Blogs from Granada, Andalusia, Spain, Europe - page 9

One of the most enchanting things about Granada is that it synthesizes so many seemingly conflicting elements. It’s an hour from the bright Mediterranean waters to the south, and the Sierra Nevada to the east. It is a representation of Catholic Spain, dedicating endless landmarks to the kings that expelled both Moors and Jews, but it also represents a revival of the Granada of the past; where many religions and peoples lived in harmony. I've absolutely fallen head over heels for Granada and for my tiny family in el Albayzin. There’s beauty around every corner, be it a pop of bright flowers hanging over a white wall, a wirey-haired dog peeking out a second story window, or an open patio offering a rare glimpse into the private lives of the Andaluz people. The enchanting sights with ... read more

This morning I began reading the 1928 book of poems Romancero Gitano or Gypsy Ballads by Federico Garcia Lorca. My interest was brought on by my visit to el Parque Garcia Lorca on Tuesday afternoon. Unfortunately when I arrived, the museum was closed and apparently closes at 1:30 pm everyday! And I walked so far! That said, I spent a good amount of time strolling through the park and admiring the colors & the smell of the expansive and well-kept rose garden. I decided I wanted to learn more about Garcia Lorca and so, I spent some time Tuesday evening digging up more information. I learned that he was a well-known poet, dramatist & theater director From Granada although he had traveled quite a bit. He was executed during the Spanish Civil War and it's speculated ... read more

This trip has really altered my perspective about how people live outside of my narrow scope of the world. Although I've done a great deal of traveling and I've seen a lot of places, I'm enjoying the slow nature that is living in Granada and find myself noticing so many differences & lovely subtleties just in terms of what people do in their day-to-day. I've also been thinking a lot about the expansive time difference between here and home and how people utilize their spare time. That being said, I am afterall in Europe and am in a popular tourist destination. Granada draws people from all over and has largely been influenced by American pop culture as I learned from a discussion I had with Pablo that focused predominantly on Beyoncé, Puff Daddy and R Kelly. ... read more

For those of you that have been following my blog from the very beginning and who have a solid understanding of the emotional turmoil that fueled this two-month journey of self-discovery, I'd like to share this beautiful email I received from one of my followers: "I've just finished reading all ten of your blogs. It looks like you live in the SF area. If you look at our blogs you will know we lived out there the past 3 years. I wish our paths had crossed. We are now in the DC area. I'm going to tell you more than you want to hear and I hope you don't mind. I foolishly got married at 18 but was smart enough to get divorced at 26. Ok, so I'm a bit slow and should have left much ... read more

This entry will be short as I am going to try to get to bed well before 3 am tonight because tomorrow morning I leave for the beach...with Pablo. Keep in mind people that we are only friends but I know a picture is still in order. My dilemma is this: if I take a photo with my camera, I can't upload it to my ipad until I return from my trip. The alternative is to take my iPad to the beach which just sounds like a terrible idea. I will figure something out. In any case, I made it to the Hassam Al Andalus baths and it was breathtaking and relaxing! upon my arrival, I was handed two blue plastic bags and was asked to put them over my shoes and to wait in the ... read more