This quote is my reference to a store owner who offered me a rug for 15 euros because I was “beautiful.”  I don’t need a rug, sir, and I’m pretty sure that’s the same price you give everyone.  I’m not easily fooled.

Since it is a non-traveling weekend, I have been able to relax in Granada with friends and do things within the city the past few days.  

On Thursday night after class, we had our celebratory July 4th dinner at a restaurant near the Alhambra called “Restaurante La Yedra Real de La Alhambra” - if you recall, the Alhambra is that big fortress/castle that sits on the mountains overlooking Granada.  We had to hike up to the restaurant but luckily it was air-conditioned (a rare treat these days!).  The meal consisted of 5 courses, but it was more of a Mediterranean food tasting than a meal, seeing as everything came out on small plates from which you sampled.  There was olive oil tasting with bread; a plate of salami, ham and goat cheese (the cheese was awful, even though I am a HUGE fan of cheese overall); tortilla de patatas (fried eggs with potatoes); chicken with spiced mashed potatoes; and for dessert, a special bread pudding, chocolate ice cream with a lemon olive oil drizzled on top (surprisingly good!), and little chocolates.  With this whole meal, we were given a sample of a different wine with each course.  One wine - I think it was called Torrealdea Rioja Reserva (2004) - was on the official “1001 Wines You Have to Try Before You Die” list, so I guess it was good I tasted it.  It was a dry white wine and very sweet and enjoyable.  Only after we were completely done eating did we realize how full we were.  

Yesterday (Saturday), Katie and I went on an all-day shopping extravaganza to start buying souvenirs for home and such, seeing as there’s only one week left in Granada!  We spent a good 7 to 8 hours shopping in the Arab markets (love those deals) and also bigger department stores.  In Granada, from the beginning of July until the end of August, there are always sales, sales, sales.  No store is full-priced during this time period, so shopping becomes a whole lot more enjoyable.  Shopping for souvenirs is always a ton of fun, and I checked off a good number of people on my gift list! :)

Today, it’s back to some homework - I have one presentation and one test left this week!

School countdown: 4 days (8 classes)

Granada countdown: 8 days!!!