The well of the eponym El Pozo restaurant Iglesia de San Nicolas Straight lines of the Alcazaba All sorts of ware for sale in this hippy land Lower Albaicin and the Alhambra Every plaza welcomes legions of locals for a drink Albaicin and neighbouring hills Typical decorations in Albaicin
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I must now return to the lowlands with the common people, If only to feed myself and continue the visit of Granada. All the same, the Moorish atmosphere remains well alive after coming down the Cuesta de los Chinos, as I penetrate the Albaicin district. I enter a small tapas place called El Pozo, named after a well in a sunny white courtyard. A young Spanish couple is reading the papers, while a group of Spanish friends has a relaxed conversation over a few nibbles. Blessed by the warm rays of the sun, this is the chance for me to enjoy more of the local culture, from the "vino tino" they say for red wine, to using the word "gracia" without pronouncing the "s", and simply the atmosphere and way people interact. After a nice meal, the contrast with the tourists is amusing, as I catch a loud American on the phone, saying the weather is ok, so there'll be no need for flash. I have managed to stay clear of this type of disturbance, and the glorious day is leaving plenty of space for all to explore the small streets, squares, hills and valleys of the city. Once again, the eye is drawn by the splendours across the hill, yet it is the Alhambra now that attracts the attention, as it stands so neatly, unchallenged. From the Mirador de San Nicolas, the view is stunning, so it is not surprising to find quite a crowd there, a mix of hippies with many dogs, sellers of all sorts and tourists. The Spanish prefer to gather on squares around tapas and drinks, such as the one just behind the church. I wander around, from small street to square, up and down the narrow passages, along the pretty architecture preserving Moorish influence.
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