*espana*

Jared and I had a fabulous, relaxing trip to Spain. We hit Alicante, Benidorm, and Granada. It's amazing how much you can actually DO on vacation when the kids aren't there. I still heaved a sigh or two when I saw a playground they would like playing on, or kids at the beach building sand castles- but it felt great spending alone time with JB.

Alyssa B's Top 5 for the Costa Blanca, Espana

#5 --- Sandcastle artists in Alicante, Spain

Jared and I spent our first morning wandering on the boardwalk next to the beach in Alicante. I found a new aspiration that I didn't know I had... to be a bum on the beach and build sandcastles for money. There are people who actually do this. It's amazing. Some are true artists... some are a little TOO creative for thier own good. You can be the judge-- check out the two pictures below.

#4 --- The desert

I know this probably wouldn't be on most people's top five... but I love the desert. I was born and raised in the desert. I hope I die in a desert... although hopefully not from dehydration, exposure or rattlesnake bite. I was surprised to find that this area was largely desert scape- not unlike my home, New Mexico. No wonder the Spanish conquistadores flocked to Nuevo Mexico to settle. It was great-- like a home away from home-- the main difference of course being the palm trees, orange trees, olive trees and beach nearby, but hey, imagination goes a long way when you have lived in a foreign country for 10 months. The mountains are what most reminded me of home. What do you think Mom and Dad?

The Cleft Chin Mountain

#3 --- El Castillo de Guadalest

We (and about 6 buses of senior citizens) found this little cliff fortress up the hill from Benidorm. It dates back to the 12th century and was protected for many years because the only entrance is from a hole in the rock below. We had a great time climbing up to the top and seeing the amazing dry desert backdrop contrasted by the clear aqua waters of the lake in the valley below.

#2 --- The Levante Beach, Benidorm

Jared and I had a great time relaxing at the beach in Benidorm. It is rated one of the top 10 beaches in the world and didn't disappoint. The weather was a beautiful 70 degrees with a slight breeze... perfect for relaxing. Jared and I hadn't changed into our suits figuring that there would be facilities there- somehow we forgot which continent we were on. The Euros had no problems stripping down right there on the beach. In fact, about 4 people in our immediate surroundings decided that they didn't need the top half of thier swimsuit anymore... yeah. So when in Rome... nah, just kidding. Needless to say, we were the most dressed people on the entire beach. Benidorm attracts a lot of elderly people (sun birds) trying to escape the cold weather up north. I had a great time watching 60 and 70 year old people run around in bikinis and speedos and saw tan lines in places I didn't know were possible. If I had any self image issues before I went to the beach they were gone by the time we left. Cheers to the half baked seniors of Benidorm!

#1 --- The Alhambra, Granada

I don't even know where to start with the Alhambra- probably because I don't have anything sarcastic to say about it. It was just beautiful. I always thought that the Alhambra was one building... but now I know that it is a maze of buildings and architecture bridging history between the Moors in the 7th century to the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella and on. It's built up on top of a hill overlooking the city of Granada. The city of Granada is made up of white buildings dotting the hillside with the snowcapped Sierra Nevadas as a backdrop. We spent hours here on the last day of our trip. We tried to capture the essence of the intricate carvings and artistry, and the quaint town, but for the most part failed. Here's our best shot.

Alyssa and Jared from Alhambra with Granada backdrop

Alyssa with Alhambra behind and Sierra Nevadas
















Some details inside Alhambra palace

Well, that's my top five. I give an honorary mention to Paella, fresh squeezed orange juice from the Valencia region, and the homeless dude with the three dogs.