is a world heritage site now and very well maintained by the Spanish Government.
The palace and the gardens were built by Moors ( muslim emperors) during their peak days from 700's to 1400.s. Granada was the center of culture , science and art and was known for religious acceptance of other faiths. Things changed after 1492, when the Christians arrived and made sure that all the old Mosques were destroyed and huge cathedrals were built on top of them. Alhambra survived but there is a Chapel and Palace there but I guess it was too pretty to be destroyed.
We were told about the best ice cream in Spain but sad to say we could not find it any more special than oue ice creams at home. So, from tomorrow we are moving on to other desserts. Please send the recommendations.
I leave you with this thought, Bunous Noches
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