Climbing the hills in Granada

We drove through the mountains for a couple hours this morning.  One minute the sun was shining, the next minute we were driving through low clouds.  We passed asparagus fields, olive trees, tobacco fields, corn, rice, wheat,and garlic.  Saw large flocks of sheep.  We reached our hotel before noon and our rooms were ready - amazing.  Chuck and I ventured out and found an ATM.  Also needed to find a cheap piece of luggage to supplement what we had.  In a convenience store, I found a piece similar to what we needed but it was too small.  A lot of hand signals and a few words ("grande") later, we had a deal.  For lunch we spotted a little bar down an off street.  No one spoke English except one of the other customers who helped out.  We finally ordered two beers.  Then I looked at what the English speaking customer was eating and ordered two pork and cheese sandwiches.  The beers came and then a bowl of bean and trips soup with two spoons arrived.  The customer told us that the soup was a gift to go with our beer. The food was fine.  After paying the bill, the waiter came over and gave us a whole handful of wrapped mint candies, smiles, and "Gracias." What fun!
Late this afternoon we toured the Alhambra Complex.  On the way up the mountain, we passed caves where Gypsies live.  They were also 'working the crowd' when we arrived at the complex.  The Alhambra is where Sultans lived during the 800 years of the Moorish occupation.  It was a city of 2000 people until 1492.  It is described as a fantasy of 'lace in stone' surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains.  It is situated above the city of Granada with sweeping views of the valley below.  Also visited the royal summer residence.  Most of the houses where the artisans and servants lived were destroyed when Napoleon's soldiers occupied the castle.  It was beautiful, but included many steps both up and down.  We were exhausted when we finished.  Had the basic hotel buffet tonight.