The Alhambra and Impulse Purchases

Some updates from the weekend:

Thursday: I BOUGHT A FLAMENCO GUITAR.

I know I shouldn’t have done this, because I complain often about not having enough money etc., but you have to understand that this was actually absolutely necessary (don’t roll your eyes mom). I’ve been listening through my acoustic playlists on Spotify and missing late night jam sessions with my roommates. So Thursday I was sitting by the river with Peter & Chris and a couple sat down near us and began harmonizing an acoustic version of Radioactive by Imagine Dragons. My heart almost burst I missed it so much! I like to think this was some type of divine interaction from the Gods (It makes me feel better about the purchase). After they played a few more songs I walked to the nearest music store and bought the cheapest guitar, and capo they had. Like I said, this may not have been the wisest decision but I’ve been significantly happier ending every night with a half an hour of

strumming and singing and messing around with new chords (apologies to my roommate).

Friday: We finally visited the #1 tourist attraction in Granada: The Alhambra

The Alhambra is a fortress located only 20 minutes by foot away from my apartment here in Granada! The ruins of the original Alhambra were ignored for a long time until a Moorish emir (Arab ruler) by the name of Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar refurbished/revamped the stronghold into a royal palace. After many wars and new rulers (I’m not a history major, okay?) the Alhambra was abandoned and left in ruins until the 19^th century when traveling European scholars discovered it and once again began the restoration process.

The Alhambra and the Generalife (hen-era-leaf-ay) gardens are absolutely beautiful and define Islamic architecture of the time. I’m just going to show you a ton pictures because it isn’t easy to describe the details of the architecture! If you want to see a full album of pictures check my Facebook.

(Thank you google for this first image..I have no ability to capture it!)

Saturday/Sunday: These days were spent studying (kind of) and laying in the sun in the park! I also went to a basketball game, because one of my Spanish friends was on the team! That was fun to watch, the game was so close!

Also, I hesitate to admit this..but since I already told you about the guitar I might as well get it off my conscience . I skipped my traditional home cooked Spanish dinner Saturday night in order to wait for 45 minutes in line to get into Granada’s only Dominoes Pizza. Am I slightly embarrassed about this? Yes. Did it need to happen? Yes. I miss my greasy American pizza.