Granada - continued

While waiting for the crowd to disperse into the palaces of the Nazaries, we enjoyed some liquid refreshment in Plazade los Anjibes overlooking old Granada. The second of my pens El Secundo has been replaced by a new red one which seems appropriate, as this is the translation of Alhambra - The Red One.

Known as the Old Royal House by the Spaniards, the palaces are composed of the most important focal points of the Alhambra: the Mexuar (council chamber), and the two palaces of Comares and the Lions. The Alhambra has recently been declared a monument of human heritage - beyond the architecture it is a creation of space, air and light. It is not just a space filled with a void, it is rather the captured amalgam of brightness and shadow, streams and flowers, enveloped in verse and sensations which transcend time. Rather good that, wish I had written it.

Leaving the palaces we continued into The Generalife, a retreat where the Grenadan monarchs could relax, away from the daily toil and bustle of the court. Entering the Dismounting Yard, we strolled through the various gardens and by the splashing fountains taking time to smell the roses and bruise the massed herbs. An army of gardeners ensured the foliage was trimmed and the paths swept. I stopped to express my gratitude and shared my sugared figs from El Gordo with a trio of green clad nurserymen. Grathias and adios.

We exited the Alhambra for the drive home to Riogordo and Shane considered the views over Grenada as the best part of the city - He is not a big fan. Exiting the A4102 at Alfarnatjo, we travelled along the narrowing track where we came upon a herd of goats complete with grizzled goatherder. We have just come upon what we in the tourist trade call a "Thank You God" moment said Shane.

Through a notch in the mountains we could see the local reservoir and were soon passing the Riogordo olive oil factory. After pausing to banter with another Brit expatriot, Shane dropped us off at No. 2. See you at 8.00am.