There is nothing like experiencing a sunrise through barely awake eyes, past the hole in the curtain, over glowing green lands and the hilly countryside near Granada, Spain.
We took an overnight train to Granada.
I am in a sleepy, stuffy second class overnight train compartment. It is quiet and almost 9 am.
Everyone around me is fighting off the stiff necks, sleepy arms, and are trying to open their puffy eyes.
I think our train left at around 11pm yesterday.
During the night, looking out the window was awesome as well. I was only able to see purple and black shapes, guessing what we were riding through. Now the sky is blue, the grass is green and the sun is yellow. Our ever pushing little train is bringing us closer and closer to Granada.
It's amazing, if you think about it. The process of travel. All you really have to do is make up a plan, using the ever-so-convenient world wide web. Then, just make sure that your body gets there. It's easier than you'd think.
I find it simply amazing that I am here. I am on a night train. How did I get here? How did i know where to go? I don't know, I guess I just figured it out. It's crazy that a little Fresnen like me could get here. Cool. Instead of sleeping, tucked away behind the doors of my room for over 10 years, I am on a night train. A train at night. Well it's morning now. But, think about this. No one back home can pinpoint where I am. Quite exhilarating.
Later that day...
Well, I have a lot to write. Yesterday was an interesting day leading into today's interesting day. Tina and I just chilled all day waiting for our night train. We laid out, walked around, explored, etc. I read most of The Wedding yesterday. The overnight train was okay, it definitely not what I expected, with my overnight trains in Italy to Venice. It was LOADS more safe, but I was loads less comfortable. That's okay with me. I'd rather be safe.
We got to Granada and had the hardest time finding our hostel. We walked for the longest time and it was very frustrating as our bags were heavy. The good thing is, that the Spanish are a lot more helpful when asking for directions. After a while we found the "Funky Hostel." But it all got better after this:
We went to a Hammam today. This is an Arabic bath. The most glorious thing of my life.
It was such an awesome experience. We entered into the locker room and then into a cool, cave-like, tile lined room lit with candles and the smell of incense in the air. The first room was like a waiting room with the most amazing tea ever. It was cute in sterling silver tea pots all vintage. I believe it was chai tea. So good. I had like 10 cups. Complimentary.
Getting on with the Hammam. There were three different baths. One was freezing cold, the other was burning hot, and the last was warm and deep. People would go in and out of the baths as they pleased and it was extremely relaxing. There was also a steam room. Tina and I also opted for the massage. After a while they called your number and were given a 15 minute glorious massage. I loved it. I would have stayed there for the rest of the day, but after a few hours (heh heh) we got sleepy.
http://www.hammamspain.com/granada/
So we went back to the hostel and finished out our day with exploring, shopping, kebab salads, and an early night since we are going to head out to the Alhambra early tomorrow morning. Too early.
Granada is a cool city. It has much mid-east influences in dress, style, food, etc. Spanish culture is most interesting. I can't decide exactly what it is yet. I like it. Though... I like most cultures.
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