After a long day of monkey business, we moved on towards our next stop. We pulled into Granada around dinnertime and rested for a bit before heading out for New Year’s Eve. As everyone relaxed though, it became questionable whether or not we would find the energy to make it back out. Somehow we got everyone rounded up and headed out to the main square. The square was already rockin’ when we arrived so we found some space on the perimeter and settled in. We brought along some sparkling cider, and they passed out party favors and grapes in the square. Why the grapes? Well in Spain when the clock strikes 12, you eat 12 grapes to bring good luck for the New Year.The next day we explored the area, but most places were closed for the holiday. The main site in Granada is the Alhambra. Home to Moorish kings for numerous centuries, it is considered the finest example of Moorish civilization still in existence. Recently added to the new list of “Wonders of the World”, we were told the Alhambra is the second most visited attraction in Europe (after the Louvre in Paris). It’s always booked months in advance but they leave a few tickets to be sold the day of. So with no other options, Ann and I got up early and went to stand in line for tickets. Later in the day we returned with the rest of the crew and had a rainy, though enjoyable, tour through the palace grounds. The Islamic art was amazing and you can almost picture the Sultan's lounging on pillows and smoking their pipes.
After our day at the palace we headed for the train station and boarded the overnight train to Barcelona. Both families booked a private sleeper cabin, which worked great. Twelve hours later we woke up in Barcelona.
Angie working on her grapes.
Fireworks over the square.
Part of the Alhambra from across the valley.
The decoration throughout the palace is amazing.
Our huge family cabin on the train.
