Enchanted

Hi everyone! I think I have seen a lot of Granada since I last posted. On Tuesday, our program took us to the Alhambra. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alhambra). The Alhambra is probably the main 'tourist' attraction in Granada, and this is for good reason. It is a palace/fortress on top of a huge hill (it seems even bigger when you have to walk up it!) that was built in the 14th century by some Moorish rulers. This place is absolutely beautiful. There are several buildings as well as many outdoor components...fountains, gardens, and not to mention the most beautiful view of Granada. We were all in awe of this place! I cannot wait to go back...since most of it was outside, visiting the Alhambra will be even more enjoyable when the weather warms up. I can't imagine how colorful it will be when all the flowers are blooming! Most everything was dead since it has been so cold, but the orange trees (which Granada is known for) are still thriving! It was exciting to see the Alhambra, especially after all the amazing things I have heard about it! It is definitely a must-see for anyone in Spain.

Things have been pretty chill around here. Yesterday was a shopping day, mainly because all the stores are having massive sales right now. It is nearly impossible to walk by a store with a huge REBAJAS sign in the window! I've been pretty good though, I've only bought a pair of super-European boots and some house shoes. Everyone wears slippers of some kind in Spain, because walking around barefoot in a house is considered dirty and disrespectful. Now, the list of things I have seen that I want to buy....soooooo much longer. It will be tough to restrain myself. After all, I've got to get this all back to the states in a few months! And, of course, I've been eating....we discovered an amazing dessert place right next to the CLM. After going there for churros a couple days ago, we went back today and tried other items from the dessert menu. Needless to say, we may become regulars...dangerous. I also went to a really cool Middle Eastern tapas bar last night, where we were the only Americans and got to speak to some Spanish people, which was super cool. And I should mention, Nati really outdid herself tonight when she brought over home-made pizza made with home-made bread. It was delicious. At every meal, she puts a baguette on the table for us to eat, and even with the pizza this tradition continued. Carb loading, anyone?

Another exciting thing, I booked my Spring Break trip with a couple of friends today! We will be leaving on the 15th of April for Dublin, where we will stay until the 19th. On the 19th, we will go to Edinburugh to spend some time in Scotland. We will return to Granada on Thursday the 21st, which will give us a weekend to partake in the celebrations that go on here. The week of our Spring Break is the week around Easter, which is Semana Santa in Spain. Apparently there's some exciting stuff going on around here, so we didn't want to miss it all! I'm pumped to have some travel plans coming together....next I have to figure out when to go visit Colleen in London (check out her blog, http://www.colleencusick.blogspot.com/) and Hunter in Paris (check out his blog too, http://www.hunterbboone.blogspot.com/). I think the rest of my traveling will be within Spain...with the exception of Rome, where I will travel with my program in only a couple of weeks! Time is already flying!

A very small cultural thing today, but lately I have been noticing cell phone use in Spain. Or should I say, lack thereof. As students, we don't use our phones much...it's quite expensive and a little unreliable. However, I have noticed, in general, that Spanish people don't use their phones that often. Most people walking down the street are not talking on the phone. I've yet to see someone answer their phone in a store or a restaraunt. Not using mine as much as really made me stop and pay attention to the sights and sounds around me...something I hope to continue throughout this trip and even back in America!

Well, I think that's about it for now...I'll share my Alhambra pics below. Love and miss you all! And a special shout-out to my Aunt Carrie...Happy Birthday!! :)