The Albayzin’s maze of narrow cobblestone streets, dead-ends, decorative doorways, and steep staircases may be the only place in the world where one is happy to get completely lost. It is mystical, mythical and musical all at once.

Carmens are the unique urban housing of this “barrio” or neighborhood. Defined by tall walls with inner courtyard gardens whose vines spill over the wall with a view of the Alhambra, the most recent Carmen to turnover in ownership reportedly sold for $16 million.

Regarding the caracoles…Kevin and I sat down for the typical Spanish 2:30 p.m. afternoon meal in a beautiful square before realizing that the taberna’s special dish was “caracoles,” yes, snails. And before we knew it, we had a “tapas gratis” bowl of snails in front of us. When in Spain!

In case you missed the post that shares where we’re staying, and why, from Nov. 25 – Dec. 9, click here.