Submitted by Maya Blackwell on the 2019 summer session program in Granada, Spain sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to travel outside of the United States. Now that I am finally able to do so, I can understand why so many people across the world take time to embrace new cultures and travel to different countries. My experience in Spain, in just the few days I’ve been here thus far, have been absolutely incredible.
My first big adventures while here in Spain have been visiting the Albaicin Quarter and the Alhambra. The Albaicin Quarter is the oldest portion of Granada with winding, narrow streets, that you could easily get lost wandering in with no knowledge of the area. The area is seemingly like its own little town with cafes, shops, restaurants, and beautiful views of the Alhambra across the way. I love the white buildings and dashes of greenery and flowers along walls and windowsills. Being someone who has never traveled outside of the U.S., I have personally never had the privilege of seeing this style of architecture in person. The idea of living in a tiny community like this sounds perfect to me.
The Alhambra was an amazing palace to experience. When looking at old castles and monuments it is mind-blowing to know that these structures were built without the use of modern technology. It is not surprising that 200 years of labor went into this magnificent palace. From the outside you may think it is modest, but when you retreat inside you see the true grandeur of this wonderful work of meticulous architecture. Overall, my experience at the Alhambra was incredible and I will never forget it. I do hope to visit again in the future, but with tickets being a hot commodity, I’m happy I was able to experience it now while I’m young in case the chance doesn’t come around again. I could spend a considerable amount of time here just marveling at the architecture and pretending I’m in an episode of Game of Thrones. The work that was put into the castle and character it was given is unbelievable and something to be appreciated by everyone that is able to see it.
