Estoy enamorado

For those of you who don't understand Spanish, the title of today's blog in Spanish means - I am in love. Yes, the news many of you have predicted and teased me about  has finally occurred. However, a word of warning - it's probably not quite what you may be expecting. 

You see, I've fallen completely and helplessly in love with Granada, the city, the area, the people and the food. The lifestyle here (at least in summer), is one that I feel very at home in and as it is a relatively small city, most of it can be visited on foot, my favourite method of travel (after all, I have to live up to my last name, don't I?). I've obviously used  the Spanish phrase a bit tongue in cheek as in Spanish this only refers to falling in love with a person. I should have said "me encanta" to be correct in Spanish, but this just doesn't have the same force of feeling as "estoy enamorado" .

When I first decided to come to Spain, one of the "must see" places for me was Granada, mainly for it's history. Incidentally, Granada in Spanish means "pomegranate".  Pomegranates are a very well used symbol of the city and there are hundreds of trees planted all over the city in public places. They are fruiting at the moment so will be ready for eating in September I'm told. So far, Granada has lived up to all my expectations and I am loving it here.

What's so wonderful you might ask? Well, as a person who can take or leave the beach, but feels very energised and happy when near mountains, rivers and nature, I get all in one package here. The beach is 20 kms south, the mountains of the Sierra Nevada are very close as well. These mountains include Spain's highest mainland peak and the region has lots of lovely little "white" towns to explore. There are two rivers running through Granada, both have parks and walks along them that I find delightful to visit on a regular, almost daily, basis. Combine this with the history of the place which combines 3 different cultures at one time as well as major historical events, lots and lots of monuments and museums etc, what's not to like?

The people have a reputation of being a bit sour, but I haven't found that at all. The food here is fantastic. Add in my other obsession and life is almost ideal. In Granada, apparently due to the Arab influence, there are many tea shops!!! I have been enjoying really good quality tea on a daily basis. Pity I probably can't bring any home with me due to customs restrictions. The only thing missing is a dog (oh, and vegemite).


 .