<my musings>
Planning for travel is something I really enjoy. However, I found myself agonizing over which Andalusian hill town to use as a base for exploring the Pueblos Blancos. I opted to split four nights between Granada and Montefrio.
No plan is perfect.
Enter the jester, spontaneity.
On the ride from the Granada train station to our hotel both Tom and I were so immediately enchanted by this ancient city we made our first “course correction”, extending our stay to 4 nights and eliminating Montefrio.
</my musings>
We catch an early morning train out of Barcelona that takes just over six hours. I’m reminded how much I enjoy train travel. No worries about navigation, we can both sit back, read a book, write a blog post, catnap, or simply watch the landscape and weather shift.
We arrive at Palacio Cabrera-Lillo and are warmly greeted by our hostess Isabel. Once she confirms we can extend our stay, I need to cancel the hotel in Montefrio, modify our rental car dates, and reschedule our ride to Granada airport to pick up the rental car. Here’s when being a super-planner pays off: all three modifications can be made through my cell phone within five minutes.
We drop our bags and start exploring the old town area. We feel welcomed and intrigued by the ancient city named after its most prolific fruit: pomegranate! None of those trees are in bloom, but the air is thick with the fragrance of orange blossoms. The orange trees are everywhere, but all are the bitter variety, which can be detected by a double leaf. Not ceven the birds will eat them. Nevertheless, they waft lovely throughout the city. Later we happen upon a catholic cathedral and duck inside. There’s a service in progress and we figure out they are lamenting the loss of the humble Pope Francis.
We get up early the next day and make our way to the Moorish masterpiece that is the Alhambra. We meet Gabriela Martin Fuentes, our private guide for the morning. Sure we could have gone on our own and most certainly been amazed by the architecture. But hearing the tales and history from Gaby made our visit more magical. She has a deep love for and vast knowledge of Granada and the Alhambra, in particular.
We give her five stars and all four thumbs up. We highly recommend Gaby for a private tour if you’re visiting: www.belocalgranada.com
Later we return to the Alhambra for dinner at Restaurante Parador de Granada. Seated at 8:30 PM, food arrived at 10 PM, and it wasn’t adequate. This is where we found the largest imperfection and disenchantment. Suffice it to say it is not on our recommended list.
If you’re an adventurous eater and not too picky (side-eye at Tom) you should explore the tapas scene here and throughout the south of Spain. You order a beverage and they serve you a plate of some snacking food, go to the next restaurant/bar and repeat.
Another foodie tidbit about Granada: it’s where churros originated. We decide to try the sweet treat, usually served with a very rich, thick hot chocolate for dipping. This is dangerously delicious. Tom even liked this!
We navigate the touristy streets to the Sacromonte neighborhood to see an authentic Flamenco show. We are squeezed into a cave along with about 20 others. The walls and ceiling are covered in myriad copper ladles and bowls, we think possibly to enhance the acoustics for the show. One guitar player, a singer, a male dancer, and 2 female dancers. We enjoy this show, although the male dancer reminds us that no one is perfect: with his zipper down I fear he’ll lose his pants at the next stomp of his foot! The ladies are exceptional.
Side note: Both Granada and Seville lay claim to having the best Flamenco. We’ll see a show in Seville and decide for ourselves.
Our last day in Granada we explore the cathedral which has many large doors. LARGE! The most interesting part is the tomb of Isabel & Ferdinand. Later we stumble upon a wood crafter, who makes the most beautiful inlaid wooden boxes. He is adamant about showing us his method, a true artisan. We continue our walk to the forest of the Alhambra. It’s a very steep climb, but we’re rewarded with lush greenery and a fountain to refill our bottles with water from the nearby Sierra Nevadas.
On our way back we saw two separate moped accidents within about three minutes. One was quite serious. Reminder to anyone traveling and wants to rent a moped: be careful!
<more musings>
The original architects of the Alhambra purposefully left unnoticeable imperfections within the beautiful tile work and structures, since they believed perfection was only achievable by God. Gaby pointed out a door that had been crafted to be imperfect, although I’m not sure I would have noticed it with all the dazzling display of architecture and sacred geometry of the surroundings.
I’m reminded to let go of the idea of perfection and accepting what is. Relax, do my best, leave perfection to my Higher Power.
</more musingsx>
Julianne. I enjoy your writing as much as I enjoy the content and pictures. You are exceptional with words!!
Thanks Annie! Miss you ❤️
Very cool place!
Very cool place!
I’m so happy Gaby was informative and wonderful… it makes the city so much more personable.
The inlaid wooden boxes are so intricate and beautiful. I know you are traveling light but it would be difficult for me to listen to the artisan and not want to take home a treasure of his. Will you send home things this trip?
I love the idea of imperfection being left to God, also.
This message alone is worth the trip.
Thank you for enlightenment 😇
Hi Julie! We will bring a few things home, I can’t help myself. A little easier this trip since I didn’t need to pack heavy winter clothes, I have (a bit) more room in the suitcase.
I’m happy to read your comments too. Your words remind me of all the adventures we can have in this big old goofy world, the most important is connection with others. ❤️
Hi Julianne! I’m very happy that you and Tom enjoyed so much the beautiful Alhambra and Granada!
I was very happy to guide you through the history and beauty of this magical place!
I wish you all the best for you both 💫
Hello Gaby!
Thank you again for the enlightening tour of your Alhambra. We wish you well and continued success. ❤️
Thank you Julianne, you did a great job in this article, you have captured the spirit of the Alhambra and Granada very well!!
Congrats 🎉
Marvelous in every way….well maybe not the inadequate tapas. Just a different approach to eating – not perfect ! I concur with Annie – you are a real wordsmith Julianne! It’s definitely a talent and you’ve rewarded all of us 🙂 Glad the lights are back on. Your photos are stunning – also artfully
focused. Thanks for sharing. Hugs
Thanks Margie. 🥰
We were very minimally impacted in the outage and consider ourselves quite fortunate. Certainly not something this planner planned for!
impresionante!!!!
magestic impresive owe stricking insightfull all of it Mil gracia por compartir and you are both radienting Love and joy can we/YOu Me ask for more one good teacher told me
Yes you can always ask for more WHy NOt ……:)
que continue Super bien el vieje …… and yes what about lights off for a gooood rest
Besooos
Yes, why not more?
Love and light, even without power, sent your way. 🥰