Travel with Julie

The Granada Alhambra--Spain's Most Visited Monument

I could see the Alhambra looming over the city of Granada when I first arrived.  It looked like any other fortress from the bottom of the hill -- not giving any indication of what I was about find once inside.  The beautiful lush gardens filled with cypress trees and roses, dancing fountains and reflecting pools, detailed carvings and wall-to-wall tile work kept me in a flux of juggling between camera and audioguide.  It was truly one of the most amazing places I've seen.

The Alhambra (meaning 'red castle' in Arabic) was the last of all the Arabian palaces to be built in Spain.  Built in 1238, it served as a fortress and palace for the sultans until it was conquered by the Christians (King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella) in 1492.  The greatest concern of the architects of the Alhambra was to cover every space with decoration.  Ceilings, walls and floors are covered with beautiful carvings, rich plasterwork, wooden frames and exquisite tiles.

The Generalife palace (more like a charming villa) served as a retreat for the sultans when they tired of their official duties.  To escape the heat of Andalucian summers, the sultans and their wives would flock to the shady patios and lush gardens surrounding the villa.

The Alhambra is one of Spain's most visited monuments.  It is best to purchase your ticket and reserve your visiting time well in advance.  You can do so by visiting Alhambradegranada.org.

Below are a few photos I managed to get (while juggling the audioguide!) on my visit:

Mercado de San Miguel -- The Best Lunch In Madrid!

Walking from Plaza Mayor toward Plaza de Ville on Calle Mayor in Madrid, I passed Mercado de San Miguel.  It appeared to be a very popular grocery market.  People were streaming in and out so fast, the door almost looked to be revolving. So, I had to stop in to see what all the hoo-ha was about.

Oh my gosh!  Mercado de San Miguel isn't an ordinary food market.  It is a magnificent setting of divine deliciousness!

Mercado de San Miguel is one of the oldest covered markets in Madrid.  It was recently refurbished with an iron and glass facade and a beautifully soaring wood and iron roof. The 33 vendors inside offer everything from fruits and cheese (more than 100 varieties) to fish and fresh pastas.  But, probably the most unique aspect of this market are the mini-restaurants--places to sit, drink and eat.  Shoppers, tourists, businessmen and women alike were ordering bocadillos (sandwiches), desserts, tapas, beer and even wine.

Some shoppers were purchasing foods to cook at home -- whole chickens, beautiful cuts of meat and fresh breads. While others were there to eat lunch or catch up with friends over a tapa and glass of wine.  I was most amazed to find an oyster bar, a wine bar and a cava (champagne) bar.

After wandering around for nearly half an hour taking it all in, I decided to join in the "locals" way.  I ordered a glass of champagne and strolled over to the cheese stall (yes, you can take your beverage with you) where I picked up an assortment of six cheeses. While sipping and nibbling, I continued to the stall next door for Jamon Iberico. Finishing my aperitivo (snack) and craving more, I visited the wine bar for a fabulous glass of rioja (red wine). With glass in hand, I made my way through the stalls for hot tapas and bocadillos.  It was a fantastic lunch and a whole lot of fun!

Mercado de San Miguel is open Sunday-Wednesday from 10 AM to 10 PM; Thursday-Saturday from 10 AM to 2 AM.

First Friday Foto Therapy

Isola Pescatori in Lago Maggiore, Italy.

Taken by:  Barbara Bardelli Rindge, author of TesoroTreasures.

Note:  Pescatori is one of the Borromeo Islands just off the shore from Stresa. Barbara's parents are from Lago Maggiore, and she fondly refers to the area as "my lake."

On the first Friday of every month, I will share a photo from my travels, or yours.  If you'd like a chance to see one of your fabulous vacation photos published on this site, send it (in .jpg format) along with a brief description to:  [email protected].

Cure your travel bug with a little Foto Therapy!