A band passes by An old lady hangs out in the middle of the square Entrance of a house in Albaicin View of a superb building Touches of light on the contrasts of Granada Iglesia de San Cristobal Most beautiful view of the old quarters, the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada Plaza Larga - socialising in the heart of Albaicin
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The houses are richly decorated with plates and plants, in a style reminiscent of Portuguese azulejo, yet richer still. I doze off on a bench to recover, while the bustle continues around me, awoken later by a passing band of guitarists. Walking on, from the crowds to empty places, I get lost near the old Nazrid fortifications, until I reach my goal of the Mirador de San Cristobal. From here, the view is also fantastic, towards the valley, and also in seeing the backdrop of the snowy Sierra Nevada behind both the Alhambra and Albaicin. The sixteenth century church was one of the features making the view more appreciable from the other side, but it is closed at this time. Despite noisy scooters of the teenagers, the city is very enjoyable, with many benches to allow the visitors and locals to enjoy the view and passage of time outdoors. I reach the busy Plaza Larga, where people seem to meet each week since generations, and queue up in the Casa Pasteles, a hugely popular pastry shop serving me delicious mille-feuilles. My wanderings allow me to pass through quiet streets and appreciate how amazing the houses are inside, as doors and courtyards are left open for fresh air and warmth. There seems to be a religious edifice around every corner, yet the Moorish character is well preserved and continued. The twelfth century Torre de Erica sees me out of the Albaicin, a timeless gate into a district that has preserved a unique charm.
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