HAERR TRIPPIN'

Small Town Fun... New Home Happiness

After spending the morning renting cars to transport six people and all the gear needed, we headed to our next home in Granada... but not without a detour for lunch (I will always detour for food).

When choosing our path onward, we decided to stay coastal and dine in Nerja until we read this, "Costa del Sol towns come in pairs: the famous beach with little history, and its smaller yet much more historic partner established a few miles inland, safely out of reach of the Barbary pirate raids that plagued this coastline for centuries. Nerja is a good example of this pattern. Whereas it has almost no history and was just an insignificant fishing village until tourism hit, its more historic sister, Frigiliana, hides out in the nearby hills. The Barbary pirate raids were a constant threat. In fact, the Spanish slang for the coast is clear is 'no hay moros en la costa' (there are no Moors on the coast)." Needless-to-say, we chose Frigiliana.

Our introduction to the town came via this kiosk, Casita der la infomación y fantasia. You deposit 1€ in the slot of your language and "The Moor and his parrot" tell you the interesting history of Frigiliana. The kids loved it.

It is called the city of three cultures because Jews, Christians, and Moors lived here, in harmony, for years.

Our delicious meal was provided by Nueva Tahona. We all agreed that it was our best dining of the trip thus far.

We were only here briefly so we mainly meandered and admired. Historical plaques and tiled signs were proudly everywhere. The one for this cool building read, "The old silo was built in 1767 where surplus grain was kept in the years of good harvest to be distributed when there was a bad harvest. Although the pósito (the warehouse) was mentioned in 1749, it is very likely that it was established in 1640, the year in which Frigiliana became an independent town."

The ride to Granada was one that felt a little like home as we skirted the snowcapped Sierra Nevada.

Getting to our apartment was a logistics challenge with conflicting GPS, too many one-way impossibly narrow streets, and helpful Spaniards with opinions.

But once we arrived home, it was so worth it. There is no way any photo can do this place justice but here's the link to the Airbnb listing... WOWSERS.

Each of us believes that this is the coolest space we've ever stayed in. Located in the historic heart of Granada with a patio overlooking its most famous sight- The Alhambra.

After putting the children to bed, us adults watched the sun set and marveled as the palace illuminated. This next travel chapter promises to be even better than the last.

Chateaubriand said, “Granada, last refuge from a tiring life. Eternal garden, shows remnants of paradise that still remain, in only very few privileged places on earth”

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Our Last Days in Marbella...

We move on to our next home tomorrow. We have spent that last few days just delighting in all Marbella had to offer.

There is no way to explain all the magical aspects of this special location but hopefully these images will help.

This is the view from our seventh floor apartment, pre-sunrise. We spent a great deal of time looking out this window watching life in the city happen. The kids loved this.

The sunrises was spectacular, too.

Around every corner there was something at which to marvel.

This bakery was a frequent stop.

Each street crossing was indicated by this delightful guy. What fun.

The public library was exceptional and a wonderful reprieve.

A common sight were the imposing Castle Walls (Murallas del Castillo) which were once part of an enclosed Moorish citadel built in the 10th century.

The Caliphate of Cordoba constructed a citadel, the Alcabaza, and wall to protect the town of Marbella which at the time had a citadel and mosque, surrounded by orchards of figs and mulberry trees for silk. Two defensive towers, known as El Castilo, were also built using some materials from the Roman period, such as Ionic Capitals (above) used on the Polvora Tower.

I own a collection of these little clay figurines from my first trip to Spain in 1970 and seeing them was very nostalgic.

A highlight was a visit to the uniquely wonderful, and completely free, Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving (El Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo).

Engravings and graphic pieces are the focus at this art museum which is located in the 16th century Hospital Bazán. Way cool.

Almost every street houses a shrine.

This one pays homage to the Virgin of El Carmen, one of the invocations for the Virgin Mary. She is considered by Spanish fishermen to be their loyal guardian and holds the title of Patron awarded by the Armada (Spanish Navy).

Our longest, most Spanish feeling meal was had here at El Boqueron.

Tapas, tapas, and more tapas!

The street mosaics, in Old Town, impressed. The elaborateness of each was enough to make one pause to admire the craftmanship. The time it took to construct these pedestrian masterpieces was mind-blowing.