Alhambra was just as I had expected and more. Yes, it is touristy but walking through the gardens, the imposing fortress, as well as all the perfect geometric designs in Nasrid palace are difficult to describe in pictures or words. One must visit to feel the magnificent the place complex is and how relevant it was to Moorish civilization in Europe at the time. The snow-covered Cierra Nevada mountains in the background added even more of a magical feeling to my visit. Alhambra is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences where no detail is out of place.

I took the fast AVE train from Barcelona to Madrid. I prefer trains over planes when possible, since it is also a good way to see some of the country’s landscape. The train ride took about 2 hours, landing at the Puerta de Atocha station in the city center. The train ride was very comfortable and there was enough space above my seat for luggage storage. One of the main advantages of visiting European countries is how well-connected the train routes are.