Baelo Claudia--Roman Ruins

One of the places we went to visit while my parents were here was a place called Baelo Claudia--it is about 1 1/2 hours from us down towards Tarifa (the tip of Spain).  Baelo Claudia use to be a thriving fishing village over 2000 years ago and now just ruins are left.  It was amazing to me in how good of condition the ruins are and how many were left.  One thing about living is Spain that is amazing is just how much of a melting pot of cultures it is. Just in the 10 days my parents were here, we saw historical places from Spanish people, Arab people, Roman people, etc.  The city is located right on the beach, near some mountains--beautiful area.  We had a fun time walking around and seeing all the ruins.

Cade's 'I'm too cool' look!

By the amphitheater

Looking down over the amphitheater--I was surprised at how well preserved this was.

Alhambra-Part 2

I am so behind on blogging, but here is the rest of our pictures from Alhambra.  Again, it was one of the most unbelievably, gorgeous places we have visited.  The pictures don't even begin to do it justice and it just blows my mind how much detail work went into creating this amazing place.  We had the best time, the most amazing weather and were so glad that we could take my parents such an unbelievable place!!

My MOST FAVORITE picture ever!!!

Having boat races

Alhambra-Part 1

The highlight of our trip to Granada was seeing Alhambra, which is the most visited place in Spain.  Alhambra was constructed in the 800s originally as a fortress and then was converted to a Royal Palace for the Nasrid Dynasty which was an Arab Muslim Dynasty.  Alhambra is built in the moorish design, we saw lots of arches, keyhole arches, tons of arabic writing on the walls, etc.  It was one of the most fascinating places I have ever been.  Besides the palace, the grounds of Alhambra are massive and has one of the most interesting gardens.  We spent close to 5 hours wandering around and had a great time. Pictures won't do it justice, but here are a ton of them!!!

Can't pass up an opportunity to pose!

View from the grounds of Alhambra, overlooking the city of Granada.

The kids loved racing leaf boats down this little gutter!

As I stated, originally it was a fortress.  It is set up on a hill and overlooks the city.

Where's Ethan and Cade??

The carvings were amazing--this picture doesn't do it justice!

Some of the rooms had these designs carved into the stones--it was unbelievable!

This is inside the Nasrid Palace and is one of the most famous courtyards.

This whole room was covered with the most intricate scrolled carvings--the picture below is a close-up.

Don't worry--there are still LOTS more pictures to come from Alhambra--don't the kids look like they are having SOOO much fun??