Tales of the Alhambra (and then some)

Hello Again, family and friends. Welcome back to another edition of the Burning of the Midnight Lamp.

This past weekend's adventures was spent in a very cold, and a very damp city of Granada, Spain. For a little background on the city of Granada, let me take you back to the year of 1492. Yes, 1492, the Year of Columbus, but also more importantly, it was the year that Granada was the last hold out of the Moors in the Christian Reconquest of Spain. Not only were the Moors driven out of Spain, but Isabella drove the Jews out of Spain too.

The adventure started on a really early morning to a college student at 7 am as we boarded the bus and drove 3 hours to Granada. The town is at the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas which is home to some great skiing and was home to the coldest spot in Spain this weekend at 8 degrees celsius! The tour of the Alhambra was first, and the Alhambra is massive! It is comprised of 3 palaces, numerous fountains, and more. The Alhambra was actually saved due to The Tales of the Alhambra by Washington Irving. The recognition of the book paved a way for the Alhambra to be restored. Irving stayed at the Alhambra to write the book.

The gardens of the Generalife (pronounced hen-erah-leaf-ay) were next on the agenda. The gardens weren't the best I've seen in Spain so far, but had amazing views of the old city and the Albayzin or the Arab Quarter of town and the Alhambra. The Generalife was outside the city in Medieval Times.

Finally, was a visit to the Capilla Real or the Royal Chapel where King Ferdinand, Isabella, Juana La Loca, Charles the 5th, and their son are buried. It's kinda crazy to see the resting places of these famous people in history. No photos of that, we weren't allowed. Lame.

The rest of the weekend consisted of free time and sightseeing on our own. However, I just bummed around town because I was not feeling particularly well. I did, do karoake in a bar with some friends from the school. Yes, I sang Hotel California on duet with a buddy of mine named Jay. It was quite the experience and I think the Spaniards were making fun of us, but oh well it was a great time.