The Alhambra

I'm currently staying in Hotel Bali in Malaga and decided to do a day trip to Granada which was a 2 hour coach ride. Being dropped off in the city centre for an hour meant there wasn't really much to do. Apart from buying great ice cream of course and a large variety of tea!



The main purpose of the visit was the Alhambra. This was my second visit here. Last time I came here was in 2011.
The Alhambra ( as we were told by my guide) was also known as a city in itself. It features some of the last standing monuments left by the Moors who came from North Africa in 711.



Despite the Moorish authority of Southern Spain for around 700 years, that all changed when the Catholic monarchs conquered the city of Granada in 1492. Despite this, the Arabic influence is very much still evident in the structures of the building ( arched windows as well as Arabic writing) whereas the Catholics has square windows.



The Alhambra is truly remarkable. The Moorish influence remains within the architecture as well as the Spanish Language, which truly fascinates me.
OJALA - which means 'I wish' also translates to ' to God/Allah'. This shows just how prominent the Moors were when they arrived in the 8th century up until this day.

Semana Santa en España

Due to Spain's strong Catholic roots, a great or maybe not so great time to visit ( due to the crowds) would be during the Easter. It is very packed! Luckily as we arrived in Sevilla in the afternoon, the procession was just about to begin.

Having studied Hispanic studies, I was very much aware of what to expect in terms of the attire. As I am on a school trip, I had to explain to some of my students about something they'd see they may shock or scare them.



These people dressed in capirotes are known as nazarenos. Despite their attire alluding to that of the Ku Klux Klan, there is nothing sinister about it as many foreigners would think. These robes to show penitence to God and the conical part; to bring them closer to heaven.

Sevilla was definitely a favourite. I even had the chance to visit the Real Alcazar which I have to say was well worth it and nature at its best. It is one of the oldest palaces in Spain and originally built by the Moors. Again, 'alcazar' is taken from Arabic ' royal house'. The Moors I'll let the pictures speak for themselves!



Many monarchs made this their residency, including His Majesty King Juan Carlos who also stays here.