#MakutoMatata (Granada, Andalusia)

     Although we were tempted to forgo our original plans of heading to Grenada for our last day in Andalusia (in favor of spending more time in Sevilla), we decided to make the journey and visit one of the finalists for the "New Seven Wonders of the World," — La Alhambra.

     We arrived in Grenada by bus around 9 p.m. and set out to find a hostel. Once again, we failed to make a reservation for eight people, and this time, we weren't so lucky (note to self: don't trust boys who are convinced we can wait until we arrive to find a hostel because it's "in the guide book"... men and their egos). Our first choice was booked for the night, but the staff was friendly and found us another hostel with availability for us all—I suppose that should have been a sign. We navigated through the dark and narrow streets until we stumbled upon Makuto Hostel, and Mae and I literally stumbled...those uneven cobblestone streets are no joke! Upon entering the "lobby," we noticed an American man in parachute pants with a beard down to his chest chewing the largest piece of bark i have ever seen...much less seen someone chewing. After passing through the "lobby," we were outdoors, in the patio/common area. The bartender was casually dabbling in illicit drug use but I have to say, he made some tasty mojitos. A girl from Colorado showed us around the "free-spirited" hostel, passed the lone bathroom (which was filled with "inspiring" quotes about quitting jobs and living a life of  "openness"), the tree house and dreadlocked guests to our rooms.

View of the tree house from our room—complete with hammocks, old tires and beanbags.

     Matt, Andrew, Shayna and I shared a room with two other guests (although we never saw them), and aside from basically sleeping in the rafters (the beds were three bunks high) and there being no heater, it was pretty comfortable. Although I've come to realize that I prefer to stay in more...traditional hostels, it was cool to experience something so new to me, and we actually met a Spaniard from Valencia who gave us a few tips on what to see when we went back. Now that we can joke about staying in this hippie commune, we call Makuto hostel "MakutoMatata," referencing The Lion King song "Hakuna Matata," or no worries, because clearly the workers and guests there have none. 

     That night we set out to find some dinner. Most of the restaurants had closed their kitchens and were just offering hookah and drinks, but we followed a promoter to a restaurant called Kasbah and it worked out perfectly. Being the poor college students that we are, we're never looking to spend more than 10 euros on a meal/drinks, and we've found this to be more or less difficult when traveling. In fact, often times we'll go out for "tapas," (small appetizers that cost just a few euros) instead of eating an official meal in an effort to save money. Grenada, however, seems to have the right idea—every drink that you order comes with a huge "tapa" or appetizer...for free! I never really thought I'd be a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, but the shawarmas and couscous were delicious.
     The next morning we had an early start so that we could explore the Grenada markets. These markets had everything—mirrors, scarves, hookahs, tapestries, ceramic plates and those dreadful parachute pants. It  truly looked like stock from a Pier 1 Imports or World Market catalog, I only wish I could have taken it all home!

View of the Kasbah restaurant from one of the markets!

Cat and I looking at some tapestries to take home!

   
     Although it was difficult for the boys to pull us girls away from the markets, we had a reservation at La Alhambra at 2 p.m. that we simply couldn't miss. We were originally only 15 minute walk up hill away but the boys wanted to take a different route to see some "graffiti walls," that someone at Makuto recommended (are you surprised?). A good four miles later we stopped a couple on the mountain to ask for directions when they told us we were not even on the map we had been looking at, which was a little concerning to say the least. The views of the mountains on our little detour were amazing though, and oddly enough we passed real "gypsy caves," (not the touristy ones for flamenco dancing, these were small holes dug into the sides of the mountain along the highway) which really made us appreciate how fortunate we are to have a warm place to sleep back home, much less a front door and privacy.
    Eventually we made it to La Alhambra, and even more importantly, made it on time. There were so many people there, it actually felt more like an amusement park than the historic royal grounds that it is. La Alhambra was built in Mudejar style in the ninth century as a fortress for the last Arabic and Muslim empire in Spain, but continued to evolve and expand throughout the 15th century. It's divided into sections—the Medina, which houses The Nasrid Palaces (where the royal court lived) and The Charles V Palace (built after the Reconquista), the Generalife (gardens where the sultans and kings living there would relax) and the military section encompassing the towers.

El Patio de Leones.

View of the Alcazaba (military area) from one of the towers.

A fountain in the Generalife gardens.

     It was all so beautiful, and it's amazing to see the detail that was put into each and every wall, window and ceiling. I think had I gone in Spring or Fall (as opposed to winter) it would have been stunning because the roses and other flowers in the Generalife, and around the complex in general, would have been in bloom. I'd have to say my favorite section was The Nasrid Palaces, overlooking El Albaicin (a beautiful and historic neighborhood in Grenada).

Windows in The Nasrid Palaces overlooking "El Albaicin."

One of the many beautiful ponds in La Alhambra. This one is located in The Nasrid Palaces.

     Although it was a short trip, Granada was well worth it. It's history and beauty are incredible and it's a "New Seven Wonders of the World" finalist that should absolutely be visited by all.