Magic in Granada

Mediterranian light, hot sun, narrow streets providing shade, white stucco walls, tile rooftops, steep cobblestone streets, paths and stairs paved with small river stones arranges in patterns- wow! who had the time and patience to do all of that work? pedestrians, scooters and motorcycles, fascinating architecture, all of those impressions and sensations in a simple walk through the city.

The artist I met told me of an interesting place to hear traditional music and see authentic flamenco- an open air theatre overlooking the mountains and the Alhambra.  Found Ricardo in the Plaza Nueva, proposed the concert, and proceeded to walk to the Sacramonte neighborhood known for its cave dwellings and gypsy inhabitants.   Three musicians, guitarist, violinist and singer, prepared the mood for the entrance of a stately flamenco dancer.   Four dances, each in a different style dress, expressive hand and finger movements, emotional facial expressions, turns, kicks, staccato taping of the feet, castanets, swirling scarves, all under a starry sky, rising full moon and illuninated moorish walls.  Tradition!  Tradition!  Tradition!

26 August- history and culture at its best.   The day of my much anticipated visit to the Alhambra began when I climbed the steep street to the entrance.  No need for a trip to the gym today!  Stair step machine, treadmill, weight lifting (my backpack with cameras) and sauna (the hot weather) all combined in one seven hour visit.  The Moorish architecture brought back memories of palaces visited in Morroco and in Istanbul.  The workmanship is exquisite- horseshoe shaped doorways, colorful tiles, traditional plastered ceilings that resemble honeycomb covered by spider webs (the best description I can provide!) courtyards gardens, fountains and verandas.   Fortunately, the fountains still flow with cool, pure water, a much appreciated comodity on a hot summer day.  The famous lion court fountain is being restored, so only the newly cleaned lion sculptures are on display.  When the project is completed, it will be a stunning fountain, once again the signature image traditionally associated with the Alhambra.  From the fortified watch towers, the guards certainly had a panoramic view of the city and the area and were well protected from any attack.  Small windows allow a few rays of light to illuminate the stairways inside walls that are nearly two meters thick.  Following the retreat of the Moors, Charles V added his palace to the complex.  This unusual building consists of a square several stories high encompassing a circular opening in the center lined with columns made not of marble, but of a cement like composite whose stones that have been sanded smooth.  (Just use your imagination!)
Another rewarding but exhausting day!   Off to photograph graffiti and wall art tomorrow!  Culture of the 21st century!