The Science Park and the Alhambra.

Friday, after a quick breakfast, headed out to the Parque de las Ciencias or the Science Park. Was able to view and play with many indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits. Also took the elevator up the observation tower to the viewing deck at 35 meters (115 feet) high. The view of the city and surrounding areas was incredible. Then I walked back down the tower via the outside stairs. Not something to attempt if afraid of heights.

Lunch was a triple decker sandwich of asparagus, egg, and tomato. I then checked out the Neptune shopping center, but found nothing of interest. After a quick rest in the hotel, I headed out to meet up for a private night tour of the Alhambra. Even at 7p.m. it was still 97 degrees F.

The bus drove us up the hill, where we got off and hiked the rest of the way to the Alhambra. Our guide then walked us by the Catholic Church and Charles V´s ornate castle. We then went inside the three Moorish castles that remain. At one time there were seven. Although not much to look at on the outside, inside they are amazing. The ceilings are constructed of Lebanese cedar with many different designs. The wood is original and has remained intact for over 800 years. The walls are mostly stucco and paint with ornate designs. The writing on the walls are either in cursive or block Arabic. The bottom portion of the walls are ceramic designs. Most of the walls have had to be reconstructed. Very little of the original handiwork remains. The courtyards inside had different shaped pools and fountains to reflect the duality of life.

Then it was dinnertime. At 10:30pm it had cooled down to 88 degrees F. Dinner was a leisurely affair of salad, pasta, and flan on the Plaza Nueva at the bottom of the hill that leads to the Alhambra.