Setting off for España

Somehow the time is finally here, I'm packing up to head to Spain for the semester to "study abroad." I've been talking about this experience for many months and been up to my neck in applications and paperwork for much of that time, but a few chaotic months of preparation seem worth it now that this is actually going to happen - something that I've been dreaming of for years.  I will be living and studying in Granada, in southern Spain (Andalucía) from September 2nd until December 19th.

la Alhambra palace and fortress

I'm not sure how I ultimately landed on Granada as my city of choice, but it seems meant to be - anybody who has visited Granada will tell you that it is a magical place, that is saturated with culture and acts as a snapshot of Spain's past.  I've had my nose buried in guide books all summer and have been scouring the internet for information about my temporary home, and the more I read about Granada, the more excited I get to explore it's complex character and spend sometime getting lost in the city.  It is referred to as the "jewel of Spain" and an old saying goes, "there is nothing like the pity of being blind in Granada."  The city is breathtakingly beautiful, especially the well-known la Alhambra palace that sits on a hill above the city.  Thousands of people visit la Alhambra daily to see its gardens and Moorish architecture - Granada was the last Muslim stronghold in Spain until the Catholics conquered it and so, there is a unique mix of arabic and european culture throughout the city.  It is also the capital of traditional flamenco dancing and clubs, has a huge student population because of the University of Granada, and has a history of drawing in famous artists and writers.  I was lucky enough to visit Spain during high school with my Spanish class and spent a few brief days in Granada - what I mainly remember from those few days is our visit to la Alhambra and it's stunning scenery, and going to a tablao  (flamenco performance) that was mind-blowing.

Clearly, I am already in love with the city and cannot wait to immerse myself in it.  It seems like the perfect home-base, especially with my intentions to travel all over Europe.  So, within the next day I will be zipping up my suitcases, and getting on my long flight across the Atlantic with a blank journal, my guidebooks, and my camera in hand.  Assuming that I will be able to get my suitcases to actually close (packing has been an adventure), I will be off on my most exciting adventure yet!