Granada, city of the Alhambra

Yesterday was our second day in Granada, also part of Andalusia, and whatever bug I’ve picked up is taking its toll on me. I seem to lack any energy, so spending hours walking the streets is becoming really difficult. Combined with the inflamed throat and the exhausting cough, I’m feeling a little bit home sick at the moment. It’s funny, but your thoughts always seem to turn to home when you’re feeling fragile or vulnerable. Alison and I have agreed that should things not have improved by today, it will be time to seek out a doctor.

Spain is the world's largest producer of olives and Andalusia is where most of Spain's olives are grown. It is hard to convey the scale of production here, but imagine driving from Melbourne to Holbrook and seeing nothing but olive trees in every direction as far as the eye can see. There appears to be absolutely nothing else grown. 

Granada is another amazing place, set beneath the Sierra Mountains, so high they are snow-capped during the winter months. At the moment, however, it’s in the low to mid-thirties each day, without a cloud in sight. The city itself goes back centuries, to when it was once one of the most important cities in the Muslim world. The Moors came across in the 7^th century from North Africa before moving throughout the Iberian Peninsular and conquering most of present-day Spain. They maintained control for almost 700 years, until they were eventually overcome by Christians moving south. Even today, Granada has a strong Muslim representation, around ten per cent of the population, and a vibrant culture. Some parts of the city are very Spanish, but there are many areas in which you could easily imagine yourself in Morocco.

Without doubt, the crowning glory of Granada is the Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex built originally by the Moors in the 9^th century, but it became what it is today in the 13^th century. Being set atop a hill, I can’t really find the words to describe it (yes, I know I said this also about the Mezquita, but that’s what it’s like over here, every amazing  sight is soon overshadowed by the next). Although we spent more than an hour looking around the site, and fighting off the hordes of tourists who show little interest in the history but much more in capturing the best selfie, we were not able to venture inside the main palace. It seems they limit ticket sales to 6,500 each day, and pre-sales are booked out for a month in advance. Nevertheless, we were able to cover a substantial amount of the grounds, including the beautiful gardens, and many of the buildings without the need for a ticket.

The Alhambra is really a place, rather than a single building. It covers hundreds of acres, much of which is beautiful parkland.

I couldn't find out much about these canons, but no doubt they are real and would have been used by the Christians to defend the palace from the Moors.

One of the views from the Alhambra

Alhambra Palace Carlos 5th

Just about everyone knows I love a good water feature, and so do the Spanish, both Muslim and Christian. I'm already making plans for one like this at home.

One of the grand entrances to the Alhambra.

Alison found out about a hop-on hop-off little train which snakes its way in and out of the narrowest streets, and it has taken us to places our weary feet would have declined the offer. We did two complete circuits this afternoon, and we are going to take the night version this evening for some spectacular views of this incredible place.

Although it was getting dark, the streets were full of people when we came across this lovely fountain while waiting for our train.

Plazas are everywhere, and every plaza is home to a least half a dozen restaurants.

This place really comes alive in the evening. It can be 10.30 pm, but the streets resemble Bourke Street at noon. There are literally people everywhere, many of them visiting one of the thousands of restaurants which adorn every street and plaza. The Spanish adore their food, and you can just about sit down for a meal of whatever you can imagine. About the only thing I haven’t seen here is a pie and sauce, probably not a bad thing.

Today is our last full day in Granada and then it’s off to the Costa del Sol (Malaga) for four days sitting on the beach doing nothing – well, that’s the theory anyway. After that, it’s Seville and then back home. We are loving it, but also very tired. The bug, for want of a better word, has been an unwelcome distraction, but it is also apparent to me that weeks of overseas travel is very demanding when you're well, let alone when you’re not.