By Jennifer Ciotta

Today horse-drawn carriages and men with boxes of oranges adorn the streets of Sevilla but to find the real Lorca ambience, a tourist must travel outside the town.  A train ride from Madrid to southern Spain serves as a catalyst from bustling city to desolate countryside.  The tiny olive trees mixed with the sandy groves, as written in the poet's works, set the mood for relaxation and quiet. 

A reasonable distance from Sevilla is Granada, Lorca's residence of many years.  The Casa-Museo Federico Garcia Lorca holds photos, manuscripts and personal items, even gifts from close friend Salvador Dali.  Groups are taken through the museum by guide and a tour lasts approximately thirty minutes.  The house contains room such as: the receiving room (to entertain guests), the kitchen, bedroom and the living room with a piano.  Also included are original decorations, utensils, furniture and changing temporary expositions.  The Museum's website is only in Spanish thus the tours may be as well. 

In a daytrip to Alhambra, the incredible Spanish castle, one can view the expansive countryside, while watching the multitude of brides and grooms pose for wedding photos at sunset.  The history of Alhambra dates back to the 9th century, the beginning of its existence; however, the castle, used as a fortress, was not occupied by royalty until the 13th century.  The name "Alhambra" literally translates to "red, crimson castle" due to the color of the walls and tower.  At dawn and dusk, the spectacular castle morphs into a golden hue, therefore, making it a vision seen for miles; it is best to get a peek at Alhambra from another part of the hills, making for an once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. 

At nighttime, eating seafood paella and drinking sangria, are two national pastimes worth trying.  Spaniards dance the flamenco, the national dance which includes stomping in special boots and clapping of hands.  Flamenco derived from gypsies and other persecuted peoples bonding together to fight conversion to Catholicism in the late 15th century in Southern Spain.  The birthplaces seem to be Sevilla and Granada, and finally by the 19th century flamenco was a regular part of the artistic culture, and is still celebrated today in cafes on the streets of Sevilla.