Looking at our luggage we quickly realized that we were becoming a travelling laundry so we looked up Señor Google and headed off in search of a Lavanderia apparently conveniently located on the other side of the Genil Canal. Be wary of Google children, he's not always accurate. There was no laundry in evidence in that precinct. So we headed to the second advised place, which is a tintorerrias (dry cleaners). A helpful assistant with very limited English marked out an approximate area where we could find our goal. Continuing our journey through parts of Granada that no Aussie has probably seen before, we eventually found Lavanderia Genil. The fact that it was named after the canal gave some hesitation as to how our smalls were going to be washed; mind you, smalls is a misleading description in any case. Our fears were soon allayed by the owner, who spoke not one word of English. With gestures, a very meagre smattering of Spanish and a pen and paper, we left our hefty load to her and to fate.
After a reviving cup of tea, we were off to find the illusive tourist information office. Once found, a helpful assistant explained how and where to catch the #31 minibus to Albayzin. We walked up to Plaza Nueva where we boarded said minibus with maxipatrons, paid our €1.20 and were off.
Albayzin is the original Moorish quarter of Granada, however has long since been converted to churches and tourism. The view from San Nicolas of the Alcazar, Alhambra and Generalife on the opposite ridge is stunning. Apparently this is popular at sunset and I could well believe it.
We had lunch with the view and appropriately high tourist prices. What can you do? They always price to the market.
After lunch we commenced the descent to Plaza Nueva on foot, passing many fine houses and churches. We arrived at Caldereria which looks like a transplant from the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul or similar Muslim location. The street is also known as Tea Shop Street because of the number of Testererrias (you guessed it, tea shops). We have been surprised up till now at how limited Moroccan, Arab and Turkish food and products are given the history of the region and its closeness to Africa.
Suitably retailed, we walked on to the hotel and the pool - the very cold pool!
On the way we stopped so Bruce could buy some provisions from the super mercado. While I waited outside, I noticed that this was a meeting point for gypsies - sorry, travellers - to compare their revenue for the day and determine business strategies. A salutary warning to the tourist.
For dinner, we headed to a Chinese / Japanese restaurant - yes, you read it right. Bruce found it when we were searching for the Lavanderia this morning. The food was ok and Bruce had his Asian fix. The price was cheaper than lunch!
Back to our favourite fountain in Plaza del Campilo for ice cream and then home.