The Alhambra, Granada Spain

     The American author, Washington Irving, came to the Alhambra and stayed there for some time. He made friends with the caretakers and those who gave tours - before the Alhambra became a major tourist attraction. He listen for the stories and wrote a few of his own, and it was all published in his book, The Tales of the Alhambra.  Some forty years ago I was given a nice leather bound copy and I was fascinated by it. Thus, this year when we were going to Spain to take classes in the art and architecture of the country, we added on a road trip that include four days in Granada with a tour of the Alhambra. It was well worth it. An added bonus is the lovely town of Granada. The central city is very easy to walk, and the food and beverages cannot be beat. It takes a very short time and you can get around like a native.