Submitted by Anna Hemelt on the 2018 fall semester study abroad program in Granada, Spain…
This weekend, I stayed in the province of Granada, but I was able to visit a different city. My friends and I went with the CLM program at the University of Granada to Alpujarras, Granada, Spain. Half of the Alpujarras region is located in the province of Granada and that is where we went. The journey up all the mountains was treacherous, but only took about an hour and a half. We stopped in Pampeira and Capiliera, and were able to experience the small town culture. There were handmade rugs being sold in both places, as well as handcrafted antiques and touristy souvenirs. We also were able to sample some chocolate from a small chocolate factory which was delicious. These towns are definitely much less touristy than any of the cities I’ve been to during my time in Europe.
We ate lunch at a small family-run restaurant and the food was delicious. Authentic Alpujarras lunch and dinner cuisine includes a plate of patatas pobres, which includes sliced potatoes and peppers cooked in olive oil, a fried egg, and chorizo and cerdo (pork). These towns are very similar to those of northern Africa. The buildings are painted all white and the towns are built into the side of a mountain. From one of the lookout points, we could actually see the Mediterranean Sea. I am so glad I was able to experience this part of Spain that many travelers or students who are studying abroad don’t get to experience!
