Spain, Day Four

Since we didn't want to waste any time in Spain we decided to use the night bus to Granada. Worst decision ever!

The night bus from Madrid to Granada was supposed to depart at 01:30 in the morning. It didn't even occur to us that the metro, even though going even at this hour of the night, could in fact go at intervals of 30 minutes or more. Having missed one metro by seconds we started to panic. It was 01:07. We had exactly 23 minutes to get into one metro line, ride five stops, then change the metro line (which also includes finding this other line), ride another 8 stops, find the bus station and then find our bus. Doable? If not where are we going to spend the night?

Metro, stairs up, stairs down, run, stairs up, stairs down, metro, a minute or so to catch my breath while we ride in the metro, a minute to panic, stairs up, runing, more... stairs... up... I can't breathe, my suitcase is banging behind me on the stairs. More running... bus station. My heart is in my throat... the terminal 25... bus is still there! And we are two minutes early! Wow!

The bus arrived in Granada at 05:30. I have hardly slept worried that we will sleep through our stop. It is freezing. I will never ever take a night transport anywhere!

However, Granada is exceptionally beautiful and romantic. There are mandarin trees in the narrow streets. Old dreamy buildings, lanterns on every corner. White small houses as far as you can see.

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The white settlement, the Sacromonte, is located on the hill and is a home for gypsy comunity. Here, main atractions for tourists are flamenco shows and dining in caves. Even if you don't like doing the usual tourist stuff you must at least visit this hill for the exceptional view from the top.

I would strongly recommend the Old Town Hostel. It is in a good location, about ten minutes from Alhambra and very clean. Breakfast is served every morning and even if you miss it you can use the kitchen to eat cornflakes or drink coffee and tea. The staff is incredibly friendly and speak English rather well. And the best thing of all, it is very affordable.

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