Recuerdos de la Alhambra

Originally constructed by the Moors in 889 AD, this small fortress was built on Roman foundations. Gradually it expanded to become a sumptious palace. Our guide at the Alhambra was a brilliant man named Juan, of German and Spanish descent. He told us about the concept behind the architecture of this Moorish palace. For example there is a sort of hypostyle hall that contains 142 pillars. Muslims consider the number seven perfect. If you add up the digits in 142: 1, 4 and two equal seven. In many of the rooms there are five windows symbolizing the five duties of a good Muslim. The palace was built by king Alfonso the 13th as a permanent seat for the royalty of Spain. However, he died young, and his brother Philip the second moved the Spanish capital to Toledo. As we were boarding the bus we came upon a group of schoolchildren. I asked who wanted to speak English with me. All hands went up they began speaking English and I begin practicing Spanish. After visiting the palace we had a nice dinner a paella and roasted chicken. Finally we drove back to the ship by way of the coast road. Tonight we plan to go to the restaurant downstairs to have a meal of prime rib Yorkshire pudding and a good wine.Read more