Monday, February 18, 2008

Day 6 Wednesday Nasrid Palace/Alhambra -Part 3

(All photos are clickable links and more photos are available on the Flickr site.)

The Nasrid Palace is what typifies the Alhambra to most travel books. Despite my years in Islamic countries, it allowed me to see more examples of Islamic (Moorish) art than I ever had in present political climates. We arrived about 15 minutes before our ticket time, and no, not yet...We then watched various tourists be given the same answer by the official ticket inspector! Ah bureaucracy....
No....not yet.
But finally the art.
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Each design was so unique and so mesmerizing, that it boggled the mind and was a profusion of eye candy. The geometric designs never seemed to repeat themselves. I don't recall noting that much of the caligraphy, but it was there and often used as a border element.
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Some of the passageways had designs that seemed like they would be wonderful to use in other mediums.
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And of course the courtyards around the pools - such wonderful spots to contemplate life and the tranquil water.
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We weren't the only ones in the Palace but there were very few groups this day.
Japanese tourists

How can the mind or eye comprehend room after room with this type of design?
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Seeing nature framed
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Touching such beauty
Inspiring

And finally the walk out...thru a early spring garden, with the scent of wallflowers rising.
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