First of all, a quick stopover in a small town, Consuegra, where one of the first western novels was published in 1612. Prior to that, literature was either poems or true happenings! Heard a funny story of a small, old, crazy country man who was inspired by tales of knights and decided to get on his small, old horse to find adventure. He came across some large windmills and decided to fight them, thinking they were giants trying to destroy the small town beneath them. I got to visit these windmills that the crazy old man thought were giants! Very cute little stopover.
City number one – Granada! History lesson here guys, sorry! Spain had been ruled by the Romans from about 250 B.C.to around 700 A.D. when it was taken over by Muslims from northern Africa. They in turn ruled for 800 years before the Christian empire fully conquered Spain (after several unsuccessful attempts). This added up to very varied historic sites, and mixed architecture and cultural influences. And I loved it. Granada was the last city to fall to the Christians so it is a "must" to see the beautiful Moorish palace, the Alhambra (it's Moorish design almost untouched by the Christians)! Intricate carvings, countless water features, and beautiful gardens (though traditionally they would have fruit and vegetables in their gardens, not flowers), it is no wonder why it is so popular. Then wandering through the street markets and the main square with its Catholic gothic cathedral, there is just something about Granada that makes you fall in love.
Next was a one night stop in Morocco for a “dip-your-toe-in" experience. With a walking tour and a traditional dinner it was NOT long enough!
Next up is Seville (my favourite Spanish city so far), Lagos, and Lisbon, to be continued...