Pattern

The Moorish influence is to be found quite readily in Southern Spain and often very subtly - so ingrained into the culture that most of us would consider what we saw as typically Spanish.  In Granada the influence is obvious.  Well it would be really.  The Alhambra Palaces are the manifestation of the influence of design upon the city.  It was a delight to walk around.  And over.

Plazas and public spaces in the modern city were beautifully decorated in smooth stone, marble and in repeating patterns.  

In the old quarter of the city, they were still repeating patterns, but somewhat more complicated...and despite the millions of people that must visit, still not worn smooth. The job of pavement constructor in Granada must require a maths degree and a whole lot of patience!

Even some of the shops have floors that you'd really rather hover over.  

Beautiful, imposing, impressive doorways showing off wealth and strength give way to lovely refreshing courtyards and yet more patterned flooring.....this photo was a stroke of luck..I was 'chased' away by a security officer who closed the door within the door as soon as he'd seen me off.  He was polite, I was apologetic (after all, it was a gesture of nosiness) ..it was friendly!

And then of course, the Alhambra itself...here we are in the Sultana's courtyard...of course her ceilings and walls had to bear pattern for her enjoyment....

Isn't it fabulous.  The Alhambra is a World Heritage Site and immensely well looked after, considering the millions that visit.  But...it is immensely well looked after. Which means that despite my delight and awe at everything I saw, it was all very tidy, very groomed and very erm, planned.  I recognise the need and the reason....but well....i felt it was a rather 'homogenised' experience.  

It didn't stop us from taking advantage of empty spaces and smooth stones! What strikes me about this picture is the definition of Mr D's arms and the lack of it in mine. Telling.

I bought a handful of postcards showing pattern and colour inside the palaces that we couldn't visit (book in advance -WELL in advance, the website is very good). As we had walked up from the city to the Palaces, we decided to walk down too.  And look at the amount of pattern that greeted us as we reached level ground.  

I'm expecting to be inspired to produce art any minute now!