The annual Thanksgiving trip that I organize for me and my pals took us to Southern Spain (Granada, Cordoba and Malaga) this year. Unlike the trips in previous years, we only had four people on this trip (Peter, Ein, Alison and myself). Nevertheless, we are the original four who have participated in every Thanksgiving trip since our first one to South Africa. We got along really well with each other and had a lot of fun on the trip.
We took Iberia to Spain and the in-flight experience wasn't as bad as what many had told me about this official Spanish airline. After a rather uneventful flight, we arrived in a warm and sunny Granada which was unbelievable since this was late November. It was so warm that I had to strip down to my t shirt! We checked in at our hotel (Hotel Macia de la Alhambra) and took a quick nap. The hotel was great. Price was reasonable considering the great array of buffet breakfast that was included in the room rate (USD100 per night). The only complaint I have about the hotel is that it doesn't have a gym. I guess Spaniards do not believe in working out, yet they are all skinny bitches, especially the younger ones. Hate them!
Toured the downtown area after our much refreshing nap. Also visited the famous Alhambra the next morning. Alhambra is a must-see sight in Granada. In fact, it is the only reason why people visit Granada. Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex of the Moorish rulers built between 1333 and 1335. It is a very beautiful and historical palace. We enjoyed our visit there. We also enjoyed our brief exchange with the very hot Spanish dude who collected our entrance ticket.
After spending two days in Granada, we took the train to Cordoba. We really loved Cordoba, especially the historic Jewish quarter. We stayed in a small hotel there (HOSPEDERIA DE EL CHURRASCO - highly recommended by the way!). The small cobbled streets were particularly charming. The area was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984 and I can say it's worth every bit of the recognition.
We visited the great mosque of Cordoba (The Mezquita), walked on the ancient Roman bridge and shopped in the more modern part of the city. When you are in the company of Ein and Peter, you shop. Actually it's more like waiting for them in the store while they shop. These two shopaholics find a reason to shop anywhere they go. They can even drop a fortune at museum gift shops!
We ate a few places in Cordoba that are worth recommending:
La Albaceria
Corregidor Luis de la Cerda 73
Close to La Mezquita. Good and affordable tapas.
El Caballo Rojo
Cardenal Herrero, 28
Close to La Mezquita. Fine dining restaurant serving Moorish dishes based on medieval recipes.
Bar Santos
Across from La Mezquita. Casual cafeteria with limited seating area (patrons usually take the food and go). The best tortilla espanola I have ever tasted!
Our last stop was Malaga, where it's overrun by the Germans and the Brits. The weather was by far the warmest in Malaga of all the three cities we visited. Since this is the birthplace of Picasso, our first stop after checking into our hotel (Hotel Molina Lario) was the Picasso Museum followed by the house where he was raised. We also hiked up the hill to the Gibralfaro castle to enjoy a complete view of the city which includes the view of Plaza de Toros, the famous bullring of Malaga.
In Malaga you have to go to El Tapeo de Cervantes, a place that serves traditional and not so traditional tapas. The address is C/ Carcer, 8-29011 and the phone number is +34 952 60 94 58. Interestingly, the owner came from Argentina. It is one of the best tapas we tried on this trip and the price was very reasonable too.
After spending almost a week in Southern Spain, Peter and Ein extended their trip to visit Barcelona, Bilboa and Sevilla while Alison and I headed back to NYC. To me, the three cities we visited all hold their own and are very different from each other. My favorite of the three is Cordoba. The charming historical setting of the city, coupled with the hospitality of our friendly and cute hotel manager Pedro, make me want to return to Cordoba tomorrow (only for a visit however since I know I will be bored out of my skull living in a small city like this).
Viva Espana!
