I absolutely loved getting to spend some time in Granada, Spain on this trip! First and foremost, I was absolutely entranced on the drive through the Andalucía region from Cordoba to Granada. I knew that Andalucía was beautiful, but I had no idea how amazing I would find the rolling hills with endless rows of olive trees only briefly interrupted by little white towns. I often found myself staring out the window in awe of the land surrounding me, carefully reflecting on all the amazing sights I have seen and how lucky I am to be here. No matter how hot, tired, or uncomfortable I have been during the record-breaking heat wave in Spain, I have made sure to keep reminding myself that I will remember this for the rest of my life, and I cannot take it for granted.

Once we arrived in Granada, I did not even feel like I was in Spain anymore. I was aware that we were much closer to Morocco than I had ever been before, but I did not know that the African influence would be so strong in a Spanish city. My favorite moments in Granada were spent winding through the little streets in the Albaicin neighborhood surrounded by whitewashed buildings and bohemian markets. I became so lost in my wandering that I once even found myself back on top of the hill across from the Alhambra, an ancient palace overlooking Granada. Even though it was a coincidence, sitting at a café and taking in the view was the perfect way to spend the hottest hours of the day. Now that I have experienced such a juxtaposition of cultures in Granada, I cannot wait to discover other interesting culturally combined cities and towns all over the world.

 

The beautiful Alhambra in Granada

 

Beautiful streets and Moroccan markets in Granada