March 2017 - on the top of our itinerary was the Alhambra. I visited it in 1993 with my parents, but have only few memories. But this time we planned to see the gardens, insides etc.. The city has an intense arabic flair, probably comparable to medinas in the Maghrep. Narrow streets with shops with oriental clothings, baskets, spices. Also the Renaissance part of the city has still that charming flair.

We climbed up to the Alhambra and visited the outside areas as well as the court of the Palace of Charles V. Everything just beautiful, although it was packed with tourist. We did not make any reservation to go inside, and at the early afternoon we had no chance to get any remaining tickets. However, in the moning hours there are always a few tickets being sold at the machines, but you can only decide for a morning or afternoon visit. Of course, we could not leave Grenada without trying that. Next morning I climbed up the hill again, to be the 3rd person in row for the remaining tickets. Around 6:30 more and more people were joining. Finally at 8 the machines turned on and I could purchase two tickets. The Ticket said 9h, so perfect. Eventually my wife joined me and we went first to the Alcazaba. There. we had the luck to see the sunrise over Granada and the snow covered Sierra Nevada in the near vicinity. Finally, the tour for the Nazrid Palace and Gardens started. And what shall I say, it is just overwhelming. The many detailed wood carvings, the mosaics, the splashing of fountains: Its like being part of a tale of 1001 Night. The most stunning are the Muzqarnas, that remind one of stalactite caves.

Together with Cordoba, this is definitely the highlight of Andalusia and a perfect place to see how beautiful things were build in the past and how talented human craftmen/women can be.