The Best Adjective

Twisty.

I've realized that I've described many a city with this adjective. Twisty. And it has by no means been misused. However, it wasn't until Granada that it really felt deserved. The Albayzin quarter of Granada (where my hostel happens to be located, but more on that later) is the most labrinthine mess of disjointed passages, tunnels and roadways I've yet met. I absolutely freaking love it! But it does make things a bit confusing. Example: one of the girls at the hostel gave me directions to the supermarket. I attempted my best to follow them but spent a good 2 and a half hours looking for the damn thing. Not that I minded. I got to see all sorts of back alleys and forgotten streets that most tourists probably don't bother with.

The other amazing thing about this particular part of Granada is the destinct arab/moorish influence on the buildings. Doorways are moulded with the pointed archway, tiles decorate doorframes and window ledges, and colourful blue glazed pots adorn wrought iron window boxes. Lanterns swing from balconies, deep dark wooden doors are meticulously carved in writhing florals, and there are inscense shops wafting their wares around every corner. It's still Spain though. So the favored white washed walls and terracotta tiled roofs still apply. But it's lovely to have a taste of what's to come in Morocco.

Now, a word about my hostel. The word is: Freaking awesome! Ok that's two. But let's not split hairs. The fact is I'm in love with this place. It has an increadible view of the Alhambra. A giant moorish castle settled aloft a hilltop in the middle of Granada. And there's nothing better than to sit on the bouganvillea covered patio at night overlooking that impressive fortification whilst listening to homespun guitar music. Oh, and they'll even cook you a lip smackingly goregous dinner if you're willing to shell out a mere 4 some odd euro. Ahhh heaven.

(Plug: Hostel Rambutan, how can you not love that name?, www.rambutangranada.com)