Barrio de Iza

Mi Barrio 

Right now I am living on what I consider the "edge" of Granada, or at least my Granada. Everyday I walk fifteen minutes to class, and I pass by many familiar looking stores and restaurants. It's safe to say that I've found my niche. I definitely go to certain places more frequently, and I'm starting to recognize familiar faces. I even consider myself a daily regular at two cafes near school (I've never been a "regular" anywhere, so this is exciting for me.) 

Spanish Rose

Parque García Lorca

I live about a two minute walk away from one of the largest parks in Granada, if not the largest. It is one of the most romantic places I've ever been. Recently, I've broken my phone, and haven't been wanting to go to the gym without music, so I've attempted to pick up running. Running really isn't my thing. I think being a dancer, I must have developed all the wrong muscle groups because my stamina (or maybe just my mentality) is not strong enough usually, and I get bored very easily.  Yet, running in Parque García Lorca has proven to be a great part of my day. I've heard about Spanish roses before, but nothing truly compares to the beauty of a rose garden. 

Sunny Day at el parque

The entire park smells like freshly cut grass, fertile soil, and roses. It's such a refreshing smell and atmosphere. There's always something (or someone) to watch here. Even without music, I think that going to the park is relaxing. Sometimes after my runs, or simply to realax, I enjoy going and sitting in the grassy patches of the park. It's very romantic especially around 7-9 at night. The sun sets behind the large hedges, and the air gets a bit cooler. The playground on the far side of the park is always full of happy children and their parents. The middle section always has young groups of friends enjoying wine and conversation, or couples cuddling in the grass. The other far end is a bit shadier, and I often see older people strolling hand and hand. There's a few dirt paths surrounding the outskirts of the park which is where I usually go, so I've had the opportunity to see it all. In my opinion Parque García Lorca is a sort of "Central Park" of Granada, because just outside it's gates are 4 gyms, many apartment complexes, restaurants, and a mall, then the rest of the city expands from there. It is one of my favorite places in mi barrio. 

Rose Garden

Pizza Tutto

Pizza Tutto is the pizzeria my family owns here in Granada. It's a "chain" pizzeria with many other locations in the south of Spain. My sister and my parents both work there. After class I always stop in to the pizza shop to see what the plan is for lunch. I often eat there with my brother Xabi, when he gets home from school. Afterward, I usually do my homework at the tables in the back. I have a specific seat I always sit at and I watch the people come and go on Camino de Rhonda. 

Pizza Tuto está en esta calle.

Pizza de Piña - Mi favorita

Pizza Tutto

Camino De Rhonda

Camino de Rhonda

Camino de Rhonda is one of the largest streets in Granada. I like to think of it as a "Washtenaw"(Washtenaw is a main road in Ann Arbor) type of street. Pizza Tutto sits on Camino de Rhonda, but there are many other places on this road to go to. Many of my friends living here with me also live off of this street. Just two blocks down from me is YO10 (Yo Diez) the gym. I've only gone a few times, but I'm debating buying a one month membership. It's a very nice facility with free Spa and Pool as well as open gym equipment and classes.  Camino de Rhonda is always busy with people. It's a common place to hop on the bus, grab a cup of coffee, or go to a salon to get your hair cut or nails done. There's a little bit of everything on Camino De Rhonda. It also intersects with another popular street, Calle Reyes Católicos, and on that corner is the Neptune Mall home of the all famous Mae West night club. I have yet to go Mae West, but my host sister tells me it's overrated and overpriced. I prefer the hole in the wall places anyways. 

Took this picture at Yo10 gym. Tried to be sneaky, and I'm not sure if it worked... 

A photo I found of Mae West (not mine)

Plaza de Gracia 

Discoteca Campus

Plaza de Gracia was my first plaza I ever experienced in Granada. On my day of arrival, Niyati and I aimlessly wandered around until we found our first spot to try tapas. I actually ordered Kalimotxo for my first drink ever in southern Spain (ironic because it originates in the north and is not very popular in Granada). I pass through Plaza de Gracia everyday on my way to school. Plaza de Gracia is home to about four outdoor restaurants/ tapas bars, and Campus, the first discoteca everybody went to last week. It's safe to assume that Plaza de Gracia is close to my heart. I already have lots of memories here and feel at home in this plaza. 

La Plaza

Enjoying the beautiful weather in my favorite plaza