Alhambra, Albaicin and Arab Bath House. 2nd May, 2010.

THE ALBAICIN.
We are staying in the picturesque old Moorish quarter in a delightful town house with inner courtyard adorned with an Arab tiled fountain surrounded by pots of colourful geraniums,and all heavenly scented with overhanging orange and jasmine blossoms.
   The Albaicin is cobble stoned and hilly with tiny hole in the wall tapas bars, guitar music and small street traders selling Arab clothing and jewellery.
The tall Carmens (homes with inner courtyard gardens) are white washed with wrought iron grilles and small decorative and colourful balconies.
    At night it is noisy with young people congregating in small alleyways and corners (rincons).
We have fabulous views of the floodlit Alhambra from our tiny bedroom windows at night.
    A procession of horses outside the Casa file down the cobble stones to the Plaza Nueva. Christian our host tells us it is for a festival of the Crosses tomorrow

THE ALHAMBRA.
No wonder this is reckoned to be one of the great wonders of the world. It commands a lofty position above the city and has splendid view of the snow covered  Sierra Nevada mountains which also provide all the waterworks channelled into the Nasirid Palace and the fabulous Generalife Gardens.
The palace has intricately carved stone work on entrances, walls and ceilings and the Moorish tile work is very colourful. It isn´t difficult to imagine life in the former harem of the Nasirid Princes.
   The gardens are full of orange trees with fruit and blossom, heady scented jasmine, lilies, wisteria and of course roses. Sunlight plays games with the waterworks and fountains in every garden and courtyard. Thousands of people vie for the best photo opportunity and many families are out today enjoying the sunshine.

THE ARAB BATH HOUSE.
A new experience for both of us. Greeted at the door of a dimly lit office,  we are handed a massage sheet and led through to change.
The atmoshere is set with soft Andalusi music, star shaped dim lights in the ceiling, curved lattices, ornate tile mosaics, rosewater perfume, candles and the sound of water running through the different bathing areas.
We are led to massage tables before enjoying warm,cold and hot pools.
   Warm sweet mint tea was given for refreshments.