Friday the 13th: Visit to the Alhambra

In the evening after class we hiked up to the Alhambra, probably the most well known tourist destination in Granada. Its history is long and complicated, changed by the hands of nobility long dead and religions still strong. It is unique because it is both a palace and a city, apparently when it was first constructed the only vegetation existed inside the walls of the monument- a sort of garden paradise in a harsh wasteland. There are only six entrances in the entire complex, only one big enough to exit on horseback, and no kitchen. Instead of eating in a dining hall service people would swarm the area carrying food on silver trays, and gold pitchers of water sat everlasting in the alcoves of arches.

 The long hike uphill.

 

Friday the 13th, I saw four black cats.

 

Ticket for entrance.

 

Pigeons and cats are the only ones who live here anymore.

Hand of Fatima. The fingers symbolize the Five Pillars of Islam, the palm faces towards Mecca.

 Entryway.

 Playful sunlight and colorful tiles.

 

 Endless praise.

 M.C. Escher-esque

 The royalty demanded a city that could float on clouds, the architect's sensibility and cleverness saved his head from being cut off. This is my favorite photo from the visit.

 The Universe is on the ceiling.

 You can press your ear against the wall, and when hear people whisper into the wall across the room you can hear them as if they were speaking into your mind.

 A family outing.

 Primarily constructed by the Islamic, its breathtaking symmetry and geometry signifies the infinity of Allah, because it is impossible to depict an image that captures the omnipresence of ‘God’. Everything from the patterns on the tiles to the architecture were carefully selected and created to represent this theme. I can agree with this notion, and although the tour guide did not mention it, I believe the gardens also praise Allah with the original geometry existent in Nature either by eyesight or under a microscope. These people from the past were extremely intelligent and the most precise details were considered, it would be gross mistake to assume there was not a higher purpose or foresight concerning the vegetation. It is the combination of human accomplishment balanced with natural beauty that makes the Alhambra special, in my opinion. 

Twin trees.

 Rose wall.

 Arches of stone and water.

           If we could remember that the magnificence of the Alhambra lies in the patterns, symmetry, and infinity of geometry- then apply that same wonder to every tree, flower, and animal… what love, appreciation, understanding, and connection we could feel! The possibilities are endless.