Granada Journal

September 5

Sunday

Malaga - We had an early wake up for the bus ride out to Granada. The bus ride took us through beautiful countryside (much like California mid-coastal) where they grow 26 species of olives, acres of trees interspersed with farm houses, small towns. As it is Sunday, the towns were quiet with stores closed and very little traffic. We saw some nice Gothic and Moorish buildings in Granada along our route to the Alhambra. We had a good guide who told us lots of history along the drive. The Alhambra is vast - it could take several days to see it all. There are rich green gardens with a wide variety of plants. We entered past the Court of Charles V to the Alcazaba (Sultan's Palace). Fabulous, stunning alabaster of gypsum carved work, high walls and ceilings with wood (cedar) designs inlaid with ivory and precious stones (some completely restored to their full glory) - traces of red and blue paints used on arches. We toured the Palace and serai, gardens and aqueducts - tall cypress, roses, feverfew, gazanias - fountains, joyful sounds of water everywhere. An absolutely wondrous place! We exited through Charles V Court Circle to lunch at a local restaurant, Alaxares, then took the bus back to ship, siesta, dinner, cigar, Greek midnight buffet (bit of baklava) and to bed.

There is a parador (inn) at the Alhambra