Spain Blog #32: Granada: Washington Irving and Alhambra, Medina and a Moorish Lunch

L to R: Dan, Scott, Doug, Tom 

In today's blog about our Spain trip, we're going to share little tidbits that wouldn't be long enough  each for a blog, but together make for interesting notes: Hookah and the Rat, Medina, Washington Irving and a Turkish Lunch! 

Part of Alhambra's Gardens

WASHINGTON IRVING'S ALHAMBRA CONNECTION - The American author who wrote the "Legend of Sleepy Hollow" wrote a book about the Alhambra Palace!  "Tales of the Alhambra" is a series of tales and sketches of the Moors and Spaniards. It was published in May 1832, Consisting of a series of essays and short fiction pieces, it was referred to as his "Spanish Sketch Book." In 1851 Irving wrote the "Author's Revised Edition", also titled Tales of the Alhambra. Tales of the Alhambra is a collection of essays, verbal sketches, and stories.  It's still available on Amazon.com today! 

"WHAT IS MEDINA"? - Since we live on a street by that name, we were pretty amazed to learn that the word means "city" and is part of the Alhambra Palace. 

The Turkish Restaurant 

Menu from the Turkish Restaurant

L to R: David, Dan, Bruce, Scott, Gary, Doug, Rob and Tom in Granada 

FIRST EVER TURKISH LUNCH - Tom and I are plain eaters and we usually don't take chances on much food other than American, Mexican, Italian and Chinese foods. So, when our tour leader, Dan told us the entire group were going to a Turkish restaurant for lunch, we looked at each other not knowing what to expect. As it turned out, we both had chicken Kabobs that were really delicious. So, kudos to Dan for introducing us to some culture. 

NEXT: HOOKAH AND THE RAT!