Awesome Alhambra

Elena had purchased some tickets to go and visit the Alhambra, a Moorish palace and fortress. Unfortunately she was only able to get one ticket to get into the palace but was able, after numerous phone calls, to secure a general admission ticket for her. We hopped in a taxi as we were running short on time and I was able to make the 2pm admission time for the palace. It was truly stunning. The ornate stonework on many of the walls, ceilings and archways was mind blowing. Unfortunately a few of the main water fountains were under repair. I listened to an audio guide that was pretty cheesy and not all that informative. It was presented as if the man was an author, Washington Irving, who lived in the palace for a few months in the 19th century.

Inside the palace:

Insane ornateness:


Now that's a fancy ceiling:

Knuffle Bunny getting in on the action:

I met up with Elena outside the palace and we walked around the gardens, heading towards another set of buildings call Generalife. The layout of the gardens was gorgeous. Next we backtracked towards the palace and ventured up one of the large towers...what a view! The snow covered mountains were poking through the clouds in one direction and the city spread out in the opposite one.

Gorgeous grounds:

...complete with a moat:

One of many water features:

Me and Elena:

More gorgeous outside shots:


Don't ask what I'm trying to pose like...

The new palace:

Some of the fortress towers:

The Sierras poking through:

The tower courtyard:

Looking out at Granada:

We must have taken 6 tries before I was caught in mid-air:

But I captured Elena after one jump!

Gorgeous evening light:

We ended up spending the whole afternoon at Alhambra and then walked back towards Elena’s flat. There was a stunning sunset that we stopped and admired before continuing on. We had dinner at a little restaurant (with a poor waiter) and then headed home.

What a sunset!