We're Here!
Well, here we are in Granada, Spain, after an 18-hr. trip.
The bus from the airport dropped us off on the sidewalk in the center of town. Judi stayed with some of the luggage while I set off in search of the hostel, 3 blocks away.
We managed to pull/carry/drag our stuff to the Hostal Lisboa, our home for the next 10 days.
As we were hungry and it was lunch time (3:00 p.m.), the lady at the desk recommended a pedestrian only street around the corner from the hostel which is filled with eating places.
We had paella, a famous Spanish dish. Yummy!
The rest of the daylight hours we spent exploring and trying to stay awake. Nightfall was 3:00 p.m. Ohio time, but we had slept only an hour or so in the previous 24 hrs, so we hit the sack and slept 11 hours.
Granada is a modern city in many ways, with spacious walkways,
modern buildings and breathtaking views! (this of the Sierra Nevada),
and many plazas where people hang out.
The old part of the city is very quaint, with its narrow streets,
old buildings and historical points of interest (this is an old Moorish inn),
and exotic shops.
After 10 days of exploring the city, getting residence cards, opening a bank account and enrolling at a language school, we said "good-by" the Hostal Lisboa and owner’s daughter, Mari,
and "hello" to Kevin, Wendy, Evan & Ellie Mayer.
We spend a Sunday with them, talking, catching up on news, singing, and then taking a hike through an old part of town way up to that pavilion at the top of the hill.
On the way we passed the “living room” of a cave-dweller - not bad accommodations!
and an olive grove with the Sierra Nevada in the background.
From the top we could see most of the city. We’re looking for an apartment somewhere beyond those greenish buildings.
The picnic was delicious.
Then we headed down into the city another way, past a plaza where people were hanging out in the sun, eating or painting the scenery.
We’re studying Spanish for two weeks, hoping to soon find an apartment for more permanent residence. So far, so good…