The adventures continue.

On Wednesday of this week, June 11th, I went to the Alhambra. Besides Monday, school this whole week was great. Actually, today my teachers told me they wanted me to go to a new class, a level up on Monday. I told them I would, but I am pretty nervous about it. I felt petty comfortable about the level I was in. 

Anyways, on Wednesday, this is what I had to say: 

Hoy, los estudiantes y yo aprendemos mucho vocabulario. Mi profesor, Jesús piensa que soy una pija porque me encanta Starbucks. En Granada, no está Starbucks. (Estoy muy triste.) Él es muy cómico. Hacemos muchas actividades. Hoy mis clases no son aburridos. Mi profesor quieres leer mi blog. Pienso que mi clase is muy interesante. Hay un estudiante de Suiza en mi clase. 

On wednesday after class, I went with my friend to visit the Alhambra. There are multiple sections of it and so somehow between the first section and the next, Danyella lost her ticket. So, I had to see the rest of it by myself. That was sad, but I made it. I actually ran into some other people from my school later on thank goodness. 

I will put up a few pictures (for the rest, see Facebook) and say some words, but nothing will do it justice. No words in any language, especially English, will do this magnificent art justice. I dont even know how to slightly describe it with words. I have never seen anything in my life so grand, so beautiful, and so artfully and articulately detailed. (However that is how I feel about much of the architecture of Granada. 

The Alhambra is so very beautiful and it has so much rich history behind it. 

This is the Barrio Castrense. This whole area was for the military and this particular part was basically for the people to hide and store their weapons. So just picture little merkats popping in and out of these random holes within this maze lookin thing. 

This is atop the bell tower which is the highest point in the Alhambra. 

This view, just really took my breath away. It was amazing. You could see the whole city from the tower. It was so beautiful. The wind was blowing up there and it was just amazing. I cannot describe to you how beautiful it was. Granada is just amazing. The detail, and the known fact that this is older than anything I have ever stepped foot on. Also, to know that throughout the entire Alhambra, I walked where kings, queens, princesses, etc walked. While I was going through the whole thing, I felt as though it was like I was walking though Disney Princess Jasmine's caste, or really a castle of all the princess grandeur combines. Needless to say, I felt pretty cool. Also, I met some pretty cool people along the way. Also, there are so many hidden nooks and crannies that it was just so fun to explore by myself. There were lots of old people in large groups, and they were kinda annoying just because I couldn't get a great picture everywhere. But, it would also be totally cool to be them. 

More beautiful views 

The Sierre Nevada behind

Then, to the main portion of the palace. 

This is just an example of some of the detail within all of the ceilings of the Alhambra. Each ceiling is so very different in all different kinds of detail. I absolutely love it. 

This is a common pattern and color combo within the Alhambra. 

This ceiling detail is not only very beautiful, but very typical of the Arabic influence that is portrayed within the architecture. Again, these colors are used again. The conservation of portions like this is of ultimate importance. The design is called Mugarnas.

Even in the simplicity of a simple arch, do you see this type of detailed architecture. 

The detail within all the walls is amazing, and as well tile work is a big indicator of the architectural influence of the Arabic type.

This was probably my favorite area. It was hard to take a picture simply because there we're so many tourists, turistas. The detail is amazing. 

The above arch is called voussoirs, and it is basically the laying of brick after another in an arch. Although it is simple, it's basic design comes from the Arabic influence as well. 

This is a look into one of the many courtyards within the Alhambra. 

As you can see, the arches are different from some of the others. These are lancet arches, another characteristic of Arabic architecture. 

I know I keep talking about arches, but the different types of arches indicate Arabic influence. They are all within the Alhambra. Then, in the city, when you see one you know that architecture was influenced by the Moors that used to occupy that area. That is why much of the architecture within Granada as a whole follows this pattern. 

Beautiful stained glass. This was over the "king's balcony" looking out to one of the most beautiful and grand courtyards. This is the only stained glass I saw throughout the whole palace. 

Throughout most of the gardens within the palace, this star was always present. It was embedded in many of the tile designs, as well as in the ceilings. 

I know the crescent moon and star is a symbol of the Islamic faith, so I'm assuming it is the same thing. 

The maze to get to the Generalife. 

The Alhambra was breathtaking, literally. 

It makes me sad that it's past rulers will never be any more, as in their lineage. 

It is funny because soon after this visit, I went to the Capilla Real which described the rein of Ferdinand and Isabel and the idolization of the two in the church. When, the Alhambra is in the same city, very close to which they wanted to tear down. That is why it's preservation is so important and so very crucial. 

I had an amazing time, and I could talk about its grandeur and beauty for hours. It's magnificence comes from much history and the detail to every thing in their life. This way of life translates I'm the culture of Granada. People care to make sure your food, your drink, whatever it is is of great quality, no matter how long it takes. Also, I assume it took many years to finish the Alhambra (way before the 1500s) and people here seem to make time for the details as well. 

 

It was a great day. 

Mucho mucho walking, but I'm pretty sure I'm getting used to that now