Granada!

Grenada, a gorgeous city to visit, teeming with history and life!  It was the last Muslim city to be conquered by the Catholic king Ferdinand and Isabella.  Now it's one of the cities known for it's university and diversity.


This weekend was great although it was a bit last minute.  I've been undecided about so many trips and traveling in general because I'm afraid of spending too much.  I'll explain what happened..

Last weekend while a group of us were in Sevilla, we decided that we would go to Granada for sure.  It didn't happen because at the last minute, Thursday night, everyone flaked.  I was torn between going solo or staying in Cordoba with the rest of the Americans.  I had told my host mom that I was going to Grenada, but  on the day of, Friday after class I told her that I wouldn't be going anymore because I didn't want to travel alone and I wasn't sure what I'd do all of Saturday by myself.  Then I went to a mini picnic with some friends and afterwards realized that I didn't want to stay in Cordoba.  It was the perfect weekend to Granada in terms of exams- it was a free weekend, why waste it?  When I got home, I chatted with my intercambio online and she brought up a good point: Why wait for the rest, when you're not sure that they'll ever go?  It would be my first adventure going solo.  At that point I had 30 minutes to pack, run over to the bus station, buy a ticket, and catch the bus.

I made it on time.  On the bus I felt a sigh of relief that I had made the right decision.  The bus arrived in Granada around 7pm so it was already nighttime, but when I got off the bus I could feel the vibrance of the city.  It was even beautiful at night and had a different feel from Cordoba.  It was full of life and a lot more energy.  I met up with my friend, Ana, who I had met in Carnaval and who I stayed with in Granada.  I met some of her classmates as we ate at a tapa bar called La Riviera.  I couldn't believe that with every drink (~2euros) it came with free tapas, which were the best I've had so far.  My favorite tapas were the kebabs of lamb and fried octopus.  They gave us so much that we couldn't even finish the food.  Besides the tapas, I loved that Granada had quality ice cream shops...and of course I had to make the most of it while I was there.

                                                 One of the oldest Hammum Baths

                                                   Emma

                                                         Great views of the city from Albaicin

                                                    La Puerta Elvira

The next day I set off to explore the city with Emma, an Italian who was studying at the University of Granada and whom I had met the night before.  Unlike Cordoba, Granada is so diverse and usually an apartment is occupied by students from all over the world.  She took me to El Albaicin, a great vista point to see the city and Alhambra, San Nicholas, Elvira, and a restaurant where I tried "el menu del dia"-which is a set course of the day including 2 plates, a drink, and dessert- for the first time for 9 euros.  One platter was already enough to fill me but I finished it because the food was so delicious.  I had paella, calamari, pineapple juice, and coffee.  Emma and I ate with Carissa, who was former EAP student in Cordoba last semester.  After lunch and splitting up with Emma, Carissa and I walked to Sacromonte- an area full of caves or gypsy homes.  And during the night, I also met up with Justin and his friend to chat and walk through the city.

                                            Real drinking fountains...fresh from the sierras!

                                                      I should've been crowned

                                             1st course: paella with pineapple juice

                                                Carissa

                                              2nd plate: Calamari and fries!

                                                     A discoteca in Sacromonte

                                              A cave with gypsies ask for your money

                                                    Alhambra at night

                                                  Cristoffer Columbus with king Ferdinand


I didn't end up going to the discoteca because I didn't want to walk home alone late at night especially since the parties don't really start until 2am and Ana a bit far.  Anyways I enjoyed Ana's company at the end of the day.  She must be one my favorite people that I have met in Spain.  She's a great host, optimistic, and independent.  And Granada is one of my favorite cities!  It seems like there is always something to do, a city you can't tired of.  The best part of the weekend was being able to practice my Spanish :D