After three weeks in Spain, we got Hotpot (photos 1–2) and it was delicious.

Taberna Andaluza (3–4) served us potatoes with fried egg and croquettes with jamón.

We popped into Venga Vino (5–6) and (like everywhere else) they gave us “free” tapas when we ordered a drink.

Same for Mítico Bar (7–8).

A table set for hotpot with a dual-section pot containing clear and spicy broths, both simmering with assorted mushrooms. Surrounding the pot are plates of fresh ingredients: leafy greens, enoki, shiitake, and wood ear mushrooms, a bowl of thick white noodles, and a plate of raw yellow ramen noodles. A dipping sauce bowl and a pair of chopsticks rest near an empty serving bowl.A vibrant hotpot meal centered around a dual-section simmering pot with spicy and clear broths, filled with mushrooms and herbs. The table is ringed with neatly arranged slices of raw beef and lamb, fanned around the pot for cooking. On the side are plates of mushrooms, greens, ramen, and udon noodles, creating a visually striking and appetizing spread.A rustic plate featuring a fried egg with a runny yolk served over sautéed potatoes, accompanied by a slice of crusty white bread. The egg white is lightly browned on the edges, and the yolk glistens with a soft center, enhancing the dish’s homely appeal.A serving of golden croquettes with a crisp breadcrumb coating, paired with thick-cut French fries on a white plate. The croquettes are evenly fried and appetizingly arranged, suggesting a crunchy exterior and creamy interior.Two grilled pork loin fillets served atop slices of bread, garnished with a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil. Thin, crispy French fries are piled next to the meat on a patterned ceramic plate, creating a balanced and appealing presentation.Two glass cups of salmorejo, a creamy cold tomato soup, each topped with finely chopped hard-boiled egg and bits of crispy fried ham. Presented on a rustic tile-patterned table, the bright orange color and garnishes create an inviting and traditional Spanish appetizer.A partially eaten plate of migas, a traditional Spanish dish made with fried breadcrumbs, garlic, and pieces of sausage. The dish appears golden and textured, with rich, savory chunks visible among the crumbs. A spoon rests on the plate, indicating it’s mid-meal.A plate of thinly sliced pork loin in a light, seasoned gravy. The meat is tender and moist, coated in a sheen of the savory sauce, served simply on a white plate that highlights the dish’s subtle presentation.

2025-06-07

Some more shots from walking around Granada. Along with standard ornate cathedrals and such, it felt like there was a lot more graffiti and art in Granada than València or Málaga, maybe due to Granada being more of a college town than the others.

Close-up of an ornate bell tower with Baroque architectural details, featuring a domed roof and a statue of a robed angel holding a palm frond and a sword on top. The building’s warm sandstone surface is illuminated by golden hour sunlight, casting deep shadows and highlighting intricate carvings, including classical figures and decorative reliefs.View of a historic stone church framed by modern buildings, with a bell tower topped by a weather vane rising above lush greenery and cypress trees. The late afternoon sun casts a soft golden light on the architecture, creating a warm contrast with the deep blue sky.Gothic-style stone building with highly ornate spires and decorative pinnacles silhouetted against a vivid blue sky. The facade features pointed arches, intricate tracery, and sculpted details, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and dramatic verticality.Narrow cobblestone street lined with traditional buildings and balconies, leading toward a domed cathedral in the distance. People stroll along the pedestrian zone, while a few cars are parked nearby. The symmetry of the architecture and the dome framed between buildings creates a visually pleasing composition.Panoramic view of a cityscape with rooftops, church towers, and antennas extending into the distance under a clear blue sky. In the foreground, a weathered stone wall covered in colorful graffiti adds an urban, contemporary contrast to the historic skyline.Twilight scene of a sloped alley lined with whitewashed houses and rustic balconies, leading up toward a hillside chapel with terraced terrain. A glowing streetlamp illuminates the path, casting a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere over the old quarter’s narrow passageway.Graffiti-covered metal shutter of a closed pharmacy storefront, featuring a stylized blue mortar and pestle with “Farmacia” and other words painted across it. The surrounding tags, including names of medications and symbols, add layers of visual texture and urban commentary.Deserted alley at night lit by a series of vintage streetlamps, casting warm pools of light on the stone pavement. The narrow corridor is flanked by old buildings with wrought iron balconies and shuttered windows, evoking a quiet, timeless mood.Minimalist graffiti text in black ink reading “nothing gold can stay” on a smooth beige wall. The handwritten style and simplicity of the phrase evoke a quiet, poetic sentiment.Dimly lit street at night with old buildings and hanging balconies, illuminated by warm streetlights. Two people walk in the distance, casting long shadows as the red glow of a traffic light reflects on the pavement, creating a cinematic and moody atmosphere.

2025-06-07

Granada

Granada was a cute college town with beautiful sights and a unique tapas culture.

These are all the posts I made about the city:

I loved the unique tapas culture here, where basically every round of drinks comes with a “free” tapa (some of the prices are a little higher)—if you’re cheap and out to drink, you could get away with eating for free. We never intentionally did this because we wanted larger portions and not to drink so much, but it was fun to see what each restaurant would bring out first for free.

We only went back to one restaurant multiple times (Restaurante Oliver), but we were also only here for four nights, so we didn’t have as much time for repeats. I wish we had been able to go back to Rincón de Rodri, and there were still more places in my Apple Maps guide that I wish we had been able to visit.

On separate nights we walked up to the Mirador de San Nicolás and Jardines y Generalife; both were a good workout. I’m bummed we didn’t get to go into the Alhambra itself, and I’d want to return and make sure we got tickets for that.

Our Airbnb near the city center was great, and the city was relatively small anyway so it was easy to walk around. We never used the bus system because we walked from the train to our apartment.

Overall, I’d love to come back to Granada to see the Alhambra and experience the unique tapas culture again.

Close-up view of ornate pinnacles atop the Royal Chapel of Granada, showcasing the elaborate late Gothic (Isabelline) stone carvings against a cloudless blue sky. The vertical structures are highly detailed with vegetal and geometric motifs, emphasizing the grandeur of the architecture.Panoramic view of the Alhambra palace complex illuminated at twilight, perched atop a forested hill with the Sierra Nevada mountains faintly snow-capped in the background. The warm lights cast a golden hue on the ancient stone walls, contrasting beautifully with the blue sky and shadowed trees below.Narrow cobblestone street flanked by whitewashed buildings in the Albaicín neighborhood, with wrought iron balconies and leafy vines draping over the path. The alley gently slopes uphill, drawing the eye toward a small tower and distant mountains beyond.Intricately detailed ceiling of the main chapel in Granada Cathedral, featuring a coffered dome with geometric patterns, sculpted cherubs, and ornamental stucco work. Natural light streams through stained glass windows, highlighting the richness and symmetry of the Renaissance design.Framed view from a narrow alleyway toward the Sacromonte hillside bathed in golden evening light. The foreground is lined with traditional white Andalusian buildings and wrought iron balconies, leading to a sunlit cluster of houses atop the dry, grassy slope.Exterior corner of the Royal Chapel of Granada with its pale stone walls and decorative Gothic tracery. The vertical spires and cresting finials are richly carved and silhouetted sharply against a vivid blue sky, underscoring the building’s historic and architectural significance.Spanish graffiti on a pinkish-brown wall written in black marker, expressing a wistful message in Spanish about love, longing, and missing the chance to see the Alhambra together. It’s dated 07/04/2025 and written in a casual, personal script.Wall with multiple pieces of graffiti, including a poetic quote in Spanish referencing Granada, a stylized Instagram handle, and a black wavy line. The quote is written diagonally and speaks to the hardship of being blind in such a beautiful place.Busy pedestrian street in Granada lined with multistory buildings featuring wrought iron balconies and hanging lamps. A dense crowd walks beneath leafy trees, with a few people in the foreground wearing casual clothes. The vibrant scene captures the energy of an early evening paseo.

2025-06-08