Alhambra Now, Sleep Later: The Granada Chronicles Part III

As ridiculous as it may seem, Dana, Katie, and I were at the Alhambra's doors promptly at 5am on Sunday, with blankets and snacks.

That's us with two other girls from the program who were also in Granada that weekend. Thank you, German boy who we met in line but whose name we never got, for taking this picture! Despite the three chilly hours we spent sitting on the cold cement and nibbling on Lay's potato chips and Príncipe cookies, the wait was rather enjoyable. The situation itself was sort of ridiculous and we met some other students who kept us entertained, including German boy from Bonn. At 8am, when the ticket office opened, we began suspiciously eyeing the credit card line, praying that the people selling tickets would not move so slowly that the credit card line could claim victory over us cash-bearers. Finally, a little after 8am, we got our hands on the coveted pieces of paper otherwise known as tickets. Mission accomplished. Granada trip not in vain.

It is difficult to describe, however good one may be with words, the beauty of the Alhambra (with the exception of Washington Irving). Instead, I offer you a series of pictures of the best--and most beautiful--example of Muslim architecture in the world. Enjoy!

Nasrid Palace:

stucco etching and tiles

arched windows with a view of Granada

etched wall in courtyard with tiled doorframes

the fountain in the middle was being restored

ceiling

arches

Generalife Gardens:

Generalife Palace

P.S.-I apologize for the amount of time it took to post all the Granada posts. After my return from Granada, I had a lot of work to do and a nasty cold to deal with. Fortunately, I am finished just in time for my trip to Córdoba, so expect new material soon!