Birthday in Granada

          I woke up today, like usual, to my host mother squeezing fresh oranges in the kitchen.  For the first time in as long as I can remember, I enjoyed a full night’s rest but I still felt disoriented and exhausted.  Nevertheless, I dragged out of bed for my last day of “Intensivo” class before my excursion to Córdoba and the Canary Islands later this week.  After splashing a dab of cold water on my face (Spaniards are crazy about water preservation) and enjoying my typical Spanish breakfast consisting of a meager piece of toast, I rushed out the door and walked into the bustling Granada traffic.  It wasn’t until twenty minutes into my daily power walk to school that Evan, my housemate, reminded me that it is my birthday.  It comes on a perfect day in that, not only is it my last day of classes, but I am living in one of the most beautiful cities with some of the best people that I have ever met.

Fast forward one day, I have just returned from Córdoba, a city two and a half hours north of Granada, with yet more incredible stories to share.  Today is a day that I have been looking forward to for the city’s historical bridges, mosques/cathedrals, and Jewish district, but especially because we had two hours set aside for the Baños Árabes, a heavenly spa-like treatment consisting of a hot, cold, and tepid pool, a steam room, and a soothing massage.  Indeed, it was as relaxing and enjoyable as it sounds, and my friends and I have already discussed returning for round two.  As I am sure you can imagine, the spa was to die for, but it could not compare to the breathtaking Cathedral.  Begun in 784 A.D., it was originally a mosque until the Muslims were conquered in the 13^th century.  Starting the next day, it became a Catholic church and it took hundreds of years before the Córdoba Cathedral was completed inside of the mosque.  Yes, unbelievably, the Cathedral that, had it remained a mosque, would have been the third largest in the world, actually sits at the heart of the massive structure.  This tour was definitely the most impactful that I have experienced thus far, and it took me by surprise as my sights were set on the Baños Árabes.

Aside from Córdoba, I also visited La Alhambra on Saturday, which, with over three-million visitors a year, is the most visited site in Spain.  It too was awe-inspiring with its intricate Muslim palaces and incredibly-detailed gardens.  All in all, the past week has been full of yet more memorable experiences, and I could not ask for a better city to spend my birthday.  I certainly miss all my family and friends back home, and I hope that my stories are bringing Spain to life.  I look forward to posting next week as I will be sharing my pictures and stories about the Canary Islands.  Pray for my friends and me as we’ll be flying out on Thursday for a relaxing weekend on the beach before starting back with life in Granada next week.

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