staying on

Today I wandered down to the cathedral and saw the Capilla Real, the Royal Chapel, where Fernando and Isabel are buried, along with their daughter Juana la Loca (Juana the Mad), Felipe el Hermoso (Felipe the Handsome), and their son. The Spanish sure knew how to make a big deal of things—two elaborate marble mausoleums were carved in tribute to the dead monarchs, and every available surface of carved woodwork was gilded. The great altarpiece had over thirty statues depicting saints, scenes from Christ’s life, and the two Catholic monarchs—even pictures of the conquest and conversion of the Muslims in Granada.

I passed through many artisans’ stalls, each hawking the same colorful Arabic/Spanish crafts: pashmina scarves, marqueta boxes, hookahs, teas, slippers, pillow cases, and brightly colored blankets and shawls. I’ve been tempted a few times to buy embroidered and embossed leather slippers, but none have looked comfortable enough.

On my way back to the hostel, I was distracted by street performers in the Plaza Nueva. I think I still hear them in the distance: three young men playing a drumbox, didgeridoo, and an electric violin while a young woman danced with finger cymbals.

Now I’m back in the hostel and I’ve decided to stay in Granada another day. Hopefully tomorrow will be my chance to see the Alhambra—tickets have been sold out each time I’ve tried. Then it’s off to Sevilla, my last tourist stop before I arrive in Aracena for my last farming adventure in Southern Spain. And then what? Who knows? But the suggestion box is always open!