Granada and Sevilla

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. 

Marrakech

March has been a crazy month in the best way possible. We've taken trips, had visitors, and made big life decisions. I'll start by digging into the vacation archive and talking about our trip to Africa.

As the plane touched down in Marrakech we passed a few concrete apartment buildings, a soccer field with kids chasing after the ball, a few meandering goats, headstones that jutted out of the uneven grassy hills, and finally, the royal receiving house marked by guards in crisp uniforms.

When we got to the city center our hotel's pick up service was a gangly  man who looked like he was perpetually walking under a low ceiling, with a wheel-borough in tow for our bags. He led us through the winding streets of the city center, past gleaming stalls in the souks, fresh orange juice stands, and the scent of herbs and frying bread.

Here are a few pictures of the city:

Airport

awkward pose in front of dried fruit and food stands

One of the mosque towers in the center of the city

We only had 2 1/2 days in Morocco, and it was all amazing. We were struck by how advanced the arabic dynasties weres so early on, and in awe of the chaotic stasis that seems to exist in Morocco today. Walking through the ruins of an old palace, and reflecting on the near impossible detail and beauty of the arab architecture and craftsmanship gave us a greater sense of appreciation of the different empires that have existed throughout history. 

A few pictures from the palaces and mosque- 

In the markets, the array of herbs, pashmina, lamps, turtles, jewelry and pottery were mesmerizing. Walking through the shops was like peering into an ever turning kaleidoscope of brilliant colors. Whether we were bargaining for a leather belt (all the way down to 6 euros, which Colin was very proud of), trying to find our way back to our hotel, or just admiring someone's monkey, someone always wanted to offer us a "very good price" or a "special discount, just for you." When we paid the snake charmer less than he demanded, he pointed to our bag of fresh strawberries as a last ditch effort for more payment. The commerce culture was different than we were use to, but fun and exciting for a weekend trip. 

Now, more pictures!

A shop that makes everything from used tires

We loved Morocco!