Tapas Tapas Tapas

I specifically started a tab on this blog to talk about my travels around Europe this semester but every time I try to write about what I've experienced, I have encountered writers block. There is too much to say and yet I can't seem to find the right words.

Here is my final attempt!

Last weekend I traveled to Granada, Spain to visit my friends and boyfriend. It was easily one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Not only is the city situated in relatively close proximity to the ocean, it is a hop skip and a jump away from the Sierra Nevada mountains. The view of them was insane! Here are the top ten things I learned in Granada!

1. While visiting the city, I quickly realized that it was one of the least touristy places I had ever been to. Its what I imagined Lisbon was like pre-tourist boom. The streets were bustling and full, but not just with Americans or other EU residents.

2. Point one intersects with point two here. The streets were run with families! I haven't been around so many children since I was a kid myself. It was nice. The families all seemed so active.

3. Again, the previous point intersects here. The kids in Granada are so well behaved. No one was crying or screaming or ON AN IPAD!!!!! It was refreshing. My boyfriend is doing a home-stay program and his host family has two little kids. They had a little camera and took pictures of us while I was visiting their home. I hope he keeps up with it going forward. I really loved the pictures.

   1. Even though he only spoke spanish, and I english, he tried his best to still communicate with me. This kid (age 5) went as far as to borrow his moms phone to do an english practice exercise next to me! It was nice because it also helped me work on my Spanish.

4. Not speaking spanish in Granada is a struggle. As someone who took French as my language, I looked a fool at times. If I didn't have my friends, and boyfriend, I would have been so lost. My fantastic boyfriend went as far as to write me a list of words and phrases to help me get around by myself.

5. Granada Fordham is amazing. I was so proud of my people there for how much they are immersing themselves. Each day, they are testing their spanish and going above and beyond to adapt to Granada's culture and family life. It was inspiring! As soon as I got back to London, I downloaded a bunch of french apps and songs. I want to keep up with my own language as much as possible, even though its not primarily spoken here in the UK

6. Granada really is the city that never sleeps. When my friends said this, I laughed. I didn't believe it. But no, it really is true. Going to bed at 3am felt the same as going to bed at 9pm here. The bars were busy at 4am! Dinner started at 10, earliest and lasted hours. I loved it.

7. Tapas!!!! Big lunch, siesta, and tapas for dinner. Several restaurants bring out free foods on the house. It was so nice! Such a surprise. The tapas were all so good. And with wine!!! so cheap and so delicious.

8. Speaking of siesta- wow! I love the afternoon napping. It's so nice having a little midday break. It really prepares you for the long night. It made the days feel so much longer.

9. The people are so nice and air bnb is the way to go. Our host was so sweet! There was a payment issue and she let us pay by cash the second night at a discounted rate. We had a great place to stay in a great area and it wast 34 euros. We were able to book day of. Originally I had a hostel that was relatively the same price. It was not great. Air bnb gave me a lot more bang for my buck.

10. Arab influence! There is amazing Arabic architecture and food. Shwarma was so good. I totally missed out and didn't find out about the Al Ándalus Arab bath houses until after i left. Great reason to go back though.

There are a million more things I could say about Granada. I loved this trip sooo much. I am so excited for my friends who are studying there and I hope to go visit again soon!