Cordoba

I think we were both sad to leave Granada- I know I certainly was. But then we were heading for Cordoba, and that made it easier to depart. We went by bus. Spanish buses are an excellent way to travel. They have comfortable seats, big picture windows, and on this bus we even received a 'goody' bag- containing earphones, a bottle of water and a small cake. National Express, are you listening?

The journey took a couple of hours. And what did we see on the way? Why, lots more olive trees.

So - here's Cordoba.

A local bar. We wanted something to eat, but this place was jammed full, so we kept on looking.

I don't know if the was a piece of art or just a very practical way to provide seats that couldn't be 'borrowed'; the chairs were all set in concrete.

We watched this guy for quite a while and never could decide exactly what it was he was painting. Whatever it was, it was very - orange.

Last one from Granada

This was my second visit to Granada, having been there previously in the middle of winter, 2008.
This time, I had a lot more opportunity (and inclination- it's cold here in the winter) to wander around, so here's some of the other places I poked my nose into.

Some of the many, many opportunities to buy endless tourist tat. And yes, of course I did! That's what suitcases are for, no?

I loved the modern shape of the street lights!

Alhambra, in the evening light.

Musical Spain

Everywhere you go in Spain, there will be someone with a guitar; either making one, buying one or playing one.

This young man was busking outside Granada's fine cathedral.  He was so good, playing classical guitar, I sat for about half an hour listening to him. 

Later the same day, this group of Flamenco dancers and musicians  performed by Plaza Nueva.  It was one of the best Flamenco I've seen!

Making guitars in Granada.

Buying a guitar in Seville.

Around Granada

Dali inspired clocks- wish I had bought one.

The Cathedral

No idea where this was- it was just me being nosy and looking inside an open doorway! But it's beautiful, isn't it?

Another open door for Miss Nosey here to investigate. Look at all those legs of ham hanging from the ceiling.

Granada

The roof terrace at Hostal Landazuri.

The breakfast room.

Hostal Landazuri

Taken from the roof terrace- Alhambra sunset.

From Malaga, we took a bus to Granada. It's about a 2 hour journey. Spanish buses are comfortable and not expensive. When you buy your ticket, you're allocated a seat, and that's where you sit- woe betide you if you plonk yourself down in the seat that rightfully belongs to a Spaniard! It won't matter that you don't speak Spanish, you'll know you've been 'told'.  I learned that the first time, several years ago.
The road to Granada is through groves of olive trees; many, many olive trees. Millions of 'em. No wonder olive oil is a major export!
Once we arrived in Granada, we got a taxi to where we were staying - the completely charming Hostal Landazuri. Every room is a bit different, there is artwork everywhere and the top floor is a lovely roof terrace where you can sip an evening glass of wine and watch the sun set on Alhambra. While you're there with that glass of wine, you may as well eat some olives. Someone has to.