MAVERICK ROVER WORLD Granada, Spain. Post #10 - 5/29/2018
MAVERICK ROVER WORLD
POST #10
MAY 29, 2108
Granada, Spain
Granada
dates back to the 8th Century with so much history and turmoil, beauty and culture, wild abandon and conquerers, that it would take a full-time history buff to explain all of the details. I'll leave you to your research to sort out the construct of time. In the mean while, lets enjoy the peoples of every faith, color and creed who came and went along the way. The lineage of Visogoths, Moors, Jews, Christians, Muslims... Who, what, where, when is a science in and of itself.
Bell tower atop the Alcazar
MAY 29, 2108
Granada, Spain
City gate near our room on Elvira Street heading from Albaicin area (The Antigua/Gotic Area).
This collection of doors and windows intrigued me more than any other area we have seen so far in Spain. I can just hear the horses of the old days clip clopping along on the cobble stones. Who were the workmen that built these amazing doors, crafted the iron handles, hinges and door knockers. How many hours did they spend planing the wood, bending the iron, chiseling the stone?
Did their children have enough to eat?
Did they work from daylight to dark?
What did they do when they were not working?
Granadadates back to the 8th Century with so much history and turmoil, beauty and culture, wild abandon and conquerers, that it would take a full-time history buff to explain all of the details. I'll leave you to your research to sort out the construct of time. In the mean while, lets enjoy the peoples of every faith, color and creed who came and went along the way. The lineage of Visogoths, Moors, Jews, Christians, Muslims... Who, what, where, when is a science in and of itself.
With the backdrop of the snow covered Sierra Nevada mountains, the deep red gorges of the surrounding area and the extensive Moorish architecture of the Alhambra, a breathtaking history awaits you.
l'Alhambra
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| A view out to the gardens from inside the Alhambra |
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| Moorish stone carvings |
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| Fountain on the inside courtyard of the Alhambra |
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| Inset that would hold an urn Intricate wood ceilings |
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| Alhambra by day |
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| Alhambra by night Now back to the city of Granada |
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| Restaurant aglow for late night guests |
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Shop awaiting tourists |
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| Our favorite bar with FREE tapas |
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| A night of Flamenco, no one does it better than in Andalusia |
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| City center, abuzz with shoppers |
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| Tapas ready and waiting for consumption |
Some things we have learned:
Auto rental: When renting a car in Spain, in particular; and maybe in many European countries, here are some tips.
1. The companies are honest and helpful
2. Spain requires that all drivers must have an International Driver’s License, (can be purchased from AAA in the US, valid for one year), even if you are not a AAA member and they require a valid Passport
3. Rent directly from “a rental company”
-rather than renting through a 3rd party broker; sometimes there are extra charges and you will have 2 separate confirmation numbers if you use a 3rd party. Our 3rd party broker did not give us the actual address of the “pick-up” location, so I had to research it on my own.
-be sure to choose the “full tank return” option, and then return it full of gasoline, otherwise there is a non-refundable service charge for them to fill the tank, plus the actual charge of the gasoline itself.
-remember that gas tanks do go empty, so keep an eye on your gas level, Many country-side roads have gas stations, however, they are few and far between.
4. Know how to use Google maps on your iphone. Most cars do not come with navigation and most rental companies assume that you have your own navigation these days. If you do not have an International SIM card, then you should research your destination ahead of time on WiFi and save screen shots of the directions and maps in your phone photo album.
5. Pick up any paper maps that you can get your hands on; there are many free ones at tourist information kiosks.
6. Know how to use a stick shift.
7. The car rental company we used, GoldCar, has offices around Europe.
8. Ask the company if they will pick-up and/or drop-off at your hotel location.
9. Our company charged the same price for 1 day, 2 days or 3 days; in other words, it is really a three day rental however you can return it early if you choose, but there will be no refund.
10. Sit back, relax, enjoy the journey.
Though that arch, take a quick right, then left and before going up the long long long ramp of stairs, that we walked up and down far too many times, there is a great vegetarian restaurant called Páprika...
ReplyDeleteSometimes they have delicious salmorejo which is absolute heaven on a hot day...
Thanks for the car tips, we are renting a car in the UK next month for the first time, driving left seams easier than stick shift in the left hand, we'll see how it goes...
Jon, Thanks for the tip in Granada, but we are already gone back to Torreviejo.
DeleteAnd, as for England driving, I've done it in the past. It is a snap as long as you and the car don't mind bumping over a few curbs in the beginning of the learning process. Smile.
Once you get the hang of it, it's actually kinda fun and the accomplishment is like to no other. Really.
I can tell that you two are having a marvelous time, which was never it doubt. Thanks for sharing all the beautiful pictures and stories of your adventure. They make me want to jump on a plane and join you. Your travelogue is making me realized just how much physical and visual beauty there is in the world, and how I want to go and explore it all.
ReplyDeleteWes, Thanks for your comment. We love doing the blog, not only for ourselves but for all of you out there. I am sure that travel is the key to life. The inspirations, exhalations, exhilarations, anticipations and the excitement are beyond words. Really.
DeleteHope you are enjoying your retirement; we have never looked back since we retired.
Cheers, Roger and Ron