Friday, August 5, 2011

Spanish Edition: Granada

While Al Hambra is the most famous attraction in Granada, the city itself is quite interesting and whimsical.

It felt to me, that Granada itself consists of 4 distinct parts - Al Hambra, Old Arabic 'hood of AlBaizyn, fun gypsy neighborhood of Sacromonte and boring metropolis of contemporary Granada.

We stayed in a charming AlBaizyn, with it's whitewashed walls, narrow "kissing" alleys, mosques converted into churches and flowers spilling onto shady, labyrinth-like streets from the gated courtyards.

I loved it there.

Sacromonte. I'm not sure how to describe it. It's a home to almost 50k gypsies, and basically, it's a bunch a whitewashed caves that were made into homes and flamenco halls. It's up on the hills, a bit dangerous, romantic and strange place.

When Michelle Obama came to Granada a couple of years ago, she visited Sacromonte and watched flamenco there. There's a huge picture of her with Gypsy dancers hanging on the wall in one of the flamenco caves-halls.


Winding streets of AlBaizyn

One of 20 converted mosques. We lived just around the corner.

Isn't he handsome?


Behind the gated patio


Silly pic of me.  Typical AlBaizyn courtyard.

Grand Mosque of Granada.  Beautiful and serene place, looking out to Al Hambra.

Sacromonte


Gypsy Mamas

Cave converted into Flamenco Hall

12 comments:

i.r. said...

So, I've learned that AlBaizyn in Egyptian dialect of Arabic means "rotten, spoiled".
I hope I'm not being misinformed, like when I thought that Sheikha Mozah is named after a banana.

http://iloveeclair.blogspot.com/2010/03/sheikha-mozah-of-qatar.html

DIGITAL WORLD PAGES ARCHIVE said...

Salam! Cox maraqli bir yer!

This is also azeri blog...
http://urmudailyphoto.blogspot.com/
I follow Your blog!

Allison said...

Your pictures are absolutely beautiful - and you are gorgeous! :) I'm living vicariously through you, since I haven't had the time to take a summer trip this year, and now I'm lusting over all the gorgeous architecture and the different cultures!

Renee said...

It looks wonderful there. Awesome pics dear! <3

Followed you, hope you check out my site too! :)

xx
Renee
http://www.sugarstoned.com

Camille S. said...

Beautiful pictures :)
xx

Heroika Magazine said...

beautiful universe !!

http://www.younglington.blogspot.com

fotofacefashions -fff. said...

For fashion lovers Like you :
http://fotoface-fashion.blogspot.com/
please comment and follow!
love the blog!
thanks
xx

Danielle said...

Lovely pictures! :)

Haha thanks for your comment on my blog. I have to carry flats around with me, I wear heels quite a bit but I can't last all day, the flats are my saviour from blisters! Haha

x

http://fandabbydozie.blogspot.com/

devorelebeaumonstre. said...

pretty photos! xo



p.s. I'm having a sunglasses giveaway if you'd like to check it out!
devorelebeaumonstre.com

i.r. said...

First off - thanks all for the compliments! Granada is very photogenic :)
@Allison - u should go to Spain; Granada itself has an unusual vibe, but Madrid is absolutely insane city - full of passion, which manifests itself in dances, singing and fighting till 5 in the morning.

@Danielle - your blog is my favorite for now. In love with your dainty doodles.

Y'all go check out what I'm talkin' bout @ Danielle's blog!

Blogoholic said...

Hi!

Thank you so much for your lovely message on IFB, International Fashion bloggers.

I've snooped around a bit on your blog and I love it. Also Spain. Been there twice.
And I´ve just added you on Google and I would be delighted if you could add me too ...
Seeya in the blogsphere!

Lots of love Blogoholic ♥
http://blogoholiclinda.blogspot.com/

Walabean said...

Beautiful photos sweetie! <3

Thanks for stopping by my blog, Yes! I love those shoes too, the red is just so perfect :D

Walabean x
http://amys-beloved.blogspot.com

Post a Comment

 

Blog Template by YummyLolly.com - Sponsored by Free Web Space