The Alhambra, a Holiday, Guided by Sophie, and Sharing with Elizabeth

 We're in the 15th day of our two month trip. Here in Grenada we've chosen to relax and write while waiting for our amazing tour guide to the Alhambra to complete her classes and escort us to the former Moorish, then Christian structure. We are excited to experience the magnificent architecture. 

How fortunate be given a guided tour by our granddaughter, who is currently studying Moorish architecture and has lived in Grenada for 4 plus months. Her knowledge of the places and her ability to converse in Spanish is so incredible. Elizabeth, a daughter-in-law by virtue of being our daughter-in-law Rebecca's sister, is also here. Being with loved ones on this adventure enriches every moment.

As we've explored this area of Grenada, we visited the archaeological museum, viewed the extraordinary cathedral from the exterior and the beautiful plazas while always looking up towards the Alhambra. People and crowds were everywhere, especially on Sunday. 

There is a holiday, El Dia de La Cruz, the Day of the Cross. Women and children were dressed in flamenco gowns with huge fake roses in their hair. On the plazas street performers dance the flamenco.

Sophie took us up to St. Nicholas viewing place across the Darro river where we were slightly below the Alhambra. We had a drinks at a restaurant. 

Celebrants of the holiday came in their costumes to that restaurant, so of course we needed photos.  No one orders drinks without the little tapas of olives and some other snack provided by the House, a lovely custom.

 

As we walked to get a taxi, there was a gathering in a school yard we passed through. One of the celebratory events was taking place with dancing, lots of costumes on children and adults, and the decorated cross, complete with the customary scissors on a plate. That is to indicate no disrespect is meant for the cross. 

We wandered into a chapel (500 or 600 years old?where there had been a fire. The restored murals depicted biblical stories, and all the people were black, including Mary and Jesus.  Because the sultan of that time was friends with the Christian artist who had decorated the Alcazar in Sevilla, he had him restore the fire-damaged mosque, which is why the overhead mural was done in the style of illumination.

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posted by Sherry