Friday, July 15, 2011

Granada, Andalusia, Spain

I was not discouraged at all about the hot month of July in the south of Spain. Granada is a crowded city, especially during the summer, with students from all over the world, who come here to study Spanish.

Here I found the architectural and cultural contrast very interesting.
The Iberian culture occupies an important part of Andalusia. In Granada, a simple street called Cale Elvira, divides the Moorish culture and Catholics, not only in terms of architecture, but also lifestyle.









For those visiting Granada, you must visit Alhambra. The Palaces and gardens leave you breathless (at least that is how I felt). I have no words that convey the peace and calm I felt when visiting Alhambra. And no matter how busy it was I still felt inspired every time I was inside the palaces and experienced its beauty. 







I recommend you take short day trips through the Sierra Nevada Mountains, or nearby. I personally was not that impressed by the beaches there though.





At night, a flamenco show at one of the Caves, where gypsies still live. The Spanish music and the art of dance, is memorable.






During the Feria, a traditional holiday, the city is so colorful, like a flamenco show, but on a larger scale.






Avoid bullfighting. I attended one and I left shortly after it started.



Note: To survive here, literally all you need is a guitar.