26/01/2013

I've been meaning to put up all the pictures of the street art. The streets are full of amazing murals, these are only a few of the ones along my walk to school in the morning. I will definitely be adding more as I take more pictures

The colors. . . .

This one is probably my favorite, the quote on it says "Cuando no podría encontrar un repuesto, yo decidi cambiar mi pregunta", "When I couldn't find an answer, I decided to change my question".  Profound and amazingly beautiful? I'll take it!

This one is in the Albaicin (Albayzin? Albaycin? There are about 50 ways to spell it as far as I can tell).  Vandalism, or art? Personally, I think it's fantastic.

The Muslim influence on the art and architecture is incredible, I will be bringing back a suitcase FULL of mosaics and ceramic designs.

Plaza de San Nicolas! A bit of a walk up through the Albaycin to get there, but absolutely worth it! According to Bill Clinton, it's the best sunrise he's ever seen. I'll have to check it out one morning, I mean, who could doubt Bill's taste?;) 

Everyone on the Alhambra was taking pictures in our direction, so I decided to return the favor. . . muahaha

The Sierra Nevadas look like paradise

and again. . . Spring is fast approaching, and I have been assured that in a few weeks these hills will be covered in white flowers from the almond trees. I can't imagine it being prettier than it is now, but I can't wait to see it!

A vendor made Nicola a ring right in front of us,  he probably really enjoyed how impressed we were with his skills. This is outside the mosque in the Albaycin, the Albaycin is the oldest and hence traditionally the most heavily Muslim influenced area of Granada. Los Reyes Catolicos (Ferdinand and Isabel) did a pretty solid job of wiping out all the mosques and converting/expelling/executing most of the muslims, but there is still a lot of influence. We couldn't go inside the mosque, but the outside was stunning.

The Albaycin has so many amazing views. This is the Cathedral and the city from one of the streets.

A fiesta! I wanted to join :)

Another view of the city. I love the tile roofs and rooftop patios so much!

A lantern shop! I wanted to buy them all

But really, how cool is this? Too bad I don't think they'd ship well.

Some more ceramics/geometric designs. Islam forbids the use of  figures in their art (it's considered idolatry to have pictures of humans, animals appear occasionally but not often) so instead they have amazingly intricate vegetal and geometric designs. SO beautiful.

What better way to end our trip through the Albaycin than with some sangria at an outdoor cafe?! Missing my family and friends, but feeling so very very lucky to be in Spain today.

Planting flowers

The doors and gates are all so intricate! 

Those designs. . . . and colors. . . .ahhh 

The minaret of the mosque, from which the call to prayer is sung. If you've never heard how  breathtakingly beautiful this can be, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUHDYlJHaOQ . I could listen for hours. I wish that I had the time to take an Islamic culture class while here.

More doors. I guess you could say I like them.  . .

A monastery in the Albaycin, featuring a nice Gothic facade (yea, that's right, I remember about 12% of my art history class) built by Los Reyes Catolicos and featuring the symbols of Castille (Isabel) and Aragon (Fernando). The two united through marriage the most powerful medieval kingdoms and conquered Granada and Navarro (Basque country) to make the first united Spain. Since Granada was a Muslim caliphate previously, the Pope bestowed upon them the title of "Los Reyes Catolicos", "The Catholic Monarchs" for their work in spreading Catholicism. A nice little pat on the back for the "great" idea of the Inquisition. Good one. 

Another pretty doorway. . .

I love these pots. and all the plants!