GRANADA is an amazing city of food, history and passion

Summary

The script is an immersive travelogue that takes viewers on a vibrant journey through Granada, Spain, highlighting the city's rich Andalusian culture, history, and culinary delights. It introduces the concept of 'duende', a Spanish term for the raw passion and emotion that pervades the city's art, music, and daily life. The narrator explores Granada's districts, indulges in local cuisine like tapas and paella, and experiences the infectious energy of Flamenco, ultimately finding their own sense of 'duende'.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The concept of 'duende' is a unique Spanish term from Andalusia, representing a passionate and emotional essence that is deeply rooted in their culture.
• 📍 Granada, located in Andalusia, is a city rich in history and culture, known for its Islamic influence, vibrant local life, and stunning architecture.
• 🏰 The Alhambra is a must-visit historical site in Granada, showcasing the pinnacle of Moorish architecture and the rich history of Spain's Reconquista.
• 🍷 Embrace the local 'siesta' tradition, a time when businesses close for a few hours, allowing locals to enjoy lunch and rest before resuming activities.
• 🥘 Granada's cuisine is a celebration of fresh, local ingredients and simple yet flavorful dishes, with tapas being a significant part of the food culture.
• 🍷 Tapas can be enjoyed in two ways: either complimentary with a drink or by ordering a variety of small plates designed for sharing.
• 🌇 Mirador de San Nicolas offers breathtaking views of the Alhambra and is a lively spot for Flamenco, music, and socializing for both tourists and locals.
• 🌃 At night, Centro transforms into a bustling area filled with活力, where locals and visitors alike enjoy dining, drinking, and socializing late into the evening.
• 🍽️ Off-the-beaten-path restaurants like Bonta offer a mix of Spanish classics and North African dishes, providing a unique culinary experience.
• 💃 Flamenco is a powerful and emotional art form deeply ingrained in the culture of Andalusia, offering an intense and passionate performance that captivates the audience.
• 🎉 Granada's charm and 'duende' are found in every aspect of the city, from its food and music to the warmth and love for life exhibited by its people.

Q & A

What is the term 'duende' and its significance in Spanish culture?

Duende is a Spanish term with no direct translation into English, originating from Andalusia, the southern part of Spain. It represents a feeling of passion and intensity, often associated with the lively and expressive culture of the Spanish-speaking world. It embodies the essence of emotion, creativity, and the spirit of living life passionately.

How does Granada represent the blend of Arabic and Western cultures?

Granada was the last Islamic culture to hold land on the European continent, which means it has a rich history intertwined with both the Arabic world and Western Europe. This blend is evident in the city's architecture, food, and cultural practices, making it a unique destination that feels as much a part of the Arabic world as it does Western Europe.

What is the significance of the Siesta tradition in Spain?

Siesta is a Spanish tradition that is often misunderstood as a time when businesses close and everyone takes a long nap. In reality, it's a period for businesses to close so employees can have lunch and rest before resuming their duties in the evening. While things may slow down between 2 and 5 PM, it's not a complete halt in activity.

Can you explain the concept of 'Tapas' in Spanish cuisine?

Tapas in Spain is more than just small plates; it's a fundamental part of their food culture. There are two ways Tapas works: one is where a small dish is served with every drink ordered, often decided by the kitchen, and the other is where customers order from a menu of various small plates designed for sharing.

What is the historical importance of the Alhambra in Granada?

The Alhambra is an iconic symbol of Granada and a focal point of Spanish and Moorish history. It was originally constructed in the early 13th century by the Nasrid dynasty and served as a fortress and royal palace. The complex, including its gardens and palaces, stands as one of the most remarkable surviving examples of Islamic architecture and a testament to the region's rich past.

What are some tips for visiting the Alhambra?

To visit the Alhambra, it's recommended to arrive early as it opens at 8:30 AM and tickets can be booked online in advance to avoid long lines. While it's a large site, it can be explored in about three to four hours if not taking extensive time to read all the information provided.

How does the neighborhood of Sacromonte represent Granada's cultural diversity?

Sacromonte is historically associated with the Gitanos, or Roma people, representing the long-standing Romani culture in Spain. The area is known for its cave dwellings and is a popular spot for experiencing Flamenco, a cultural tradition deeply rooted in Andalusian culture, showcasing the region's passion and expressive nature.

What is the essence of Flamenco and its role in Andalusian culture?

Flamenco is a cultural tradition with intense passion and expression, originating from the Andalusian region. It combines guitar playing, intricate clapping rhythms (Palmas), and passionate dancing (Bail). Flamenco is an improvisational art form that captures raw emotion and is a key element in the lively and expressive culture of Granada.

What are some unique dishes one can try in Granada?

In Granada, visitors can try unique dishes like croquetas, bastilla (a North African dish of flaky pastry with spiced meat), and albóndigas (meatballs with a unique Spanish twist, sometimes including fish or seafood).

How does the city of Granada embody the concept of 'duende'?

Granada embodies 'duende' through its passionate and expressive culture. From its vibrant cuisine that focuses on fresh, local ingredients to the lively Flamenco performances and the communal enjoyment of the city by both tourists and locals, Granada is a place where love for life and passion for the city are ever-present.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Charming as hell' used to describe Granada?

The phrase 'Charming as hell' is used to express the overwhelming charm and allure of Granada. It captures the city's captivating blend of history, culture, food, and the vivacious spirit of its people, creating an enchanting atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Discovering Duende in Granada

The video begins with an exploration of the Spanish concept of 'duende', a term with no direct English translation that embodies passion and the essence of Spanish culture. The narrator is in Granada, Andalusia, to experience this feeling firsthand. Granada is described as a city rich in history and culture, with a unique blend of Arabic and Western influences. The city's vibrant atmosphere, from its food and music to its architecture, is highlighted, emphasizing the local passion for life and the pursuit of enjoying each day to its fullest.

05:01

🍽️ Culinary Delights and Flamenco Nights

The second paragraph delves into the gastronomic delights of Granada, starting with a tapas feast that includes local delicacies like stuffed artichokes with Manchego cheese and a fresh salad. The highlight is the 'king of tapas', Jamón ibérico, which is celebrated for its rich, umami flavors. The video then transitions to a lively evening in the Albaicín neighborhood, where the narrator experiences the passionate and infectious energy of a Flamenco performance, further illustrating the essence of 'duende'.

10:01

🏰 Historical Riches and Andalucian Lifestyle

The third paragraph focuses on Granada's historical significance, from its Iberian and Roman origins to the Moorish period and the construction of the Alhambra. The Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is described as a testament to the city's rich past and the pinnacle of Islamic architecture. The narrator also reflects on the Andalucian lifestyle, characterized by a relaxed pace, with an emphasis on enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

15:02

🍷 Off-the-Beaten-Path Culinary Adventures

In the fourth paragraph, the narrator ventures off the beaten path to a restaurant in the Sacramonte neighborhood, where they indulge in a variety of dishes, including the North African-inspired bastilla and traditional Spanish croquetas. The meal concludes with albóndigas, a dish made with prawns, carrot puree, and a cashew sauce, reflecting the diverse culinary influences in Granada.

20:03

💃 The Allure of Flamenco and the Spirit of Granada

The final paragraph brings the journey in Granada to a close with another Flamenco performance, this time in the historic Sacromonte neighborhood, known for its Romani culture. The narrator describes the intense and emotional experience of a Flamenco show, which embodies the spirit of 'duende'. The video ends with a reflection on the city's passion for life and its ability to captivate visitors with its vibrant culture, food, and music.

Keywords

💡duende

The term 'duende' is a Spanish word with no direct English translation, originating from Andalusia, Spain. It embodies a certain passion, emotion, and authenticity that is deeply rooted in Spanish culture. In the context of the video, 'duende' represents the essence of Granada's vibrant and passionate spirit, which the narrator seeks to experience and understand. The concept is illustrated through various cultural elements such as Flamenco music and dance, as well as the city's culinary traditions.

💡Granada

Granada is an ancient city in the Andalusian region of Spain, known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and iconic landmarks such as the Alhambra. The city is a blend of Western and Arabic influences, offering a unique visitor experience with its stunning architecture, lively streets, and culinary delights. The video highlights Granada's charm, from its relaxed pace of life to its bustling nightlife, showcasing the city as a living embodiment of 'duende'.

💡Andalusian culture

Andalusian culture refers to the traditions, art, and way of life in the Andalusia region of Spain, which is characterized by a fusion of Spanish, Roman, and Moorish influences. This culture is renowned for its passion, dedication, and love for life, as seen in its music, dance, and culinary practices. In the video, the narrator seeks to immerse themselves in this culture, particularly in Granada, to experience the 'duende' that is central to Andalusian identity.

💡Flamenco

Flamenco is a passionate and expressive Spanish art form that combines music, dance, and hand clapping. Originating from the Andalusian region, it is characterized by its intense rhythms, emotive guitar playing, and intricate footwork. Flamenco embodies the 'duende' spirit, representing the raw emotion and passion of the Andalusian culture. In the video, the narrator experiences a Flamenco performance, which is a highlight of their journey to find 'duende' in Granada.

💡Alhambra

The Alhambra is a historical palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Spain. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and represents the pinnacle of Muslim art in Spain, as well as the culmination of the Nasrid dynasty's achievements. The Alhambra is renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and lush gardens, reflecting the rich history and cultural fusion of the region. In the video, the Alhambra is presented as an iconic symbol of Granada and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to understand the city's historical and cultural significance.

💡Tapas

Tapas is a Spanish culinary tradition that involves serving small portions of food, typically accompanied by drinks at bars or restaurants. It is a social dining experience that encourages sharing and trying a variety of flavors. In the context of the video, Tapas represents the essence of Spanish cuisine, which is focused on fresh, local ingredients and the enjoyment of food in a communal setting. The narrator's experience with Tapas in Granada is a testament to the city's rich food culture and the 'duende' spirit.

💡Croquettes

Croquettes are a popular Spanish dish made from fried dough typically filled with various ingredients such as cheese, meat, or seafood. They are a staple of the country's cuisine and are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. In the video, the narrator's experience with Croquettes at a restaurant in Granada represents the city's rich culinary tradition and the enjoyment of simple, yet flavorful food, which is in line with the 'duende' spirit of passion for life and its pleasures.

💡Siesta

Siesta is a traditional Spanish practice of taking a break in the afternoon, typically for rest or a short nap. It reflects the Spanish culture's relaxed approach to daily life and the importance of enjoying a balanced pace. In the video, the concept of Siesta is introduced as a cultural aspect that visitors to Spain should be aware of, illustrating the city's slower, more relaxed lifestyle during the day.

💡Paella

Paella is a traditional Spanish dish originating from the Valencian region, typically made with rice, saffron, vegetables, and a variety of meats or seafood. It is a symbol of Spanish culinary heritage and is often enjoyed as a communal meal. In the video, Paella represents the fresh, local ingredients and the simple yet flavorful cuisine that the narrator appreciates about Granada, contributing to the city's 'duende' spirit.

💡Churros

Churros are a popular Spanish dessert consisting of fried dough pastry, often served with a sweet dipping sauce such as chocolate or caramel. They are a traditional snack that embodies the indulgent and enjoyable aspects of Spanish cuisine. In the video, Churros are mentioned as a local specialty that the narrator tries, showcasing the city's sweet treats and the overall 'duende' spirit of enjoying life's pleasures.

💡Cultural authenticity

Cultural authenticity refers to the genuine representation and experience of a culture's traditions, values, and practices. In the context of the video, cultural authenticity is a central theme as the narrator seeks to immerse themselves in the true essence of Granada's culture, from its music and dance to its cuisine and daily life. The video emphasizes the importance of experiencing the city's authentic aspects to truly understand and appreciate its 'duende' spirit.

Highlights

The Spanish word 'duende', which has no direct translation into English, represents a feeling of passion and authenticity that is deeply rooted in Andalusian culture.

Granada, located in Andalusia, is a city rich in history and culture, known for its Islamic heritage and passionate way of life.

The city is divided into districts called 'barrios', each with its own unique charm and attractions.

Centro, Granada's modern heart, is a perfect hub to explore the city and is home to countless restaurants, hotels, and attractions.

Granada's Grand Cathedral is a striking example of Spanish Renaissance architecture, built on the site of a former mosque.

The concept of 'siesta' in Spain is a time for businesses to close and workers to rest and eat lunch, rather than a period of sleep.

Carrera Del Darro is a picturesque walking street offering stunning views, shopping, and iconic Spanish culinary experiences like tapas.

Tapas, a fundamental part of Spanish food culture, can be enjoyed in two ways: as free small plates accompanying drinks or as a selection of ordered shareable dishes.

The Alhambra is an iconic symbol of Granada, representing the pinnacle of Moorish architecture and the end of the last independent Muslim state in Western Europe.

The Alhambra complex is divided into three main areas, including the Al-Kazaba fortress, the Nasrid Palaces, and the Royal Palace of Charles V.

The Gardens of Generalife within the Alhambra are renowned for their intricate carvings, lush greenery, and an ingenious irrigation system.

Flamenco, a passionate and expressive art form originating from the Romani culture, is a key element of Granada's nightlife and cultural scene.

The Sacromonte neighborhood of Granada is historically associated with the Gitano community and is a prime location for experiencing authentic Flamenco performances.

Granada's cuisine is characterized by its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and simple yet flavorful dishes that reflect the city's love for life.

The experience of visiting Granada encompasses not only its rich history and architecture but also the vibrant lifestyle and communal enjoyment of the city by both locals and tourists.

The city's atmosphere is one of charm and relaxation during the day, with a lively and energetic vibe at night, showcasing the Spanish love for their city.

Granada offers a unique blend of cultural authenticity, spectacular monuments, incredible cuisine, and rich history, making it a must-visit destination.

The search for 'duende' in Granada leads to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the city's passionate and expressive culture.

Transcripts

foreign

that is fabulous

it's just Charming as hell

passion

it's something I feel like we could all

use a little bit more of in our daily

lives I know I certainly do live each

day to its fullest make it a little bit

better than the last

well I recently heard a word Spanish

word duende

has no direct translation into English

and it comes from a very particular part

of the Spanish-speaking World Andalusia

in the south of Spain now if you know

anything about Spanish culture you know

it's renowned the world over for its

passion it's dedication it's love of

life and duende is the Spanish term for

that feeling I think there's something

to be learned from this duende and so I

find myself here in Granada in Andalusia

in the south of Spain to try to find a

little duende for myself

foreign

[Music]

[Music]

welcome to Granada draped in an Earthen

Valley of rich green and Golden Sun this

ancient city is steeped in Andalusian

culture home to nearly a quarter million

its history is intertwined with that of

the Southern Iberian Peninsula on which

it sits Granada was the home of the last

Islamic culture to hold land on the

European continent which means that in

many ways it feels like as much a part

of the Arabic world as it does the

Western one

exploring this city is a feast for the

senses the food the music and the

architecture weave themselves together

into a passionate tapestry of Timeless

Canadian culture it's a place that has

it all from a visitor's perspective

spectacular monuments incredible Cuisine

a rich history and authentic experiences

for days Granada is divided into

districts called barios and if you find

yourself here you'll likely begin your

journey in the city's modern heart

Centro located as its name would imply

in the center of Granada Centro is the

perfect hub from which to explore the

rest of the city it's also home to

countless restaurants hotels and

attractions including Granada's Grand

cathedral built on the side of an umyad

mosque that was torn down after the city

was reclaimed by Spain in the early 16th

century this extraordinary Chapel took

nearly 200 years to build and is a

striking example of Spanish Renaissance

architecture but while Centro is home to

plenty of action it's also rich with

charming quiet Alleyways that are

perfect for wandering the vibe in Centro

is super super relaxed during the day it

is definitely a great place for you you

to just walk explore relax grab a coffee

you really feel the sort of pace of

Spanish life everybody's sitting

everybody's relaxing families are out

spending time enjoying the city and it's

really really neat the one thing you

want to keep in mind and this applies to

all of Spain if you are spending time

here as a tourist is the Siesta now

Siesta has a bit of a reputation around

the world when people talk about Spain

where they think that you know all the

businesses close and everybody goes home

and goes to sleep for three or four

hours that's not actually true what it

actually is is the time that businesses

close so that they can eat lunch sort of

restock regather for service in the

evening but do be aware things that do

sort of tone down between about two and

five but that's not to say that there's

any shortage of things to do in Central

during the afternoon heading Northwest

takes you to Carrera Del Dano hugging

the curves of the Darrow River this

picturesque walking Street sits at the

base of the historic Albay scene

district and while it's another perfect

place stroll shop and enjoy it's also a

great spot to sit down for one of

Spain's most iconic culinary experiences

tapas

[Music]

it's what exactly are chocolates well

Tapas has become kind of a catch-all

buzzword in the U.S for any restaurant

that does small plates right stuff that

you can share but in Spain it's so much

more than it's a huge fundamental part

of their food culture the Tapas kind of

works two different ways there's a lot

of bars where for every drink that you

order my case a bottle of local wine you

get a plate you get something it's

literally whatever the kitchen Feels

Like Sunday it's usually very small and

very very tasty now if you're a light

Uber you can actually get away with

eating for free in a lot of cities in

Spain just by doing Tapas they'll get

pretty drunk but that's what you're

trying to do but the other way that you

can do Tapas is of course they'll have a

full menu and you can order lots and

lots of different small plates designed

for sharing and kind of do it that way

and that's exactly what we've done today

we're at a spot called La tabernia the

door which is right in the banks of the

Dora River the four rivers that Granada

was found around and we have ordered a

whole swath of delicious stuff including

a Monte America will be king of Tapas so

I'm very excited to check it out after

savoring our first few plates which

included artichokes stuffed with local

Manchego cheese a delicious spread of

eggs crab meat and fresh chives on rye

toast and a mind-blowingly fresh salad

of heirloom tomato onion and tuna tossed

in olive oil it was finally time for the

main event

this magical substance

the king of tacos agency in a lot of

ways in the king of Spanish ingredients

it is an entire leg of hand aged and

cured for months sometimes even years

and it has renowned the world over for

its deep

salty and sweet Ultra Porky flavor

and we are in its own land

[Music]

texture

it's absolutely this melt in your mouth

massively deep rich

Umami meaty

a little salty it's fatty just the feel

in your mouth is just to die for

this is why we travel is to do things

like this oh my God you know I've got to

say of all the places we've been around

the world spanish cuisine there's just

something so inspiring about it because

it's not technique heavy it's focused

entirely on ingredients fresh clean

simple local ingredients it's a style

that I really really appreciate and

really sets it apart from a lot of other

styles of cooking around the world

but the amazing flavors of Granada

weren't the only thing to blow our minds

that afternoon after lunch we decided to

stroll up the hill into the Barrio of

albaisi the love for its beautiful views

Moorish architecture and cozy streets

and stairways this district is one of

the city's most historic and as we

wandered in search of the perfect Sunset

Vista we stumbled on something even

better

[Music]

so this is Mirador de San Nicolas in the

heart of the albayacine neighborhood and

it is an absolute must do if you come to

Granada as you can see it's a stunning

Overlook out over the city with

Incredible views of the Alhambra but

it's also an absolute party in the

afternoons and evenings there's Flamenco

there's live music tourists and locals

alike just flock here and it's it's

straight up a party it's an absolutely

incredible time set Against The Surreal

backdrop of the Alhambra and lit by the

golden rays of the falling Sun local

Flamenco dancers and musicians put on a

spectacle I'll never forget this to me

is the essence of Granada and was our

first real glance at this elusive but

ever-present feeling of duende I get the

feeling that these creative Souls would

be here pouring their hearts out with

song and dance whether there were a

thousand people watching or not at all

you know it seems like this that I feel

like you can only find in places like

Spain places where the local community

is just as passionate about their city

as tourists are they come out in droves

just like the tourists do and create an

atmosphere that's unlike anything else

in the world you can really feel the

passion in the air and practically cut

it with a knife if you're looking for

cultural authenticity

you really can't beat this after

enjoying the show and a spectacular

Sunset we made our way back down the

hill enjoying the relaxed Buzz of

Granada at dusk but as we found

ourselves back in the center of town we

realized that the muted even Vibes were

just a slow easy breath before the night

truly began

[Music]

after dark Centro takes on a whole new

Vibe the quiet and quaint back alleys of

the day suddenly surge with activity the

Spanish are known for being night owls

and wandering the city as The Moon Rises

shows you just how true that is things

don't really get going until around 8

and even then having dinner at 10 or 11

at night on a weekday is par for the

course but nighttime is just another

opportunity to see the people of

Granada's love for their City on full

display now this is Caye recogita and

it's one of the main roads that's going

to take you through Centro and as you

can see it's packed the second you step

into really anywhere in central but

particularly these main thoroughfares

you realize just how much these people

absolutely love their city it's

infectious the vibe everybody young old

all classes all Creeds they're all out

dining drinking having fun and talking

meeting up with their friends just doing

whatever enjoying their city it's such a

rare thing to see that when you actually

find a city that works this way you

can't help but just want to be a part of

it now I'm noticing a common theme here

and it makes me wonder how the hell did

the Spanish get anything done I don't

mean that in a rude way honestly I'd say

it with Envy spend the day strolling

playing music eating amazing food

drinking great wine then rest for a few

hours and go out to do it all over again

just with twice the intensity where do I

sign up

it's just Charming as hell

I mean seriously this whole vibe

downtown in central is just Charming as

hell I absolutely love it but as one

inevitably does we found ourselves

hungry once more we stepped into Brown

Cafe B brambla for a solid presentation

of Croquettes patatas bravas and a

delicious country paella and for dessert

another local specialty these are

churros the original churros now our

friends in Mexico have sort of done

their own thing with them over the years

but in the Homeland in the OG world

where Trudeau's came from this is what

they look like they're a little bit

bigger they're a little bit thicker and

every bit is delicious no cinnamon sugar

on these but what they do come with is

this stuff which is sort of a strange

cross between like a chocolate ganache

and a hot chocolate so it is technically

drinkable in a very indulgent way I

guess I would say but what you are

mentioning do is you're meant to dunk oh

look at that coverage ah I love it you

don't

well those should be illegal

I mean it's it's sweet fried dough

and chocolate sauce what else do you

need after an amazing day of living The

Good Life andalucian Style and what we

were shocked to realize about it to two

bottles of wine we were beat so we

headed back to our hotel for some much

needed sleep and with good reason

because the next morning we had an early

appointment for a lesson in living

history

foreign

[Music]

obviously a huge part of the draw of a

visit to Granada is its history and it

is indeed a very storied place in

Andalusia I was originally settled by

the iberians in 600 BC then the Romans

showed up in 50 BC and 780 the umiyads

showed up and then after some civil wars

in a period of being ruled by a few

different Berber tribes the nazareths

came to be and the greatest

accomplishment of the nazrids is the

Alhambra the Alhambra has become an icon

for Granada and with good reason its

Rich past puts it at the focal point of

Spanish and Moorish history construction

on the complex that stands today began

in the early 13th century initiated by

Muhammad the first the premier ruler of

the Emirate of Granada for the next 300

years its massive stone walls protected

the leaders and military strategists of

the nasra dynasty however in 1492 the

Emirates surrendered the complex and the

rest of Granada to the Royal Court of

Ferdinand and Isabella which marked both

the end of the last independent Muslim

state in Western Europe and the

conclusion of these 700-year Spanish

Reconquista one of the first acts of the

Catholic monarchs at the Alhambra was to

Grant one Christopher Columbus the

support of a Spanish Crown to sail for

the new world today the Alhambra stands

as one of Spain's most enduring tourist

attractions and one of the most

remarkable surviving examples of Islamic

architecture in the world

the complex is divided into three main

areas connected by a sprawling ground of

Gardens and manicured paths we started

by making our way to the al-kazaba a

massive and imposing castle and Fortress

that sits at the tip of the Hill it's

the oldest part of the Alhambra and

climbing among its weathered Stone

Towers provides you with spectacular

views out over the city working back

towards the entrance you'll pass by both

the nostrad Palaces and the Royal Palace

of Charles V built after ferdinand's

rule ended in the early 1500s a stroll

to the other side of the grounds takes

you to what was for us the alhambra's

most extraordinary feature the

breathtaking Gardens of heneralife the

intricacy of the carvings in its many

palatial structures has to be seen to be

believed the Lush beauty of the gardens

themselves was achieved by an ingenious

network of irrigation troughs that ran

throughout the complex a staggering feat

of engineering for its time the Alhambra

as a whole is extraordinarily well

preserved and maintained with love and

passion by the Spanish government and

wandering its many corners brings the

history of the region to life in Vivid

detail but half the fun is just one

walking and discovering its many hidden

secrets for yourself so obviously no

trip to Granada would be complete

without a visit to the Alhambra it

really is a spectacular place it's also

very very touristy so here's a couple of

tips get here early it opens at 8 30 in

the morning pretty much year round and

that's the time to shoot for also book

your tickets online in advance it's way

way way faster to just go straight in

than it is to stand in the line to

actually buy tickets now another good

thing to know is that this is not

necessarily an all-day Excursion unless

you want to really dig deep and read all

the signs and learn everything you can

get through it in maybe three to four

hours maybe even a little bit less if

you move at a good clip so don't stress

out if you can't get here first thing

you're still going to have an awesome

time and more than likely see everything

that you need to see now exploring a

site of this magnitude is sure to work

up an appetite after leaving the

Alhambra we found ourselves a bit off

the Beaten Track and in search of

something delicious a Surefire

combination that almost always leads to

amazing things

[Music]

so now there are spectacular restaurants

all over Granada and this spot of bunta

is actually a little bit off the beaten

path now they have Spanish Classics here

and we are going to check out a couple

croquetas they also sort of cast a

slightly wider culinary net in

particular we're going to try a North

African dish called bastilla which is a

beautiful flaky pastry of chicken lamb

super heavily seasoned it's going to be

delicious the first time I had the steel

was in Morocco in Marrakesh and it was

absolutely fantastic oh

beautifully flaky pastry

oh yeah and of course it doesn't

disappoint

Ed is such a cool dish because it's a

total sweet Savory it's it tastes like a

pastry when you first bite into it you

think oh croissant you think flaky sweet

and then you get to the spiced meat

carrots veggies oh my God that is

fabulous round two has arrived

venerable and delectable croquetta now

not sure exactly how you would Define

croquetta except for saying it is a

fried ball delicious stuff I think I

think that's really all you need to say

all of them

well that's a delicious bite of

food

good Lord wow those are really really

good okay so you've got a beautiful

thick cheesy sauce it's Rich beyond

belief in the best way possible the

exterior is perfectly fried and crispy

oh that is Evan well my definitely

second definitely second glass of wine

has arrived just in time

for the finale of our meal which is a

bonding us now abandon are another very

traditional Spanish dish and they are

meatballs but they typically include at

least some amount of fish now these in

particular are

hang on hang on hang on hang on hi

scruffy editor me from the future here

now I'm about to say that these

albondigas are made with langoustein

because on the menu it said langostinos

and I made the Assumption well just goes

to show you don't ever assume anything

langostino's in Spain are prawns now

being from the US I'm used to Mexican

Spanish which is different from Spain

Spanish I'm used to prawns being called

camerones in Spain they're called

langostinos doesn't matter I've done

what I can to fix it I don't think you

guys will notice but I just thought I

would mention it just so you know but

anyways sorry back to the action

these in particular are bronze and I

believe we have a carrot puree as well

as a cashew sauce and some mint

chimichurri spectacular flavor

combination

we're out that's bronze man just imagine

the best prawns meatball you could

possibly imagine which I guess sounds

maybe a little odd to the American

palette but trust me it's fabulous

even after a morning of passionate

exploration and an afternoon of

fantastic food we knew the day wasn't

over just yet we had one more thing to

scratch off of our duende checklist and

after laying low until the sun set we

headed back into the hills of Granada to

close out our time in the city with a

bank or should I say with a strum a clap

and a thunderous Olay

thank you

this is the Sacramento neighborhood of

Granada historically this area has been

associated with the kale Roma people

also known as gitanos locally this is

the Romani culture in Spain that's been

here for hundreds and hundreds of years

now this area sits up above Granada in

the hills and it's a gorgeous place to

wander around day or night but we're

here for one reason and that is Flamenco

[Music]

few cultural traditions in the world can

match the seductive intensity of

Flamenco birds from the katano

subculture that is called Andalusia it's

home for centuries its exotic harmonies

Furious rhythms enlightening fast

footwork strike at the very core of your

soul

Flamenco at its purest has three

elements token the guitar played

fingerstyle weaving its way through

complex Melodies and chords Palmas the

intricate clapping rhythms which set the

tempo and feel and of course Vale the

dancer Leading The Ensemble with

graceful ferocity

traditionally the performance is

improvised based around a kante or song

form which often includes lyrics Meant

To Be Sung by any and all in the room

cries of Joy ring out as dancers change

places showing each other up with

increasingly intense and intricate steps

and rhythms the entire form Blends into

a fever dream of passion and expression

and intoxicating Haze of raw emotion

that is utterly inescapable for one

short hour of our Lives we huddle

together on squat wooden chairs and an

ancient cave carved into the hills

Granada and lived in this beautiful

dream and I couldn't imagine a better

way to say farewell to this

extraordinary City

foreign

[Applause]

[Music]

you know when I was researching this

trip I came across this fantastic quote

about duende this and Lucian passion and

it said that it's something that

everybody who comes here feels can't be

explained by science or reason you just

come here and you get it and I feel like

I get it one day it flows through

Granada like water sometimes it's a

trickle sometimes it's a torrent but

it's ever present I'm curious if you've

been to Granada before and you felt the

same way please jump in the comments and

let me know but whether it's the cuisine

the passion for simple fresh ingredients

or Flamenco the energy of the music and

the dancing or just the conviviality of

people out wandering and enjoying the

city tourists locals day night it

doesn't matter it's this love for life

that just runs through the city it's

pretty incredible and we've had a

wonderful time here

I think I've certainly found a sense of

duende for myself and if you come to

Granada

you might just find it for yourself too

[Music]

[Music]

the fullest

take it again it's a passion for simple

beautiful the ah

what wine travel tired

get out of here B that's that's my

friend cam bear

prawns

fronds

prawns

prawns