Heaven on Earth | Alhambra, Granada

The Alhambra in Granada left me speechless, absolutely speechless. This Spanish fortress sprawls out with exquisite architecture and gardens that look like they have been plucked from some otherworldly paradise. Prior to discovering this oasis, I thought that Versailles was the only garden to obtain this notion of absolute perfection. Being the most popular attraction in southern Spain, I was preparing myself for crowds. A Dutch family staying at our hotel had said it was a sea of selfie sticks and tour groups. Not loving crowds (confession: I absolutely cannot stand them, I get really anxious) I was prepared to get lost in them, but having made our reservation for later in the day so that I could take full advantage of the best light around the golden hour, I was hoping they would long be on their way.

Walking through the doors of the main entrance you get chills, but of the best variety. The history and the architecture is just mind-blowing. The intricacies and colorful tiles are something that I am still thinking about months after visiting. Gardens and flowers are by far one of my favorite subjects to shoot, so after making my way through the fortress I spent extra time in the gardens. Frankly it wasn't enough time. I could have spent an entire day there, just wandering in an out of the rooms enclosed by perfectly groomed cypress trees with fountains in each. While the crowds slowing started to fade, I was able to really revel in the beauty and attempt to capture what it was that I was seeing. Beauty makes me emotional, it was so much so that I could have cried. I cannot recommend a trip to Granada to see this breathtaking monument.

To discover the heavenly roses of the Alhambra, click here.

Read the entire travel story 'Sweet Andalucia' in the latest issue of the Journal!