parting takes: alhambra

a smorgasbord of colors, details and shapes

alhambra was the last stop for our spain trip. what made it really special for me was that it was just me and my sister’s family – meaning I got to play with kaykayla for a much bigger proportion of time, which was awesome stuff. and honestly, you can’t go to spain without visiting alhambra. it’s simply magnificent and so unique – a veritable gem created from a mish-mash of so many unique and talented cultures and inhabited in the lands in the past.

alhambra is also special in one sense — from afar, one doesn’t really understand the beauty and intelligence of the place. the brilliance is literally contained within, and does not elude any hint as to what is within from its simple exterior. the splendour and beauty is very inward, intended for the therapeutic pleasure of the inhabitants (and hence the most beautiful places were the courtyards) instead of for the bypasses. and what a refreshing idea this is – not to flaunt one’s wealth but to cultivate an inner beauty.

hi everyone, i’m kayla! today, i’m your guide to alhambra!

ya know, i rarely have a chance to snap people in my shots, so I really treasure having this cute littler gem of a model to be in my photos and interact with the surroundings. furthermore, the fact is that alhambra, to me, is a really difficult place to take pictures, because firstly, the devil is in the details and you really need to be there to absorb the magnificence of the place – my photos only capture albeit a smidgen of this splendor. and secondly, alhambra is filled with tourist, making dramatic, non-touristy shots difficult.

the combination of intricate carvings and beautifully colored tilings create a unique space

i am in awe.

this shot took me forever to take — i was aiming for a completely empty passageway to look out into one of the iconic courtyards of alhambra. but alas, the crowds just kept coming and it took me like a full 5mins of waiting at the door to snap something that looked a little more meaningful.

kayla looking out at the windows on the upper floors. the entire place gives off an understated elegance and luxury, as though one is in the cool, shade premises of a luxury spa resort.