Granada: Day 3

This is pretty much COMPLETELY for my mother, but she thought you might want an update on what we did with Day 3 in Granada.  Unfortunately we didn't really do very much.  Not only were we wiped out from all the travelling and walking etc, but we had run out of the big things to see.  So we were able to take an easy day and enjoy the sunny weather.

We went to the Arabic Market again (pictures courtesy of Kayla) and wandered around.  It was such a fun atmosphere and very relaxing to be able to wander with no goals in mind.  There was everything from pillows and blankets, to little souvenirs from Granada, to spices and food, to bottles, glasses, mugs, just about everything you can imagine.  

After that, we went to a little cafe to play some cards and sip cafe con leche before we got on our long busride back home.  It was great people watching too.  Little kids out to play before going back to school on Monday, families walking their dogs, couples wandering around.  It is really a very picturesque city with great places to eat.  Anna, Aubrey, and Kayla got paella which was delicious (but VERY expensive) and Meghan and I got Doner Kebaps (which for those of you who don't know is like a Souvlaki, sliced meat, tomatoes, lettuce, white and red sauce, wrapped in a pita. absolutely delicious!).  

Finally, we got back on the bus.  Although we were not terribly excited to be back on it, we knew that eventually it would take us to our warm beds in Oviedo and some well deserved rest.  The ride was relatively uneventful until we got to Madrid for our transfer and suddenly found ourselves on the bus with the most annoying group of American students who are also in the Oviedo program with us.  I have never particularly cared for them, but after the six quality hours we spent together on the bus I now have a solid reason for my distaste. 

I have often thought that Americans as tourists get an unfair stereotype, but after travelling with these 6 girls I understand why the rest of the world hates us.  Politics and government aside I was physically embarrassed to be an American and associated with these horrors.  They were loud, rude, and obnoxious for the entire trip.  They sang at the top of their lungs, laughed hysterically at their own jokes, and were just so generally stupid for the entire trip (which this leg of the trip was from 12am-5am, a time when people really appreciate some quiet).  I literally sank into my seat with pure embarrassment to share the same language as them, and tried my hardest not to speak the rest of the trip so that people would not know I was an American.

Anyway, enough of that.  Here are some pictures that I got from other people.  Enjoy!

Me, Aubrey, Kayla, Anna

Our exhausted Oviedo group after arriving after our 13hr bus ride.  We don't look tired and grimy at all! :)

Anna and Kayla thought this guy with the Vespa was very "European."  

Be that as it may, but also observe in the very back of the picture a girl in a white coat being cornered by a shorter woman?  Well, that is Aubrey being accosted by a Gypsy woman.  They surround the tourist destinations, waving herbs at you.  If they touch with one of their plants or grab your hand, they make you give them money.  Aubrey was getting her "fortune" told.  Apparently, she will get married and have children, very creative.  If I sound at all not understanding of these women, it is because of how pushy they are.  After three days of it, it is exhausting having to continually say "no gracias."  

Aubrey, Me, Meghan, and Anna (Taken by Kayla) to indicate our incredible elation of finding Pension AB (or Hostel AB).

That's all for now folks!  Though I have a fun idea of what to do for tomorrow/the next day, so stay tuned!