Viva Espana!

After spending three days in the cold and snowy north of Spain, it was time for some fun in the sun! So, for the next weekend, two friends and I headed south!

This was my favorite weekend so far! We visited the two pretty well-known cities, Granada and Sevilla. It was beautiful, exotic and relaxing but at the same time I feel like I saw so much.

We flew into Granada on Friday morning and after checking into our hostel, headed straight for the Al Hambra. You must check out this place online, it is incredible (if you don't feel like reading at least check out some pictures...)

Ceiling in Nazarine Palace at the Al Hamabra

It was a 70 degree cloudless day, so needless to say I was in heaven... and also in the most beautiful place I've seen in my entire life. I'm not exaggerating. Because of designated tour and entrance times, I ended up exploring most of the area on my own, and there were a few times that I was nearly brought to tears by how awesome the architecture was and by the natural tranquility of the gardens and fountains. (I have about a hundred pictures from here, so I will make sure to have them with me all the time over the summer!)

There is a lot of Moorish influence in Granada, lots of loose-leaf tea shops and open air markets. I can't really compare the look and feel of the city to any other place I've ever been. For dinner, we ate in a Moroccan restaurant with candle light and bright colorful couches and wall-hangings. It was a delicious and unique experience (the best humus I've ever tasted!)

On Saturday we did a little more sight-seeing in Granada and had another very cultural experience. A trend unique to Granada is that around midday, if you go to a cafe and order any drink, they bring you a tapa (a typical Spanish, small appetizer-like dish) for free. It is the coolest thing. We sat outside in the bright sun and ordered some sangria and got croquettes on the house!

After our meal we headed to the station and got on the train toward Sevilla. The landscape during the train ride was another experience itself. The southern Spanish countryside is full of olive orchards, small villages and farms. When we arrived in Sevilla is was already pretty late, so we grabbed a bite to eat and head to a very traditional Flamenco show. It was nothing like what I was expecting, but so cool!

(Outside of the palace in Sevilla)

On Sunday, we got up early and spent all day exploring Sevilla. We toured the Alcazar (a HUGE palace) with beautiful gardens, extravagant tapestries and peacocks in the courtyard, and the Cathedral which was also very impressive. It is the home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

We also climbed about 30 flights of stairs to the top of the bell tower and had a wonderful view of the city. I was surprised to see how many rooftop restaurants and terraces with swimming pools there were! Then in the evening we got some gelato and walked along the river.

We also had another very nice and very Spanish dinner. It was about two hours long and complete with vino de verano (a summer drink that is like wine mixed with sprite)bread, paella, Spanish omelette (the most delicious I've ever had) and flan for dessert. It was the perfect and to a truly wonderful and authentic Spanish weekend!