Oda a Nuestra Granada

We traveled far by ASLA bus to sunny Southern Spain,
where free tapas and winding streets are Granada's claim to fame,
we gathered together, us Oregon crew, after far too many weeks,
an orphan Christmas we would have, blessed with lots of feasts.

Sir Eric met us at the gate, shaped a keyhole door,
Hosting us with open arms, smiles and much more,
A piso and some cozy beds, we were bound to share,
Kendra, Hannah, Evan, Ryan, Noah and Claire Bear.

Short-sleeved sunny plaza sits, each and every day,
The temperature, so warm and sweet, made it feel like May,
Along on Eric's (free) walking tour through the Albayzin,
We learned of conquests, Moorish times, and smelly Catholic kings.

Every day we climbed up hills, in search of perfect views,
Scaling walls, scraping knees and having picnics, too,
Sacramonte gave us a taste of Granada from above…
…and Ishmael's tea, in gyspy cave, and tapas made with love.

Ladkas, applesauce and friends on Channakah's 3rd night,
The dreadel games with Alhambra beer made it feel just right,
And when Paul Simon belted Graceland, we all began to dance,
The cold just seemed to drift away as we jigged and pranced.

A gift atop the hill it stands, the Alhambra's golden towers,
Awaiting entrance on Christmas Eve to reveal its mighty powers,
Muslim-crafted detailed walls left us all in awe,
…and Eric waving his red flag atop his roof we saw.

The 24th we feasted in a cave of Polish friends,
Singing hippies by candlelight, full bellies by the end,
We orphans crafted quite the meal on cheery Christmas day,
Secret Santa, mimosas and laughs made home feel close at bay.

Blessed we are to have shared this time in Eric's Spanish home
To be with 'family' while far away, we never felt alone
Muchas gracias to you all for an unforgettable week,
In history books it will remain, never to be beat!

For photos:
http://picasaweb.google.com/clapoma/NuestraGranada#
Short album: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2212994&l=3d296&id=11506824