Last Day of Spain- Granada!

The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex constructed during the mid 14th century by the Moorish rulers of the Emirate of Granada, Spain. The Alhambra's Moorish palaces were built for the last Muslim Emirs in Spain and its court, of the Nasrid dynasty. The Palace of Charles V, built by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor in 1527, was inserted in the Alhambra within the Nasrid fortifications. After being allowed to fall into disrepair for centuries, the Alhambra was "discovered" in the 19th century by European scholars and travelers, with restorations commencing. It is now one of Spain's major tourist attractions, exhibiting the country's most significant and well known Islamic architecture, together with 16th-century and later Christian building and garden interventions.

I took TOO many pictures on our visit to the Alhambra so it was hard to choose which ones to post. So here goes....

My sister Cara at the entrance of the Mexuar

The Muslim art is so gorgeous

The hand carved Stonework was beyond amazing. I couldn't stop staring.

Patio de los Leones

I LOVED the Honeycomb Vaulting on the ceilings and arches

Inside the Palace of Carlos V

Outside the Palace of Carlos V

Views of the city of Granada

We saw this big school in the middle of the city with kids outside playing "futbol"

Do you see the cathedral in the middle of the city?

The Gardens were AMAZING

Our last activity in Spain was "finally" enjoying "churros y chocolate" which is a MUST in the afternoon (5pm to be exact- no earlier, no later). That is when the city and plazas come alive with people after they have had their "siestas". The siesta is one of my favorite things about the Spanish culture and I still practice the art of napping today. I was definitely meant to serve my mission there!! Yes, the missionaries got to go home during Siesta!

The plaza in Granada where we ate our churros was so colorful and bright. I loved it. If I lived in Spain, I think I would live in Granada.

What an amazing experience it was to go back to my "homeland" with my husband, my sister and her husband. I am so grateful that I was able to return to my mission after 15 long years (whoa, that really ages me). Next year we plan to return to JP's "homeland" of Germany. Of course it all wouldn't have been possible without our amazing parents and friends, Carla and Trevor, who took our kids willingly (I think) for the whole week. AND, for Cara and Jeff, for inviting us along....here's to many more adventures with you guys!!!!