It is very ornate and patterned, but does not portray images.

 

The Moorish style is in keeping with their Islamic beliefs.

 

 

 

Built by the Moors who once ruled Spain, the Alhambra has a commanding view of the city below and the mountains beyond.

 

The Alhambra is such an incredibly popular tourist attraction that we had to buy our tickets weeks in advance, andeven then they only entitled us to an afternoon in the place.

 

Kristen gathered dirt everywhere we went (an air cadet tradition).

 

Enter the gate of the Alhambra. . .

 

Gaze upon the creativity of local artists. . .

 

Taste the delight of paella. . .

 

I only got swindled a couple of times. . .

 

 

Yes, that's an orange tree!
Yes, it is ripe!
No, don't eat the fruit!
Trust me.

 

Granada

The first stop on our whirlwind tour of Europe was Granada, Spain.
We arrived in the middle of the night and had to pound on a ten foot tall wooden door with a huge brass knocker to gain admittance to the locked building in which our hotel was situated.

 

Eileen, my wonderful hostess.

 

Magdalen stained glass.

 

Not to be maudlin, but I really miss these girls. And Emma was such a great prof!

 

More of the same.

 

Magdalen College, where Lewis lived.

 

Violinist on the street in Oxford.

 

So, I'm not the only famous person who has been the the Saxon Tower. Shakespeare was too, when his god child was baptized in the church below. (Baptistry seen here.)

 

Cornmarket Street from above. A pedestrian street in Oxford with great shopping!

 

On my last day in Oxford, I finally got to go up the Saxon Tower, which has an amazing view of the city.