My first time in Granada was six years ago with Pia and Jeline. Though we spent only 48 hours in Granada (it was one of those manic itineraries that are a specialty of twentysomethings on a budget), it was an unforgettable time in a lovely city. I’ve always wanted to bring Marlon there, so after his conference in Marbella, we took the opportunity to drive down to Granada for the weekend.
She welcomed me wearing a veil of mist and rain, but Granada was no less beautiful than when she first charmed me six years ago.
This time around, Granada and I had more time to get properly acquainted.
Granada, like much of Andalusia, is full of vignettes that you will recognize from the Spain in your mind: flamenco and orange trees, colorful tiles and plazas of warm, old stone.
Once the seat of an empire, Granada wears her years—her centuries—proudly. In this deeply historic city where Spain’s greatest kings and queens have been laid to rest, even the saints wear haughty faces.
She retreats into herself, closing her windows and shops for the afternoon siesta…
… but she knows that the day doesn’t end at sunset.
Granada comes alive when the street lights flicker on for the night. Speaking of street lights, this city has some of the most gorgeous ones I’ve seen, particularly on the Gran Via de Colon and in the Albayzin. How can these not all be stolen by now?
In her streets, you’ll find food and wine, music and laughter. Before you know it, what you may also find, is yourself crawling home just before dawn.
Ever the gracious hostess, Granada may allow you just enough time to rest, maybe even dream a little. Then she will wake you with a beautiful new day and invite you—no, command you—to step outside and dance with her again.
