Well here we are again after a brief interlude, and apologies to my readers for a short break while that pair went gallivanting round Grenada and left me in Priscilla on my lonesome (they did note the sleep dust in my eyes when they got back-well just), They looked liked they had aged 10 years, and had been riding horses bareback. They would like me to tell all those interested, that should they visit the Alhambra Palace, take the BUS, unless you are training for the 2012s. All they said was it’s a long way up and you don’t get oxygen on the way !. Apparently there are two pedestrian routes but both are really steep, as the Palace looks over the city (there are some pics which proof it ). There is a good bus service from the city, so take it.
Granada city centre with the snow capped mountains behind
When they had recovered enough to talk coherently they chatted about the trip, and how Spanish the experience was. They were amazed at how well the system had been thought up to control the numbers of people invading this beautiful monument. However it does fall apart a bit in the execution. Meaning full signs in any language would be helpful, because there is a system, which has to be followed. They had booked in advance and were told to go to the machines in the entrance Pavilion, with the credit card that they were bought on. Well yes, while they were gasping for air having reached the Arrival Pavilion, which is the highest point, there was a long queue of people who had not booked. A small sign pointed to a route (with no people) saying booking collection. The only place it went to was the tourist info counter, who helpfully told them to go further into the arrival area. They did and found a line of machines with only two people at, you popped in your card, and out popped the tickets, they only thing was there were no signs saying they were there. Anyway having the tickets they asked where the entrance was – Guess – yes half way down the hill they had walked up. The Palace apparently is huge with fantastic gardens, and views of the city to die for. The one thing that has to worked round is, when you book you choice (if done in advance) the time for the viewing of the Palace of Naziria, it’s a 30 minute slot, if you arrive late that it you don’t get in, and you cannot get in earlier. So as you go round you have to be certain not to end up going through exit before your booked time. The staff try to tell you this but its not easy to understand the system, and there are many trying to beat it, and queue jump, but the staff make sure they fail. Lots of people reading the tickets with bar code machines (whatever they are), and then saying no – bar code says no! They are very happy they got in but understand why people say it can be exhausting in the summer with the heat up there, but you have to see it. (not possible for us dogs I add !!) although they did say I would have liked the vast gardens with ponds the size of lakes everywhere, a water feature lovers paradise. The city they said also was also great, although they did look at much of it, there are quite a number of other sights to see! I have allowed them to include some pictures on my Blog. They did say I would have been worn out, but I am not so sure.
What great views from the Palace
Now you see how high you climb to get to the Alhambra
Where did I leave off – oh yes the odd assortment of vans and people.
The lady who looked like she had lost her pearls turned out to be quite nice. She was from Belgium. She and he husband had a smart new Italian van. They were just about to set off from the site the following morning when dad noticed they still had their steps down. A few others noticed this too. All attempts to close the steps failed. Buttons were being pressed – nothing. Lots of people went over to try give them advice. They were about to set off with 2 feet of steps sticking out, and then finally dad went over and started reading through their instruction manual. In the end, he pulled out a roll of gaffer tape and offered it to them – for those of your remember the last trip, we always now carry a plentiful supply. Finally, he crawled under the van and realized that they must have hit something and the steps were all bent. We waved them on their way with gaffer tape holding up the steps. Our next-door neighbours had been at Seville when we were there. They had a little Smart car on tow, dads were having a good old chat with them over the late afternoon wine. I got lost of fuss from all as the congregation increased in size. There was a lot of satellite dishes being twisted and turned, so Guy went out to chat and tell them about the 3deg turn. Lots of glazed faces, some more turning then they went back in their boxes. Never did get to sniff with the Husky, or was he just a figment of my imagination? At some point the guy driving the van painted in army green was on his roof, thought he was using his top box as a bedroom!
A casual walk about, dad looks as though he's found somting interesting
The deli on site got a hammering, they decided the bin of red wine they had said was rubbish, so they got some bottles to last them over night (what’s the word I am thinking of – wino!).
So off to the coast today, less than an hour to Motril, then 5km to the site ,Don Cactus. It’s big about 440 pitches, a huge swimming pool which we are next to. A bar restaurant, supermarket (if its open – due to ……..building works going on – it is Spain !)
Granada city centre with the snow capped mountains behind
When they had recovered enough to talk coherently they chatted about the trip, and how Spanish the experience was. They were amazed at how well the system had been thought up to control the numbers of people invading this beautiful monument. However it does fall apart a bit in the execution. Meaning full signs in any language would be helpful, because there is a system, which has to be followed. They had booked in advance and were told to go to the machines in the entrance Pavilion, with the credit card that they were bought on. Well yes, while they were gasping for air having reached the Arrival Pavilion, which is the highest point, there was a long queue of people who had not booked. A small sign pointed to a route (with no people) saying booking collection. The only place it went to was the tourist info counter, who helpfully told them to go further into the arrival area. They did and found a line of machines with only two people at, you popped in your card, and out popped the tickets, they only thing was there were no signs saying they were there. Anyway having the tickets they asked where the entrance was – Guess – yes half way down the hill they had walked up. The Palace apparently is huge with fantastic gardens, and views of the city to die for. The one thing that has to worked round is, when you book you choice (if done in advance) the time for the viewing of the Palace of Naziria, it’s a 30 minute slot, if you arrive late that it you don’t get in, and you cannot get in earlier. So as you go round you have to be certain not to end up going through exit before your booked time. The staff try to tell you this but its not easy to understand the system, and there are many trying to beat it, and queue jump, but the staff make sure they fail. Lots of people reading the tickets with bar code machines (whatever they are), and then saying no – bar code says no! They are very happy they got in but understand why people say it can be exhausting in the summer with the heat up there, but you have to see it. (not possible for us dogs I add !!) although they did say I would have liked the vast gardens with ponds the size of lakes everywhere, a water feature lovers paradise. The city they said also was also great, although they did look at much of it, there are quite a number of other sights to see! I have allowed them to include some pictures on my Blog. They did say I would have been worn out, but I am not so sure.
What great views from the Palace
Now you see how high you climb to get to the Alhambra
Where did I leave off – oh yes the odd assortment of vans and people.
The lady who looked like she had lost her pearls turned out to be quite nice. She was from Belgium. She and he husband had a smart new Italian van. They were just about to set off from the site the following morning when dad noticed they still had their steps down. A few others noticed this too. All attempts to close the steps failed. Buttons were being pressed – nothing. Lots of people went over to try give them advice. They were about to set off with 2 feet of steps sticking out, and then finally dad went over and started reading through their instruction manual. In the end, he pulled out a roll of gaffer tape and offered it to them – for those of your remember the last trip, we always now carry a plentiful supply. Finally, he crawled under the van and realized that they must have hit something and the steps were all bent. We waved them on their way with gaffer tape holding up the steps. Our next-door neighbours had been at Seville when we were there. They had a little Smart car on tow, dads were having a good old chat with them over the late afternoon wine. I got lost of fuss from all as the congregation increased in size. There was a lot of satellite dishes being twisted and turned, so Guy went out to chat and tell them about the 3deg turn. Lots of glazed faces, some more turning then they went back in their boxes. Never did get to sniff with the Husky, or was he just a figment of my imagination? At some point the guy driving the van painted in army green was on his roof, thought he was using his top box as a bedroom!
A casual walk about, dad looks as though he's found somting interesting
The deli on site got a hammering, they decided the bin of red wine they had said was rubbish, so they got some bottles to last them over night (what’s the word I am thinking of – wino!).
So off to the coast today, less than an hour to Motril, then 5km to the site ,Don Cactus. It’s big about 440 pitches, a huge swimming pool which we are next to. A bar restaurant, supermarket (if its open – due to ……..building works going on – it is Spain !)
We were thinking of you all back home as we sat in the warmth of the evening sun. Our neighbours had sent us a couple of pics over the week (thanks Kenny). First a view from the front of our house, showing a bright spring day then a couple of days later one looking like Siberia, (have put them here for you to see.) If I have time will think about you again soon!
Picture from in front of our house last week
Picture yesterday, what a difference, So next chapter tomorrow, after I have sussed out the dozens of mates who keep being walked by with their humans, seems to be a very dog friendly place. Sniff you tomorrow . Sorry mind preoccupied, will blog you tomorrow.
Luscious Leo
PS: to Kenny
What about a drive like this with pebbles set in concrete, a summer project ? - just joking.
Distance today : 80km
Total do date : 2875 km
Tolls : € nil
Best diesel price: € 1.07Lt
LPG € ? lt
