Why can't Americans wear pretty hats?? Granada, Spain!

Before I write a little about my weekend in Granada (which was actually a little over a week ago,) I just have a little request

...

Can we (as in Americans) please start wearing pretty hats to formal events?  As we were touring Granada, we came across this wedding party, which of course called for a few creeper photos to share the gorgeousness.

Now back to normal non-creeper things.  Granada was one of the last moorish strongholds in Spain and has retained quite a bit of North African influence.  When mixed with traditional and modern Spanish culture, it truly is a unique type of beauty.  Also, hellllo awesome shopping.  

Something I keep noticing across Europe is the mixture of old and new.  Constantly seeing a cathedral from the 1400s or an ancient Roman amphitheater right in the middle of a modern city is so mind blowing to me, having grown up in what is technically a "new" country.  In Granada we visited the cathedral that King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella (among other Spanish royals) are buried in, as well as the Alhambra, an incredible Moorish fortress/palace.  

Our study abroad group surprised us with a private flamenco show!  The location we went to was obviously very old, very unique, and very Spanish.  Experiencing this Spanish tradition for the first time was actually really cool.  I couldn't stop taking pictures.

Those pants again...

Remember how I mentioned here about harem pants being a big trend in Spain, and about how much I was starting to like them?  Well here I introduce you to pair #2.   

Last weekend we took a trip to Granada (post on its way.) As one of the last moorish strongholds in Spain, Granada has quite a bit of Moorish/North African influence, which was SUPER cool.  They had harem pants EVERYWHERE, and When I saw this olive green color, I just couldn't help myself.  

Although when I get back to the states, it's very likely the pants will turn into glorified pajamas (they're the most comfortable thing everrrrr) I'm sure I will find somewhere to where them... Like on dates with Greg, I'm sure he would love that ;)  

Also, I just realized I never posted a photo of pair #1.  In case you were curious, here they are:

Barcelona Photos!

I live for the day that I can get personally crafted dresses....

As the pictures above and below depict, please don't drive a Vespa Internationally if you don't already know 1) how to drive a vespa and 2) your way around the city.  Rental places make it seem soooo easy and like such a fun time.  No.  False.  If you drive a vespa in a new place, you could end up on the freeway... illegally... although you will get some fun stories out of it, I would recommend walking ;)

I love the way Spain does day trips

Easy travel!  That's one of my favorite things about living in Europe.  Because today was a bank holiday (??) classes were cancelled and we hopped on a bus to Nerja, Spain.  Beforehand, all I knew was that it was a small town about an hour away and was rumored to have pretty beaches.  Once again, after visiting a new city, my mind is blown.  The pictures speak for themselves, but we will definitely be returning to Nerja!  

Ronda, Spain

Top: Old Navy, $6

Skirt: Delias via outlet store, $25

Boots: Target, $35

Purse: Belk, $13

Bracelets: Spain! 5 €

Owl Earrings: Forever 21, $4

Sunglasses: Forever 21, $5

Today my study abroad group took the hour trek to Ronda, Spain.  Having never really heard of Ronda, I didn't expect much.  Boy was I wrong.   More pictures and details are here, but I think you can tell from the ones that I posted that the views were truly incredible!  The vastness of it all was truly breathtaking, and the history behind the city was mind blowing. 

After a completely full day, I'm super tired and heading off to bed.  But be prepared for more pictures.  My friends and I are going on excursions almost every week...  Next up- Barcelona!