"The important thing in life is to let the years carry us along" --Federico Garcia Lorca, Yerma

Granada Part One:

Back in 2011, I had the wonderful opportunity to live and study in Granada, Spain. I went through the amazing program of The American Institute of Foreign Study (AIFS).  This is one of the best things I have ever done.  Granada is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to, so I obviously can't put all of its grandeur into one blog post! Expect more soon!

Granada is rich in both Spanish and Moorish culture and history.  It is located in Andalusia, a region in southern Spain.  Tapas, the Alhambra, flamenco and - most importantly - the siesta, are just a few of the amazing opportunities I experienced.

Me overlooking the Alhambra

Things to Do in Granada:

Fried eggplant with honey

Tapas: Where else in the world can you get free, yes, you read correctly, F-R-E-E- food with the purchase of a drink? That's right. Granada.  Dinner in Spain is generally not served until 10 or 11 in the evening.  Therefore, the main thing to do after work (or in my case, getting out of class) is to go for a quick drink and a free bite to eat.  " Bite to eat" can vary from a small basket of potato chips, to a sandwich of jamon serrano, to delicious mussels with a garlic butter sauce.  Going out on the town? Go tapas crawling! It is a great way to catch up with friends while eating on a budget!

Siestas: Seriously, why doesn't every country abide by Spanish hours? Lunch is the biggest meal of the day. Everyone - and I mean just about everyone - closes shop and heads home for a feast of a meal (I'm talking paella, stews, bread with olive oil, salads, kebabs, and more. Every. Day. It's fantastic) followed by a nap or relaxation time. It gives you just enough time to re-set for the day and head back out to enjoy the city.  You can always spot the tourist if you go out between the hours of 3 and 5 (it's actually quite entertaining once you've lived there for a while!)

Intricate carvings within the Alhambra

The Alhambra and Generalife Gardens: This magnificent structure was built in the 9th century as a citadel for the Moors then updated by the Moorish king Mohammed ben Al-Hamar as a palace and fortress in the 13th century. When the Spaniards drove out the Moors during the era of the Reconquista, it was converted to a palace for the Christian king Charles V. Extensive history surrounds the Alhambra and the Generalife (pronounced hen-er-ah-lee-fay) gardens.  This, in my opinion, is one of the best places to visit in Granada. Located near the Sierra Nevada mountains, there is always a cool breeze at the Alhambra (don't get me wrong, it's still hot - it can get over 100 degrees Fahrenheit!) Taking a stroll through the gardens is well worth your time.  The best time to go is in early summer (late May or early June) to see the flowers in full bloom!

Flamenco: This type of dance shows off the Andalusian culture.  A mix of guitar, voice, castanets, and intricate footwork will capture the essence of Andalusia and Spain. If you can, go to a traditional flamenco show (many tourist agencies have too publicized and not as authentic dance shows) and you will not be disappointed.

Copyright 2014 Bridget M. Walsh