Hola.
Allow me the opportunity to catch-up from the last 10 days.
The 28th - Friday a week ago was the start of our trip to Granada. 6 of us left that Friday at various times, including me. The bus ride was not so bad going - comfortable and I got to read the Spanish subtitles for two movies, I forgot a head-set.
When I arrived I had little trouble finding the Hostel I was staying in - The Oasis; the others were in the White Hall Hostel - who would not allow older people in the dorm rooms - I would have had to pay for two beds - Suck! This turned out to be okay - the price I paid was only 5 Euro more, included breakfast and only had 6 beds per room.
Our first night was casual at first - running through the rain looking for each other - hanging in a hooka bar until it stopped raining. The 6 of us (Brady & Ryan L., Erica & David, Anna & me) gathered and went in search of the canas with tapas - WOW! One place was busy so the waiter asked us to hang outside at the Barrel tables, which we did. Mind you the temps had dropped a lot after the rain, no one had a sweater - therefore we were freezing - oh well - free food with our beer - keep drinking - it will warm us up!
The brothers and Anna returned to the hostel - Erica, David & I went to another bar for one more - Ha - we closed the place feeling quite lovely.
In the morning the 6 of us gathered again to search for our tickets and the entrance to the Alhambra (the day's planned excursion). But first I had to buy a shirt because what I had on was way too hot for the day. Wanted shorts too but did not find any right off.
We climbed the hill and got our tickets - being satisfied and time to kill the 5 of them climbed to the top of the hill next to the Alhambra - I was self-appointed the duty of finding a key location to sample additional beverages.
By the time they returned Peter, Jessie and David I had arrived and were on their way up the hill. We had beers and tapas while waiting. Once the 6 of us were together we entered the Alhambra. Different than I remember as we needed tickets to enter and to tour the Palace. When Christian, Charlotte and I visited 12 years ago I do not remember having this much structure to the visit. It was still fun - we all spent a casual hot sunny afternoon walking about the gardens, palaces, fortresses, church, etc. The place is magnificently beautiful - with awesome views of the region.
Once down the hill again we looked for food and beverages - then we prepared to climb another hill to watch the sun set and see the Alhambra lit up at night. This turned out to be fun - I played Mattador with the cars and buses coming down the hill. The view at the top was amazing and we managed to find beer and topas again. - yes more (free) eating.
On the way down we played in a children's play ground followed by more drinking and tapas. Well ya know, when they are free - ya gotta eat.
Eventually we settle in the place Erica, David & I visited on Friday night. I should not have switched to Vodka - I was then switched off.
Sunday was a casual day of wandering around - snacking & drinking before the bus ride back to MAD.
My week was slow, not much work and only 3 days long. June 3rd is a holiday in Madrid, most everyone is off and many took a 4 day weekend, the city was dead.
Thursday we had a BBQ at Brady & Ryan's - awesome fun day!!!
Friday not much happened - had lunch with Paul - little bonding time - went to an odd movie for 2.5 Euro - I dont know - dont ask.
Saturday I rented a bike and rode around Casa de Campo for 5 hours and stayed in Saturday night. Sunday Brady, Ryan and their friend Conchi and I went to El Escorial and hiked the sierra. Went to a place called La Silla de Filipe II - The King had a seat carved into the stone on a near-by peak so he could watch the construction of the Monastery. It was a great walk in the woods and I had a great time. It was especially nice and civilized as there was a bar at the top of the hill where the Silla de Filipe is located. Totally cooL!
Thanks for visiting my update - more to follow - Granada fotos on FB
Hasta Luego
Beto
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