Monday, January 08, 2007
Saturday 2nd December – Granada, Spain
We left La Manga and travelled a short 3 hours to Las Lomas, a campsite in the hills above Granada. It is a small and pleasant site. We parked on the pitch with very little problem but again drew the crowds. The temperature here was a little cooler but still pleasant. There is a handy little play park close enough for the boys to be let loose whilst we set up.
On the Sunday we rose early to go to the Alhambra, a Moorish Palace built during the Nasrid dynasty 1238 – 1492. There are extensive gardens to explore with oodles of water features. The Palace itself has many fine examples of Spanish-Islamic architecture to admire. Wonderfully carved ceilings, superbly decorated walls, more archways then you could probably count and peaceful pools and fountains, all built with intricate detail. There is no doubt it is a beautiful place, and besides we did finally find some guns for the boys to sit on, Yippee! If you do decide to visit here be prepared to do lots of walking and if you bring young children be prepared to see them cavorting recklessly next to low walls, the only protection from a sheer drop on the other side. Thankfully the other site see-ers were more worried about our children then we were and panic striken faces alerted us to every dangerous situation.
On the Monday we had a delightful picnic next to a river in amongst the hills and then
Jon and I whiled away a couple of hours sat out on the sun baked terrace next to the campsite restaurant drinking rum and cokes whilst admiring the magnificent view of the mountains. The children entertained in the play park were kind enough to leave us alone whilst we contemplated life, the universe and everything. We both agreed it was the best moment of our trip so far. Of course we felt the need to text a few people to inform them of the situation!
