Mom and Grandma Visit Granada!!

Well my Mom and Grandma decided to come for an impromptu visit to Granada. We got their tickets online and 2 1/2 weeks later, they were in Granada. I was so excited to have them visit. They arrived on Thursday, February 11th and I met them at the airport. Unfortunately Grandma's bag did not make it, so we had to file a claim and I was worried it wouldn't make it, since she was only here for such a short time. Then, we took the bus into town and went to Corte Ingles, which is our Spanish version of an American department store. We got a few things for Grandma and then went to our hotel. We were able to get an extra bed for me to stay with them. We had Paella at the hotel restaurant and it was delicious, then we went to bed.

The next morning, Friday, we woke up and went to have Churros con Chocolat and a real American breakfast with eggs and bacon. Then it actually started snowing...in Granada, Spain! Can you believe it!?!? So, due to the weather we took a taxi around town and I showed them my school and my classrooms and some of the places I go to, then we saw a few of the sights of Granada such as the Cartujas Monastery and an overlook of the whole city. Then, we went to my familia's house for lunch and the whole family was there, minus my brother Jose who was in Barcelona for work. Mama set a beautiful table and we had a huge lunch! It was delicious. Then, Mateo and Victor played the guitar for a bit of entertainment and that was great. Then we went back to our hotel and took a siesta. I always say, when in Spain, do as the Spaniards do! Then, we met my friends at the Mirador de Morayma Restaurante which was a really nice restaurant, located in the Albacin (the oldest neighborhood in Granada) that overlooked the Alhambra at night. There were 18 of us total and it was a big, fun group. We had a delicious meal and mom and grandma got to meet all of the friends that Chelsie and I traveled with on our mini-European Excursion. Chelsie's mom, grandma, Auntie Anna, and Auntie Michelle joined us for dinner too. Then, we went back to the hotel for bed.

Saturday morning we woke up and went to the train station with the Slegers clan. We were headed for Sevilla! We had great time and got to meet up with Rhonda's (Chelsie's mom) friends friend. She is a program director for Trinity College Study Abroad Program in Sevilla and she was our tour guide for the day. We took the train back to Granada, parted ways for dinner, and then re-joined for a Flameco Show in the Sacramonte Caves. That was very interesting and enjoyable and then afterwards we went on a mini walking tour of the Albacin and saw the Miradaor de Saint Nicoli, which is the viewpoint of all of Granada and the Alhambra. Everything was beautiful all light up on a clear night. Then, we went back to the hotel and headed to bed.

Sunday, Valentines Day! We did a private tour of Granda with a woman named Anne. She was very knowledgeable and willing to answer all of our questions. We walked around the Albacin, then went to a delicious place for lunch that was across from the Alhambra, and then Meghan joined us for our portion of the Alhambra tour. We saw the Palaces and the beautiful gardens. We had a great time and luckily the day was beautiful! We stopped for a coffee and hot chocolate break and then continued on our tour. We went to the Capilla Real and the Catedral, which are the main Chapel and Cathedral of Granada. Mom and Grandma bought a few souvenirs for loved ones back home and then we met my mama, papa, Lourdes, Mateo, and Meghan for Cafe. We had a really lovely time. Papa actually reminded me of Grandaddy. I didn't actually see it, until right then, but I think it's very sweet. My familia loves my mom and Grandma and the love goes the other way too. Then, Mom, Grandma, and I ate some dinner and headed to bed. We turned out the lights around 12:30 AM.

Monday morning...4:15 AM came all too quickly....we were out the door by 4:45 and in a cab. Mom and Grandma insisted that they didn't want me going to the airport with them, since it was a 35 minute ride one way. I talked to the driver and told him where to go and then they dropped me off at my house on the way. One minute we are saying our tearful goodbyes and then then next I am waving goodbye from the other side of the street. I went home and went to bed, since I had class a few hours later.

Mom and Grandma are en route home now, so I am praying that they have a safe return, as well as the Slegers clan. I am so grateful that God has blessed us in such a way that they were able to visit me in Granada and meet my familia. Have a safe trip Mom and Grandma and thanks for visiting! Love you!

xoxo