The Beginning of my Semester in Granada

6:36 AM

Although I am definitely not a city girl, this city has quickly stolen my heart. With the gorgeous Sierra Nevadas in the distance, the unique Spanish and Arab architecture, the cute little cafeterías and taperías, and the all of the parks and plazas, this is like no other city I've seen before. And equally as beautiful as the city are the people in it. After just two weeks here in Spain, it's plain to see that Spanish people are all about enjoying life. They work, but work is not everything. The pace of life here is slower and so much more relaxed; it's different, but good different! It's such a great change to not be constantly on the go for once in my life.

Every time I find a new spot in Granada, I alway say, "Oh my gosh this is my favorite place in Granada!" That's how crazy beautiful this city is! But seriously, one of my favorite spots is definitely el Mirador de San Nicolas in the Albaicín. The Albaicín is the adorable neighborhood where the Alhambra is located, and the Arab influences are very evident here. It's on a huge hill and is full of narrow winding roads and the cutest little white houses. The Mirador de San Nicolas offers the perfect view of the the Alhambra and of Granada. The pictures can't come close to capturing the beauty. If you make it to Granada, definitely go to the Alahambra, but go view it from the Mirador as well! You can even enjoy some tapas as you soak up the view on the patio at the Mirador. And not only is the Albaicín one of the cutest neighborhoods in Granada, but it also has the best bakery in Granada - my host sister and her boyfriend swear it is! It's called Casa Pasteles Albaicín, and it's where I tried the deliciousness that is a Pionono for the first time. A Pionono is a round little cake soaked in a special syrup, topped with cream and cinnamon that originated in Granada. They don't look like much, but they are fantastic!


My host sister, Maria, and I at el Mirador de San Nicolas

A Pionono

The most exciting thing I have done so far is hiking in the Sierra Nevadas. We took a bus to a small village where we began a 15 kilometer hike up a trail called Silleta de Padul. I am not a big hiker as there are no mountains near St. Louis, but I absolutely loved it! It was definitely a challenge on the way up, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. And the view was worth every drop of sweat! There are no words to describe how breathtaking the view from the top was. Even eating lunch at the top in a fog so dense that we couldn't see over the mountain was simply amazing! I am so excited to go on more hikes during my time here!

At the top of the mountain - always reppin' the Cards!


The gorgeous Sierra Nevadas

My trip has gotten off to such a great start, I can't even imagine what adventures are still to come. The amazing things I've experienced here in just two weeks have made it worth missing Postseason baseball - And that's saying something! Until next time!

-Breezy

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