Spain - Granada to Malaga: Day 5

View of Granada from hotel

As we had no need to rush to get Malaga, we had a lie in - becoming the custom - and then went to enjoy a traditional breakfast of chocolate and churros with our coffee at Gran Cafe in the main plaza.

Then, we walked around to see the chapels in the city based on a recommendation from a guy who offered information freely. I'm not a big fan of churches/cathedrals but sometimes it is nice to see the ostentiousness of the Catholic churches. The carvings, statues and paintings are indeed awe-inspiring. Though I think perhaps the churches in Peru were a bit more opulent.

Unfortunately, my back had started hurting from all the walking the day before. So I wasn't up for too much walking therefore, we headed back to check out and start our journey to Malaga.

Sadly traffic was bad probably as it was the weekend it seemed that everyone was out on their way to the Costa del Sol. It took an extra hour in traffic and then we realized the resort is not actually in Malaga city but out past Fuengirola, another city about 12km past Malaga. After a few confused directions we finally arrived at the Club Cost Resort!

Our cabina is two-bedrooms with a fully setup kitchen and living space. We settled in and then hit the pool below. At last some true R&R is about to begin!!!

More to come,
-T
twaller99@gmail.com
Sent from my iPhone

Spain - Granada: Day 4

Due to the late lifestyle here, we are learning to start our days a bit later as well. So, we made a leisurely start to our day in Granada. We stopped at a nearby Cafe for coffee and croissants. Then
we headed for the number 30 bus to Alhambra.

The bus climbed up the mountain side showing us a lovely view of the city below. Upon arrival we picked up our tickets to enter the palace at 1pm and then went off to explore the other areas with an hour before our permitted entrance time.

The grounds and gardens were beautiful. My mom and aunt discussed yard projects for home to replicate the beauty of the ones there. Of course, I think they'd have to budget in a groundskeeper too!
The inside of the palace was spectacular with the Islamic carvings and designs. I took loads of photos - to be posted later.

 

 

After our walk around, we stopped for a quick bite to eat before returning to the city centre for dessert, more shopping and a rest. In the evening, we headed to Albazcyin to see the sunset and enjoy dinner with a night view of Alhambra. No crazy nights so far, but a relaxing time was spent by all in Granada.

 

 

We're off to Malaga tomorrow!
- T
twaller99@gmail.com
Sent from my iPhone

Spain - Madrid to Granada: Day 3

We had a very long sleep last night as we haven´t yet gotten used to the lifestyle of staying out late and without taking a siesta like the locals, we´ve been exhausted!

So, we got up leisurely and then headed out to find Hertz to pick up our rental car to make our drive from Madrid to Granada. It was a bit of an adventure to walk and figure out how to get to Hertz. Of course, being the only Spanish-speaker in the group has meant that I have to figure out everything and navigate places. We managed to find the Hertz and after a long convoluted route to our car, we were ready to go.

Surprisingly, navigating out of the city of Madrid wasn´t too difficult, though I discovered differences in reactions of people in stressful situations. Good thing I am a calm person. ;D It was just a 5.5 hour drive from Madrid to Granada. We didn´t make any stops along the way, though I did take pictures of the countryside as we drove through. The random bull signs along the highway and the miles and miles of olive and perhaps tobacco plants created the scenery along the way. It was nice to see the non-touristy parts of the country, though.

We arrived in Granada around 3pm this afternoon and though driving around the small city was a bit stressful, we found our hotel - Hotel Dauro - relatively easily. After parking and settling in to our room, we headed out to explore the city. Other than a moment of near shutdown due to food deprivation, we enjoyed seeing the city and doing some shopping. We had a great dinner at La Castellana, where I relaxed with a couple of sangrias in my tummy.

My iPhone is charging now, so I hope to have some photos to post tomorrow as we explore Alhambra.

Until then,

T

Spain - Madrid: Day 2

After a good sleep, or at least for me, we set out for the Palacio Real (Royal Palace). Of course, first thing is first in the mornings - coffee! We actually found a chocolatier which sells churros and chocolate for breakfast. We opted for coffee and churros, but quickly realized why it comes with chocolate. Still, it was a nice way to start the morning.

We took the short walk to the Palace giving us a chance to enjoy the city some more. The palace was quite amazing. My mom was convinced she could handle the kind of lifestyle of royalty! After exploring the Palace, I soaked up the sun while my aunt went into the Catedral Real (Royal Cathedral) as I was in need of just some rest.

From there, it was time for another "sit" or coffee. So, we headed back towards the Prado Museum as that was our hoped next destination, but after stopping for coffee we realized that none of us were really interested in the museum enough. Thus, we decided to take a Madrid Vision bus tour of the city allowing us to get a view of the historic and modern parts of the city. While the museum would probably have been a good visit, I was happy to have a tour of the city while sitting!!!

When we finished, we had another "sit" and then went to get ready for dinner. We wanted to enjoy some paella for dinner, but found the recommended restaurant too crowded and after walking around just opted for any spot. We did manage to eat some tasty paella, which I forgot to take a picture of, but hopefully there´ll be another chance to enjoy it.

Since it was nearly midnight by the time our day ended, we got back to the hotel and packed up to be ready for our departure in the morning.

Sadly my iPhone battery died, so I can´t post photos just yet.

More to come...

-T

Spain - Madrid: Day 1

My mom, aunt and I set off at 6 this morning from my place in Abu Dhabi to start our travels. We made it to the airport without incident and all was surprisingly smooth for our flight to Amman on Royal Jordanian.

After a short flight, we arrived in Jordan for a short layover. As soon as we stepped out of the plane I was loving the weather's lack of humidity and a light breeze! We finished our flight to Madrid without a single story to tell.

Getting through the airport in Madrid was the easiest I've ever had so far in my travels. The only part that took time was exchanging money from dirhams to euros, especially since I am packed for the next six weeks in a carry-on size backpack.

Out of the airport and no customs check, we headed for the taxi stand and were on our way to the city. My Spanish skills were slow to kick in when the cabbie started explaining that there was going to be a lot of traffic in that area. Still, we managed alright and easily found our hotel - Best Western Carlos V.


Once settled I inquired about getting a SIM card for my iPhone so I could call an acquaintance whom I was introduced to by someone I met briefly in the Lima airport a couple of years ago. We went to the shopping area near us - Puerta del Sol - where I got a Mas Movil card for 20€ that comes with a 20€ charge using my language skills to the fullest! While my mom and aunt shopped I called Claudia and we agreed to meet an hour later.

Of course in typical Peruvian style (perhaps also Spanish style), she and her 3 friends were 40 minutes late. But, we went to dinner and explored the city a bit together. They speak enough English to communicate with my family and I got to use my Spanish. We will meet them again in the evening tomorrow.

This is Zero Kilometre - equidistant point in Spain. Pretty cool!

Some famous statue in the city to remember what the place was like before civilization took over.






So far I'm loving the city and looking forward to seeing more!
More pics to follow and more to come tomorrow.

- T
Sent from my iPhone

Getting a license in the UAE

Because driving in the UAE is on the same side as the States, it is quite simple to transfer licenses across.

In Abu Dhabi (AD), you will need to make a trip to the Transport Authorities (AD Police) after receiving a residence visa. You will need a no-objection letter from your company, a copy of your passport, original driver's license, residence visa, two passport-size photos, and a total of 200dhs. When you arrive at the police, you'll tell the people at the information desk why you are there and they will first direct you to a room for your eye test, which will cost 50dhs. Then, you return to the information desk, and get directed with a number to the main area.

You'll then hand over your documents, money and wait for your new license to be made! It was actually a very quick process and fairly painless.

**
There are two ways to get an international driver's license. The easiest way is through a post office. You will need a copy of your UAE license, passport copy, two photos and 150dhs. When you arrive at the post office, the person at the information desk will give you a form to complete before directing you to a window where you'll hand in your documents. Again, another easy process.

The other way to get the international license is through the Arabian Automobile Association. Their main office is located in Dubai and thus you'll have to go there to get the license. It's only 50dhs through AAA, so if you're in Dubai already, it's not a bad method.

More tips to come!

-T

Egypt - Day 8

April 9, 2009

At last the trip has come to an end! Hassan came to get me at 615 to take me to the airport. With no guide between us, I discovered that he actually speaks quite understandable English. So, we had a nice conversation on the way. Of course, he recommended that I come back to Egypt. He offered to drive me anywhere next time. He also said that he would learn English and I should learn Arabic because I could come back and since he wasn't married (anymore - still has 2 kids), it wasn't a problem, right?? ha ha ha.

It was a nice trip. Some adventures were had, stories now told. All the pictures are up on my Picasa site, so feel free to check them out.

By the way, Koshari is a carb nightmare, but delish! It consists of macaroni noodles, spaghetti noodles, rice, green pea beans, fried onions, tomato sauce and then you can add chili and garlic sauces. Mix it all together and you've got a lovely dish!

Thus ends my Egypt tour! I recommend anyone to go to Egypt. I hope to make another visit there someday soon to see Abu Simbel outside of Aswan in southern Egypt, the oasis to the west, Alexandria along the Mediterranean and Dahab near the Sinai peninsula. So, more to see, but it was a great start!!!

Until the next trip...

-T