If You Find Yourself in Granada...

Here are some travel tips to make your trip unforgettable!

1. Alhambra Alhmambra Alhambra
If you haven't toured the Alhambra, you haven't been to Granada- some people will go as far to say you haven't even been to Spain! It was originally a palace/fortress built by the Moors when they ruled Spain, then the Christian rulers used it after the Reconquering by the "Catholic Monarchs." It is the perfect representation of Spain's history, from the Moors to Catholicism. It's beautiful views and architecture are simply breathtaking. In my opinion, nothing in Spain tops the Alhambra.

2. El Mirador
This one is about the Alhambra. El Mirador is the lookout for a complete view of the Alhambra (see picture). The best time to go is at night when the Alhambra is all lit up and the city below is as well! Its beautiful, and its a treasured favorite among Granadans (sp??) as well. When we did our cultural interviews many said they loved to just go up to El Mirador and think or relax.

3. Flamenco
Flamenco is a traditional Spanish dance that is really difference from anything I've seen in the States. It is a lot more passionate and almost angry. The woman is very fierce as she stomps her feet and raises her arms, and there is always a spanish guitar and a man singing to accompany her. In Granada, there is even a place where you can see one of the most authentic Flamenco performances - in a cave! You are literally right up close to the dancers, so it is an amazing experience!

4. Tapas
Tapas are kind of like appetizers. While some people go bar hopping, in Spain you can go tapas hopping. You go to different restaurants, mingle and socialize with everyone, order a drink, and they give you complementary tapas - they range from different potato variations to meat to little sandwiches. But beware, not every tapas restaurant will give you the tapas for free, and especially in touristy areas, they can really overcharge. However in Granada it is customary to not charge for the tapas- just the drink.

5. Paella
If you're in Spain, you just gotta do it. Even if you don't like paella. It's just too traditional, and in my opinion, you just can't go ALL THE WAY to Spain and NOT eat paella. It should seriously be a crime. Anyway, paella is a huge family dish with many variations. It's on a bed of rice and can be all seafood or with meat and vegetables. It is flowered with a special spice called azafran.

And those are my tips if you ever find yourself in Granada!

And that's my two cents.