Granada + Danielle
Back in March we took a few trips around Spain with friends and
family. First, one of my college roommates, Danielle, came to visit and we took a trip to
Granada.
In Granada we visited the Alhambra, which blew our minds. We road tripped there with Danielle and one of Colin's college friends, Rachel, who is also living in Madrid. It was really fun to share this trip with them! Green
gardens provided a lush background for the earthy rose hued stones of the Arabic palace. The painted patterns on the wall created labyrinths of masterfully
interwoven flowers and vines. Overlaid on the Arab artwork were western seals,
latin letters, and an occasional regal lion. The clash of the two cultures told
a complicated story about the first inhabitants of the castle and the ensuing conquerors.
In the present-day peace of the grounds and academic attention to detail it
felt far away to imagine this castle as an emblem of dominance.
Granada is a unique cultural melting pot for eastern, African, and
Spanish culture, as we discovered at dinner when the belly dancer pulled diners onto the dance floor for an impromptu lesson--hip shaking, hair
tossing, and smiles ensued. We felt for the young guy who was sitting by
himself though who constantly turned bright pink when the dancer paid him
extra attention.
Here's the photo version :)
Sevilla + Parents
There are a good number of British ex-pats in Spain who site the
sun as one of the primary draws away from the mist covered island.
Unfortunately, the skies poured rain almost the entire time Colin’s parents
were in town, and they didn’t get to see any of it. Luckily we had one short, but greatly appreciated interlude when we took the
train to Sevilla.
Sevilla is a beautiful city. Tapas bars line the streets; there is
a healthy mix of modern and historic, and again, the Arab palace in the city
drew us in with its inviting gardens and alluring mosaics.
We really enjoyed spending time with Colin’s parents. We stayed up
too late playing card games over a bowl of dark chocolate and nuts. I bought fancy cheese in John's name, but ate most of it myself. We tried some new restaurants in Madrid and we visited the Prado
for the first time! We loved showing John and Marilyn our life in Spain,
and felt sad to see them go.
John and Marilyn brought so much joy and wisdom into our home. We're so happy we have their example, and so grateful for eternal families.
