A weekend in Granada

weekend of November 9-11

This weekend we stayed in Granada because we had a class trip scheduled to go to the Alhambra!!

After a week of some midterms (by week I mean Mon-Weds), everyone went out together and celebrated!

On Friday we went with the group to see the Alhambra. Unfortunately it was a rainy day, but I still really enjoyed it! 'Alhambra' translates into red fortress; built in the 9th century, the Alhambra used to be a military fortress, but was converted into a royal residence for the first king of the Nasrid dynasty (Moorish rule). After the Reconquista of Granada by the Catholic Kings, another palace for King Carlos V was constructed next to the Alhambra. Now, there are five main zones to the Alhambra: Palace of Carlos V, the Alcazaba (military area), Medina (town area), the Nasrid Palaces, and the Generalife (villa).

Alcazaba 

view from Alcazaba

The Nasrid Palace includes three smaller palaces: El Mexuar, the Comares, and the Palace of the Lions.

beautiful tile-work and ingraving in the Mexuar Palace

in the Mexuar Palace 

Comares

Generalife

Generalife

beautiful sunset from the Generalife

most of the UConn group

My trip to the Alhambra was amazing, and I definitely plan on going one more time before I go home.
Friday night I went to a concert with the frisbee team to see a band called Los Aslándticos. The concert was really fun, despite not understanding any of the songs or what the band members were saying. Some of their songs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4AMJeN0h2w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWsZjUvBUa8


Saturday day I went on a hike with three other kids from UConn through the mountains. We took a bus 45 minutes away from the city and hiked back which, after getting a little lost, took about 5.5 hours (there were several breaks too).

At the start of the hike

mountains!

wild goats!

cool reflection pics!

Me, Anna, Mike, Pete

Saturday night I went to a frisbee dinner! I really enjoy hanging out with the team, because they're fun, but also because it's where I speak the most Spanish (other than home).

los granadiños! (people from Granada)

On Sunday the UConn group went to Córdoba for the day, but unfortunately I missed the bus that morning :( But I had a great Sunday anyway; I went to frisbee practice, did some shopping, and studied for the midterms I had the upcoming week.