9 October 2019: Alcalá la Real to Granada (36 miles-278 total)

October 09, 2019

Route. Approximate for both groups, as this is the vehicle route. Michael and I routed through cities and into Granada. Robin and John took a northern route.

Michael's phone rang at 7:30 am, Robin: We're ready to leave. So Michael and I hustled down for coffee, re-packed our gear and we left between 8:30-9:00am. Within a few miles, we stopped to put on jackets—cold, but that came off within 30 minutes. We cycled about 12 miles then split. John and Robin took the high road while Michael and I took the main highway. We had a few mild climbs, one long 4 mile downhill, then diversions into the towns along the way. John and Robin began with a nice climb, but somewhere encountered a narrow, dirt, downhill ravine. They had to walk much of it.

Michael and I followed maps.me guidance through the Granada suburbs to our apartment. We had no address, so we called the phone number and the owner appeared within 30 minutes while we enjoyed a beer at the adjacent cafe. Robin and John arrived about 3 hours later.

Our apartment is fabulous. Three bedrooms, 1.5 baths, washing machine, balcony, large-screen tv (for John-the only one who comprehends Spanish at broadcast speed), a full kitchen with coffee.

Miguel, the owner, says we have a good restaurant and supermarket just around the corner. We should survive. John checked on-line for Alhambra reservations, and found none available until October 22. We'll ride over early tomorrow morning to check it out, if not inside, then the outside.

Michael and I went out about 7 pm to explore our immediate neighborhood, finding bustling streets, teeming with many young people in their 20s and 30s, mixed with the elderly. The restaurants were busy, with the sidewalk seating packed and ample inside seating. Granada has retained a significant Arabic influence, with clear Arabic neighborhoods.

Later, Robin and I went out for dinner. I selected a restaurant that offered a combination of local and international entrees. Our waitress, Maria, recommended a filo-wrapped item stuffed with shredded chicken, walnuts, raisins, spices, and lightly drizzled with honey. Tasty, interesting, and filling.

Maria spoke good English, so we asked about her background. Spain has an official 15% unemployment rate, and a 35% youth unemployment rate. A university education cost her about 900 euros per year, so the education rate is high. Maria had a sociology degree, drug and alcohol counseling. One work colleague has an M.D. degree, and the other is an editor. They all actively seek jobs, but wait staff and cooking are what is available. She spent 3 years working in Miami, 8 months staving in South America, and 2 years in San Diego, mostly restaurant work and as a nanny. She noted a significant difference in how she was treated under Obama vs. Trump.

First Climb.

Beautiful Terrain

Straining to see the screen when taking photos

Two-Handed Door. Usually just one hand.

Typical Door Screen. Some are strings; some are bands. For some reason, we cannot find these in the US. Those available in the US are decorative, using fine string that tangles and blows aside in the wind.

Not Dog of the Day. This confident little character trotted up to the above door, marked the door sill and center bands, verified there was nothing to eat, and trotted off. Bad behavior.