Alhambra, Ronda, and Chocolate Churros

Mom and Dad Rataezyk were quite the tour guides. On Tuesday Jack braved the Spanish highways to Granada where we spent the day at the Alhambra. Alhambra is Arabic for the Red Castle. It was originally built in 899 but then was renovated and rebuilt by the king of Granada in the 11th century. In the 1333 century it was converted to a royal palace. After Spain was conquered by Christianity the mosque was turned into a church.

We enjoyed exploring the palace, among the Islamic carvings filling the interior of the palace. It is one of the last standing examples of ancient Islamic architecture. I learned that Islamic art uses many geometric shapes and repeated patters, as well as lines. But you will never see any form of life represented in their art. Barely any wall was left bare, if it wasn’t meticulously carved in either Islamic calligraphy or design, it was quilted with various vibrant colored tiles.



A Saudi Neon prince among his Islamic Palace 







Our exhausted but knowledgable tour guide and photographer! 

Loving the tiled backdrop

Overlooking the city of Granda


Amazing variation of tiles spotted in Spain thus far (bottom right Green is from the steps of the Rataezyk condo). 



Pond in the Palace 

El Jardin 





Wednesday was a day of true vacation relaxation. Mama Julie, Brandt and I trekked down to the Benalmadena beach. It was no big deal making the descent but boy was it a climb on the way back up (especially with sand wedged in all sorts of uncomfortable places.) The beach was incredible, clear Mediterranean waters, but yes still quite chilly. We felt like true royalty lounging in the heat, running for ocean dips when the heat became too unbearable.

Mmmm morning reading spots 





Poolside 



Thursday the Rataezyks outdid themselves yet again, as we hopped in the car and trekked to the city of Ronda. I had seen an amazing picture online a few months back of this incredible city built on rock over the Tajo Gorge. The entire city is propped on the rocky cliffs of the gorge over the river. It was spectacular! How often do you see an amazing photo online of some incredible site somewhere far off in the world and then you get to actually see it!? We meandered along the street overlooking the gorge, and even passed one of Hemmingway’s residences. Again, these pueblo of towns are just full of character and life (cobble stone streets, tall lamp posts, flower pots on every corner, villa type architecture, and arch shaped cut outs in all directions).
Chocolate Churros and a Nutella Croissant 




Puente Nuevo (the New Bridge) over the Gorge 



Rataezyks debating serious fresh fruit sales... 



We have been so lucky to start out trip with Jack and Julie. Their home provided a great spot to just relax, get over jet lag and get a taste of the town as a local. They knew all the best restaurants, secret spots and were killer UNO players too J We will never forget out time with them, and hope to visit their amazing home in Benalmadena again soon.

Hardcore UNO players. I see where Brandt's competitive side comes from. 


Our last dinner down in the pueblo of Benalmadena (not pictured: the Marachia group playing in the community square to top off the evening).  



Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 15, 2017 at 5:36 AM

    Enjoyed show you both around!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJuly 15, 2017 at 6:53 AM

    Great pics in here! Lots of good tile research for your backsplash in your next kitchen remodel!

    ReplyDelete

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