La Alhambra!

I'm half tempted to leave this post blank because I'm still trying to figure words for it. Most of this post will be pictures and even I can't promise you'll fully understand the majesty of this place. These are the times where I wish I had a video camera taped to my forehead and everyone could just get it streamed into their head. 

This place was...

surreal

incredible

majestic

wonderful

beautiful

gorgeous

intrinsic

exquisite

fascinating

lovely

glorious

mathematical (yes, I did not stutter, mathematical--you'll see pictures at the end and then you'll understand)

I tell you, I could spend days, weeks, in this place and still be in shock. La Alhambra is a castle, palace, worship place, and garden all in one. The castle was where the military stayed and obviously guarded the palace where the kings and royalty of the Islam leaders stayed. Just in case the beauty of the garden wasn't glorifying enough, there were places of worship also. 

Here is the picture of the entry way. It is shaped like a keyhole signalling the entrance into paradise. Above this doorway is a small picture of a hand, representing the 5 pillars of Islam. The thumb, representing the Shahada, the 1st and most important pillar, actually points to Mecca. 

The castle area had the best overlook of the entire city. I could see for miles! I could see where the city transformed; I could see the Sierra Nevadas; I could see my house! (okay so not really but you get the idea). 

while that maze thing looks like its for midgets, its actually the outline of the houses inside the castle

Onto the area between the castle and the palace...I don't know really what to call it, but it was sweet too! Here is what seems like a theater that Mandy, Greg, and I did a CUI picture =)

Next the Palace! I don't think anyone could have prepared me for the beauty within these walls. It was so grand and so detail oriented. Every single wall was 1/3 tile and 2/3s sculpted rock. The tile was always something geometry oriented (see, mathematical!) and the rock had Arabic sayings and then intricate patterns all across. Crazy intense.

Now comes my favorite part of the palace. The ceilings! Each ceiling was more sculpted than the next. They had more detail than the walls if you think that's possible! I could stare into them for hours. They are just so surreal and dreamlike, its incredible.

at the top and around the center, there are 7 stars. completeness =)

There is so much history and memories in this place, I could just feel it. It was a place where God was glorified even if its not in the "Christian" way. It was just fascinating to see His handiwork and creativity given to those who built this palace. So magnificent.

Lastly, were the gardens. I only have one picture because we had to sprint through it in order to get to the bus in time, but even through this one picture, you can get a glimpse of the beauty.

I know I will be here again. I'm without a doubt because it was just so much to take in for a 2.5 hour period. It was overwhelming but in stupendous way. I want to hugely stress that if you ever make it to Spain, La Alhambra is a must. Here's the wikipedia site that gives you more of the historic background.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alhambra

Fascinating.

He explorado, soñado, y descubrió