Granada and Toros

I spent the weekend in Granada. We got to see the famous Alambra, which is a castle built by the Muslims and adapted by the Christians. However, most of the Muslim Palace was left in tact. The grounds included a fortress, a castle, summer castle, gardens of Generalife (pronounced herneral-eefe). Although this was very impressive, if was just like what we have already seen but on a much alrger scale. I really liked the city of Granada--It was larger than Sevilla, but used to many tourists. We got to speak English for a little while, which was nice. Many people loved the city of Granada more than any city we have been. I liked it, but I didn´t think it held a candle to Rhonda.

We also got to see La Alambra get lit up at night. We spent a long time climbing the mountianous streets to get to the lookout point. From the lookout, we could see the sun set, and the Alambra light up slowly. It was breathtaking. We spent the night here. Then next morning we went shopping in the local Morrocan market. This was a fun place to find lots of souveniers... but they were all African, and not so much Spanish, so I didn´t buy much....

We returned Saturday evening to a house full of Spaniards. My host mom (Manuela) had her birthday last Thrusday, so they had the whole family over. It was also a good night because after everyone left, our host sister Lola and her fiancé took us dancing. It was a group of us, and about 5 other Americans and about 7 other Spainiards. We had met all the Spainiards before, and I think we are all friends.... which makes me excited...

Sunday though, was my favorite part of the whole weekend. We went to a bull fight. I can´t tell you how incredible it was. We learned all about the bull fight last week. In one fight, there are 3 matadors and each one gets 2 bulls. There are 4 parts to each bull fight.

1) When the bull first comes out, from a dark tunnel into the bright bull ring (they are colorblind and only watch for movement)

2) Picadors (guys on horses) weaken the bull with only 2 stabs with a long stick.

3) Bondaeros (3 sets of 2 each) are but into the neck muscles of the bull to weaken their neck muscles. This will make it more difficult for them to keep their heads up.

4) The final kill, made with one swift sword pass by the matador--only after studying the bulls movements for several passes.

The bull fight was awesome. Many of the guys in the group didn´t like it, but the girls all did.... The fight we went to was with smaller bulls and matadors who were trying to make themselves know. I want to go to a large bull fight now.

That´s all for the weekend....But this weekend, I really felt like I was in SPAIN, which is exciting!