Granada – discovering the Albeicin

We met as a group for the first time this morning – seven in total – all set to learn more about this ancient city which has played a key role in European history. We are all staying in different places but in the same area of the city, near the Cathedral, so most things we want to do are at a similar distance for all of us. Today was to be an introduction to one of the oldest parts of the city with its narrow alleyways and lots of evidence of Moorish influence.

We didn’t take a guided tour but were led by one of the group who knows the area quite well and walked from the hotel along the Gran Via Colon to Plaza Isabel del Catolica and from there up into the Albeicin walking over and then alongside the river that must be Granada’s equivalent of London’s Fleet. Houses of all ages, lots of narrow passageways and some very impressive buildings from a variety of times in history, leading eventually to a view of the Alhambra (the name of the hill opposite Albeicin, though often assumed to be the name of the Moorish palace built on it)

Soon we glimpsed the first views of the Alhambra which would dominate the skyline for much of the rest of the day. And many groups and couples doing what is done at iconic sights: making the selfie memory.

This is a hugely touristed area and we were fortunate to be able to catch a few moments almost everywhere where we were able to capture the spirit of the place without disturbance. Indeed, it could be argued that the tourists added to the character of the area: the ‘hen’ groups, the couples, the families all looking for that selfie moment with an iconic backdrop.

A few minutes later came our first real view of the Alhambra panorama but I found myself as interested in the people and the little passageways as I was in the view. I had known the view was there, had seen lots of photos, but the people are ‘a moment in time’ to be savoured!

This group of musicians ‘entertaining’ those relaxing at the viewpoint made a good subject for a start!

As did this young couple, clearly in a world of their own! While the craftsman had me wondering if he really wanted to demonstrate that he had made everything he was selling…..I couldn’t decide if he had, but it looked good!

And from there it was down the hill, through lots of little alleyways, past lots of shops reminding us of the Moorish history of this city with Arabian sweet treats, Turkish delight, turron, some indeterminate flavour cookies which we simply had to try and all the usual tourist hats, teashirts and memorabilia to the hotel and a siesta before dinner with the others on a very wet evening.

Fortunately, the very amiable maitre’d’ agreed to take a reservation and booked us an inside table (there had been a thought we might not be able to book!). Satisfaction. Another good day.