Granada, Andalucia - Housesit
Having had a break from housesitting for a couple of months (too busy off on motorcycle adventures!) we accepted a sit close to Granada in southern Spain (end Nov-Early Dec). Due to timing (and cost) we decided to fly to Malaga and hire a car - get this ‘the hire car for 12 days = TOTAL 58 euros / 45 Pounds / 90 A$. Next week I go to the UK and will pay that ‘per day’! No idea why so cheap but we took it and ran!
Arrived at this amazing mansion to enter the house in the dark to be greeted by two barking dogs! Timing meant that we didn’t meet the homeowner before she had to leave so we faced the wrath of the dogs, took them for a quick walk and we were all friends by the time we got back.
Local walks were in abundance with a big hill (1000m) walking distance up the road from the house and a lovely river walk just 5 minutes drive away. By the second day we were venturing further afield with a brilliant canyon hike and breath taking views. The dogs were timid on the suspension bridges and narrow canyon ledges but with a bit of persuasion we all made it through.
The location of the house was brilliant. Hikes close by but only a 20 minute bus ride into Granada. We didn’t get chance to visit Granada the last time we were down here which is partly why we accepted the sit. So we set off for a cultural day out and booked tickets to visit the infamous Granada Alhambra, Palace and not to go un mentioned, the amazing Gardens that surrounds them.
Interspersing hiking days with the dogs and sightseeing the next day was back on a local trail. Another great pick took on a flat trail to a reservoir. The weather changed in the second week so bit more rugged up to fend off the chilly December days.
We spent a whole day visiting the Alhambra so we subsequently headed back into Granada town for another day to sightsee the rest. We really like this place…very spanish, friendly people and one of the cheaper places we have been in Spain too. We also had a day out to Pampaneina, otherwise known as Little Peru by the locals, due to its fabric weaving and gorgeous colourful rugs and other handicrafts.
As the weather turned a bit we decided to aim for the coast. Only 40 mins drive away, past the snowcapped Sierra Nevada and a good 5 degrees warmer, the beautiful little place, Salobrena with an Arabian Castle on the top of the hill and the beach down the bottom.
Andrew took a drive up to the nearest ski resort one cold day. At 2500m he parked up and found a friend. We had another couple of lovely local walks with the dogs up the hill to the Mirador (view point) and other trails. We rounded off the sit on our last night at a local ‘Argentinian’ bar to watch the Argentine v Netherlands world cup game. After many tenses moments during the game (well! whenever Holland either had the ball or were scoring!!!) the bar then erupted when the last winning penalty goal was scored - with free drinks all round!
