Granada, Spain

We knew that bringing our car into the centre of Granada was going to cause problems (one way streets, no traffic allowed areas, etc.) so we made detailed notes about using the ring road to get to the eastern part of the city and then to our hotel. With our notes and the excellent directions sent by our hotel we arrived with ease.

Just to make sure this good luck continues I made friends with

the lion statue just steps from our hotel, Hotel Alixares.

Aside: If you are doing a self-drive trip, and want to visit Alhambra, this hotel is worth checking into. It is about a four minute walk from the entrance to Alhambra and the hop on hop off bus pick up point is very close. There is valet parking for your car (you will not need it during your stay in Granada.) And it is easy to get to using the ring road!

In another posting we explored Alhambra (click here to visit Alhambra), so today we are taking the hop on hop off bus to get an overview of the city.

The bus backtracks on the road we drove in on. It is amazing how quickly one recognizes familiar scenes, isn’t it. Even if you have only seen it once before!

We cross over the river…hmm, which one is this? There are four rivers that come together in/near Granada and I believe this one is the Rio Genil. (In the centre of Granada you find the Rio Darro.)

There is the Science Park (Parque de las Ciencias) with its unique observation tower.

That is a restaurant way up there in that high rise. Supper later?

And there is Granada’s bullring in Plaza de Toros.

The bull ring’s exterior is quite lovely…little cafes and patio gardens outside. One can tour the interior for a fee. I have no desire to see a real bullfight though. If I heard correctly, this arena is also used as a concert hall when big name acts come to the city.

Getting more into the centre of the city we see where people live and work.

I was fascinated by the street lights in the city centre. Ancient city, ultra modern lights…I find the contrast intriguing.

More in the style I would have predicted are the statues

…and some of the rooftops.

I love scanning the horizon to see the skyline. Different experience than just looking straight on!

There is Granada’s famous Cathedral.

From the bus we get a good view of the Roma gypsy women offering sprigs of rosemary  to visitors as they enter the cathedral. The rosemary is free but when you reach to take it the lady grabs your hand and insists on reading your palm (for a fee!)

If you are not on a strict time schedule…why not get your palm read.

Maybe we even have time to do a bit of souvenir window shopping!

The bus tour introduces us to so much more of Granada than if we had stayed only in the centro area.

But for now let’s head back to our room and have a rest from this heat!

(This is the view from our hotel room window. Lovely, isn’t it!)

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