My first impression of Granada looking out of the window of the bus taking us to our homestays from el aeropuerto was the incredible liveliness of the city. Granada is more populated than Ann Arbor, and I could tell just by looking outside at the hustle and bustle of the streets filled with students like us from the Universidad de Granada and other citizens and tourists. What is most distinct to me about Granada, however, is the more relaxed lifestyle of the city. No one ever seems to be in a rush here, but rather Granadinos appreciate each moment of their life for what it's worth. Meals - such as lunch or tapas - are spent chatting with friends or family for long hours while drinking wine, sangria, tinto de verano, or the local Alhambra cerveza. Just being around loved ones and enjoying each others' company is not taken for granted in Granada as it often is in the United States.
After lunch is one of my favorite times of the day - la siesta. In my opinion, the siesta could not have come at a better time. After eating the largest meal of the day (lunch - which is usually at 2-ish), los Granadinos take a long siesta break, which could be napping or just quiet time to read a book; basically, anything to escape the incredible summer heat! While I sleep (jet lag was a bit rough for the first couple of days), my host mom Mama Lola usually watches TV and knits.
I snuck this picture of mi señora, Mama Lola
The siesta break usually lasts from about 2-5 pm, enough time to eat and relax in the comfort of your home. Even restaurants and stores are closed during this period of time - just to stress the importance of this tradition. La siesta clearly illustrates the relaxed lifestyle of los Granadinos - something I am very grateful for. It is refreshing after a difficult Sophomore year in Ann Arbor to come to a city where I don't feel like I am running on autopilot or where life isn't moving so fast.
Los Granadinos also genuinely, whole-heartedly enjoy life and its pleasures. Sitting down for tapas with amigos is probably one of the most enjoyable things to do in Granada. Here, tapas are magically free with every drink you order. Drinks are pretty cheap too compared to the United States, but its not this aspect that I appreciate the most. Sitting down, phone aside, with a nice glass of refreshing sangria is perfectly complemented with the pleasure of chatting with friends without rush. Los camareros (aka waiters) are not hovering over you, or pressuring you so they can give the table to other guests, but rather they anticipate you staying for about 2-3 hours, late into the night (tapas usually occur between 8-10 pm). I have never felt so joyful or relaxed as I did having tapas with my new amigos de mi clase de Español. Practicing our Spanish (usually speaking Spanglish), my fellow classmates and I are able to live la vida Granadina (thanks Iza for the phrase!). To me this consists of sol, fiesta, and siesta - what more do I need?!!
A mis amigas y a mi nos gusta sangria
Although I am slightly homesick in my first week, I feel like my study abroad experience has started off exactly how I wanted - I would not change a thing. I enjoy everything about my morning walk to class, quick stops at a café o la panadería around the corner (for a croissant and café con leche for only 1 Euro!), 4 hour class day, tapas, host family, and even people watching! My stay in Granada so far has been different from any travel experience I have had, but I love being in a country with such a love of life. During my stay here, I want to try to leave behind my worries and fears for the future and just focus on living in the present moment and appreciating the beauty and culture around me. Granada is a city so unlike anywhere I have been to, and I can't wait to be further enchanted!
¡Más fotos!
In the Albaicín neighborhood
Doing homework in a cafe
Flamenco in the streets
Chao,
Niyati
Me encantan tus fotos (;
ReplyDeleteEstoy de acuerdo! Muy buenas fotos NIyati, especialmente la foto de Lola!
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