With an early start on Monday, I took a 30-minute bus ride East of the city. I then set off from the mountainous pueblo, praying that the trail guide that I had saved on my phone would serve me well. I followed the crest of the ridge between las Beas and Granada, admiring the stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Despite the higher altitude, the temperature was mild. It was also overcast, leading me to believe that the walk is possibly even more breathtaking in the case of clear skies. The abnormal climate change--specifically the three-month drought--was seen throughout the dryness of the landscape.
The trail wasn't clearly marked at times, so I found myself guessing at few turns. Luckily, however, I had all day to complete the hike. There was a woman from the bus that I spotted ahead, who I guessed was completing the same trek. Every once in a while, I would catch a glimpse of her up ahead, and figure that I was probably going the right way. Eventually, I caught up to her (rather, she slowed down for me), and we started chatting. She was indeed walking the same trail as I, this being her second go at it. Originally from France, Sophie has been living in Australia for the past few years and is about to spend a year in Granada to study. As I find with most fellow travelers, we connected instantly and completed the trail together. I very much enjoyed learning her story, and exchanging ideas. I never expected to make a friend on this anticipated solo hike; a pleasant turn of events!
As Sophie and I neared the city, the quiet countryside gradually became more developed and alive with the soundtrack of urban living. We stopped briefly to eat the lunches that we had packed, and before I knew it, we arrived in the city via the Alhambra. The hike took us nearly 4 hours from start to finish. From an endurance standpoint, the trail was relatively easy and enjoyable to complete. I hope to have the opportunity to do it again someday.
Back in the city, Sophie and I shared a cup of Moroccan tea before parting ways. She was headed to France for the holidays, but I suspect that our paths will cross again one day.
Afterwards, I made my way to the gypsy caves of Sacromonte--just off of el Albaycín.
Near the abbey atop Sacromonte, I met a girl from Taiwan who had quit her job to travel the world for a year on her bike. In case I didn't make it clear earlier, I love meeting people while traveling. There is an instant bond formed based on the shared passion for foreign culture and language. Aside from that, most travelers share key qualities, such as a sense of adventure and curiosity.
My final journey of the day was to el mirador de San Cristóbal (also near el Albaycín). Somehow, I had never previously managed to stumble upon this brilliant site.
My descent from el mirador led to several other more familiar spots before I finally called it a day. After a day well spent, I laid low that night in el café, La Quarmita.
