There are over 20 white pueblos set amongst the mountains about an hour’s drive from Granada; a different world & way of life. Pueblos with anywhere from 100 residents to 3000 and the highest in altitude in Spain.
It took me longer to learn to pronounce Alpujarra than to decide if I should join a group from my escuela for an all day tour (as you might guess I’m not big on being part of a horde of tourists).
Our guide was amazing & knowledgeable & we were in a small van ( I called shotgun with another Spanish professor) with other students- so glad to have spent the day-game changer.
1st stop Lanjarón… one of the largest at 3500 residents & from which most of the incredible bottled water in Spain is produced. If you zoom in on the photo on the left you’ll see the boys having their morning chat… please zoom in further on the bench on the right there’s an older man with a beret & cane.
After the 2 women left I went & sat (after asking) & we started talking. My Spanish is decent but the village Spanish… I did my best – he’s 95, born & raised in Lanjarón, lives a few meters from the plaza & has outlived most of his family. A toothless ( maybe 3 ) smile made my day! A little trip to Lanjarón and Pampaneira for you.
Capileira was the last and highest village we went to. Incredible views, architecture, sounds and smells. What was once an agricultural and food producing region (it still is, but a much smaller percentage) is now primarily driven by tourism. Still, an experience and day that gave me a small glimpse into the history and beauty that is rural Spain.
–the return to Granada was surreal…that towns & places like this still exist
Have you ever truly wondered about living in a different era or place in the world? Have you visited or lived somewhere that is so different than where you live now? Dime.
#workhardplayhard #lovewhatyoudo #lovewhereyoulive #lavidaescorta
ShannoninSpain 
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