Population of 250000, in the foothills of Sierra Nevada, there has been a settlement here (I read) since 5000BC. 47000 students in the University. Whilst clearly a tourist destination (The Alhambra is Spain’s largest attraction), it maintains a bustling, friendly/local feel.
There are tacky shops selling cheap tack; expensive shops selling expensive tack. To whom isn’t clear, most are empty. The restaurants are all doing a good trade – nice temperature to eat outside.
Cathedral – tick. UNESCO World Heritage – tick. Pomegranates – tick. It’s the city emblem.
What brings people here is the sprawling Alhambra Palace. Started by the Moors with their Muslim traditions, gardens and water features galore. Napoleon even gets a mention as he left a number of cannons behind. Somebody probably got fired.
In one of these “small world” moments we bumped into Kathleen from Pontardawe.
A restful rest day, to Antequerra tomorrow with Barbara on her saddle.
Travelling reflections 