Alhambra reboot

I returned to the Alhambra in Granada with the Senior Missionaries one more time before heading home. The weather was beautiful, and there were a lot more flowers in bloom this time. We had a delightful time!

One of the beautiful flower beds. I have no idea what kind.  Jackie???

Two of my very good friends, Hermana Wiscombe (on the left), and Hermana Guffey. I just realized that somehow Hermana Redd got left out!  She's below though :) The Coombs and Frosts decided to sit this one out.

Some of the yeseria, plaster carved by the Spanish Moors. You can tell it's original because of the colors (red, yellow, green, and blue). They used decorated plain white plaster for the restorations.

We had a private tour this time and a GREAT guide, Gerardo. We saw things we missed last time, and learned lots of new things. And did a LOT of walking!  I took about half the pictures as last time as I'd already been there, and I couldn't dawdle as much trying out different shots and angles.

Left:  old city and city wall.


Right:  The "Guys", Elders Guffey, Wiscombe, and Redd.

Charles the V, Holy Roman Emperor wanted a palace fit for an emperor and ordered one built near the Moorish Alhambra buildings. He visited shortly after his marriage to Isabel of Portugal, but as you can see, it was never finished.

Stonework lauding Charles' achievments.

To the left is a bath house. There were three rooms, with a progression from cold to steaming hot water.

Inside the Nazarene Palace.  It was built by the Moors who were finally driven out in 1492, right before Columbus sailed.

Elder Guffey and Hermanas Wiscomb and Redd.

The Court of the Lions. It was a great trip, made even better by a great group of friends!

Spanish Night - Flamenco!

I finally got to see a Flamenco show! It was part of the "Spanish Night"  show put on by an extended Spanish family in Fuengirola. They also put on a Spanish horse show and serve a dinner, but I chose to just take in the Flamenco dance. It was very enjoyable, and I'm so glad I got to see this part of Southern Spanish culture. 

The show included singing, guitar playing, and dancing. It was especially meaningful to me because many nights I get to enjoy the music, songs, and stamps of Flamenco at my home as there is a Flamenco school right down the street from me. And I wasn't being sarcastic when I say I enjoy it, even though it often goes to 11 at night. I really do enjoy it!

Two of my fellow missionaries and great friends - Hermana Guffey in the middle, and Hermana Wiscombe on the right. Thanks to my fellow missionaries for many of these great pictures!

And the Elders that joined us, from right to left, Elders Guffey, Coombs, Wiscombe, and our President,  President Andersen doing what he is very good at - telling a story :)

And no, we didn't take advantage of those green bottles ;)

It was a very fun night!  Here we are together, from left to right, the Wiscombs, the Coombs, the Andersens, me, the Guffeys, and the Frosts. The only Senior Missionaries missing were the Redds. Next week!  :)