Day 3 - Granada

It is now Wednesday and my week here is nearly half over. On my way to school this morning, I found something a bit peculiar...on the corner of my street was a random horse, just standing there! I asked if this was a common sight and I guess there is nothing wrong with a stray horse hanging out on a street corner! So, I had my usual few hours of class in the morning, and lunch at the family´s.

After lunch, I walked over to Parque Central this time determined to find the ¨Seeing Hands¨ location in back of EuroCafe. Without too much trouble, I found the receptionist and her four masseurs! It was kind of odd that this massage parlour was located in the back of a coffee shop...for those of you familiar with Second Cup in Montreal on Parc, think of the side of the shop in the back filled with blind men and massage chairs. I know, a bit awkward, but great as you read on. This situation was not creepy in the least as students with laptops were in all other corners of this room. I asked how long was the wait for a 20 minute chair massage and found that I had to wait a bit.

Instead of waiting, I ventured down Calle Calzada where there are tons of restaurants, bars and hostels. It was interesting to see also here that the front of each venue was brightly colored and with no specific or grandiose design. Upon looking inside, there were magnificent gardens and people hanging out on rocking chairs - apparently, rocking chairs are big here.

After about 20 minutes, I returned to ¨Seeing Hands¨for my 20 minute massage. It was all very professional and a nice break in the day. Afterward, I picked up a Coca Light and headed back to school for my afternoon activity. Note to all...in Granada, a 20 minute massage = 3 Coca Light = $3.50 US!

Once I returned to school, Carla and I set off to walk the length of the city. We headed through Parque Central and past where I had ventured before to Doña Elba - a cigar rolling facility. We walked in and there were four workers sitting at grade school - sized desks with plenty of tobacco leaves around them. It was interesting to see how this process worked. I even got to roll a few cigars myself!

Following Doña Elba, we continued walking away from the city´s center to La Polvora which is a former prison sitting at the outskirts. This prison has four towers which allow one to see the length of the city. It was interesting to walk around and see the structure. It is great because Carla acts as my personal Spanish professor and tourguide. She was able to answer all of my questions. Once we were done at La Polvora, I walked back toward the house and stopped at Iglesia Xalteva which has existed since the 18th century. Across the street is a park with stone lanterns unchanged from this same period. I continued walking and found myself back at the house soon after.

I was pleased that I was able to better communicate at dinner, especially because la abuela served tostones and torta de pollo which is reminiscent of potato latkes + schnitzel which was greatly appreciated.