ÏàƬ¼¯

I lived in the midst of an Arabian tale, and shut my eyes, as much as possible, to every thing that called me back to every-day life; and if there is any country in Europe where one can do so, it is in poor, wild, legendary, proud-spirited, romantic Spain; where the old magnificent barbaric spirit still contends against the utilitarianism of modern civilization.

- Washington Irving in "Recollections of the Alhambra"

Is there a more romantic view anywhere in Europe than the sight of the Alhambra in early evening from the San Nicolas viewpoint? Not that I've seen yet. (Though I have a lot of Europe left to explore).

My wife and I got to the San Nicolas viewpoint a little over an hour before sunset. We had to contend with massive crowds and guard against pickpockets (including a Roma family that we saw plying their trade while their friends distracted tourists with their enchanting guitar playing and singing). Once we wormed our way into a spot against the ledge, we weren't going anywhere until blue hour was over.

This was taken in the minute or so after the lights had turned on but before the last alpenglow had faded from the Sierra Nevada. An utterly enchanting view.