El Teatro Generalife (The Generalife Theater)

In the Spanish city of Granada, resting proudly atop an Andalusian hill is the amazing Alhambra Palace.  Among all the beauty surrounding this mystical, ancient Arab palace lie the gardens also known as El Generalife (pronounced he-ne-ra-LEE-fe in Spanish not like "General Life" in English).  The maze-like gardens serve as the home to a variety of blooming roses in every imaginable color.  The sounds of running water tickles the ear as it streams from the fountains into square ponds.  At dusk, the silhouette of the city bakes in the glorious orange glow below your feet.  The view is greater than life.

And in the middle of such beauty lies a theater. A stage fully equipped with lights, sound, backdrops, props, curtains, and every tool imaginable for even the most advanced effects. 

In August 2007 and 2008 I had the pleasure of watching two performances in this unique theater.  The first was "Poeta en Nueva York" a dance concert where every piece was choreographed to musical poetry by the reknowned author, Federico Garcia Lorca.  The performance was so moving.  It captured the internal turmoil and culture shock Lorca faced when he left his home to study abroad in New York.  Among the two dances I still vividly remember are the "blood dance" and the "rain dance."  Video of "Poeta en Nueva York" (2007).  The second performance I was so privileged to watch was "Romancero Gitano," another show inspired by Lorca's poems.  This one however celebrates Lorca's Andalucia with phenomenal Flamenco and musical artistry.

The Generalife is an incredible sight to see but you are really lucky if you have the privilege of entering in the after hours to catch a glimpse of any performance in the Generalife Theater.  Here I am including a link to the Lorca Performances in the Generalife.  If you stop by Granada in the summer, this is just something so special that cannot be missed!

¡Hola y Bienvenidos!

I am excited to be posting the very first entry for my new blog, "For The Love Of Spain."  The purpose of this blog is to appreciate everything Spanish—the language, history, people, traditions, folklore, business, music, events, and cuisine.

Though I would not consider myself Spanish, but rather Hispanic, I was raised at a young age to appreciate my roots.  I can vividly remember my “abuelita” telling me stories about the first Largaespada¹ that settled in Nicaragua.  Since then, I have had a strong desire to learn more about Spain.  Fast forward two decades and I now have two degrees, countless experiences of studying abroad, and many years of teaching the language under my belt.  

Whether you are planning a trip, browsing to stimulate your mind (and senses), or reminiscing on a past Spanish memory, I hope you enjoy this blog. Feel free to search by topic or simply plunge into all the goodness this blog has to offer about a country so rich and diverse.  I appreciate comments, questions, feedback, experiences, and anecdotes.  

¡Bienvenidos!

¹ My mother's family name