Monday, July 3 - Granada

Today was sunny and cool in the morning, warm in the afternoon.  But hazy.

We got to the Alhambra just as the ticket office opened, beating the tour groups.  

Views of the Alhambra from a distance.

Mary and Josh did their own thing, staying ahead of the tours.  Basically, having the palace to themselves.  Paul and Jessica attached themselves to an English tour group.  It is a Moorish palace and a sight to behold.  

Lots of arches.

Patio of the Lions

Intricate decorative carvings.

Lots of pools and fountains.

Building's reflection on a calm pool

The palace walls.

Scattered among the buildings and patios of the Alhambra were many beautiful gardens... 

with many more fountains.  

The rooms were cool and beautifully decorated, the garden had pools and fountains everywhere, flowers and arches, and they were all beautiful.  

On the hillside above the Alhambra was the Generalife Gardens...tranquil and beautiful.

Views of Granada from the Alhambra.

Joshua was getting tired and hungry, so we took a break and ate.  Finished the Alhambra in the afternoon.  

We also visited the old Moorish fortress.  Great views from the watch tower.  

We later took a taxi to the top of a hill across from the Alhambra for the views of the Alhambra with the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the background.  

The Palace of Carlos V in Granada.

Joshua was getting tired and hungry, so we took a break and ate.  Finished the Alhambra in the afternoon.

Jessica and Paul walked a little in the Arab section of town, while Mary and Josh went back to the hotel.  

For dinner, the hotel had a large salad bar, choice of chicken or beef, and desert was apples or chocolate pudding.  The meal was very good.  Even the deserts, which the waitress got out of a vending machine.  And the wait staff was very friendly and helpful.