Boabdil’s Sigh in Spain

Boabdil’s Sigh

Regret, defeat, anger, sorrow, dispair. Imagine a sigh deep and heavy enough to carry all of those feelings. Maybe you know that feeling. Such was the sigh of Boabdil, last Moorish King of Granada, Andalucia, Spain. He was fleeing, conquered and defeated, from his kingdom. A luxerious, prosperous kingdom. As he reached a hill and looked back at the city he wept and sighed. It is said that his mother, who was with him said, “you do well to cry over what you were not man enough to defend”. Harsh words. You can visit the marked site where he gazed and sighed on that sad day. It’s interesting. It’s worth a peek. But the great news is that Granada is still Granada and it is still fabulous.

Woven together in the fabric of Granada are the cultures of many people in different ages and times. Moors, Spaniards, Gypsies, all adding color and spice to this historically rich city. So if you crave inspiration, don’t only look from Boabdil’s hill. Go conquer the city yourself and explore.

Lose yourself in the quaint, narrow streets of the Albaicin neighborhood. Buy trinkets from the gypsies. Visit the great Cathedral in all its splendor. Sit for a spell in the Bib-Rambla plaza soaking in the sights and sounds. Staring is permitted…do it. You won’t regret it. Walk up to Sacromonte and do the gypsy cave thing. If you’re really brave you can spend a night in one of the cave houses. Be sure to take in an evening of flamenco dancing. It will mezmerize you and make you feel like you’re in a different world altogether. If exotic teas, middle-eastern food, and silky decor suit your fancy try an afternoon stroll up the Caldereria streets. They offer unresistable charm.

And then there’s Sierra Nevada. How small our daily problems seem when standing so close to heaven. If you’re a snow sport person, if winter is your thing, then by all means conqueor Sierra Nevada. It will make you feel lighter, braver…close to invincible. Then return to the coziness of Granada’s night life to enjoy the experience of a Tapas Bar. You can find them sprinkled throughout the city, all of them very unique. They will serve you a plate of ‘tapas’ or snacks with every drink you buy. Tapas can range from little sandwiches to potatoe salad, from iberian ham to seafood, all bursting with authentic medditeranean flavor. A decent supper for any hungry soul.

As your visit nears its end take a day or two to soak in one of the greatest pieces of artistic arquitecture of all time. The Alhambra. As you walked the streets of Granada it was constantly in your vision, looming majestic above the valley. Find the Cuesta de Gomerez, the road that takes you through the woods right up to the gates of the Alhambra. Walk that road slowly. Breathe deeply. Feel the mystery. Imagine everything. Once inside the fortified walls you’ll see the palace, towers, gardens, stone gateways. All home to some mortals in another age. Think about Boabdil, King Fernando, Queen Isabella and the hundreds more who actually lived there. It’s not a fairytale but it is a grand tale. One that deserves to be told.

Before leaving the Alhambra go up to the Flag Tower. Right over to the edge. Look down on the charming city of Granada. Streets, people walking, flowers, trees, plazas, roofs, pinnacles. All woven together make an unforgettable sight. Take one last long look out across the valley. This is Granada and you have experienced it. You have lived it. So don’t sigh. No regrets. Be hopeful. Be amazed. Be brave.

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