– Handcrafted by Heather Daveno –
The Generalife (“Garden of the Architect”) reflects the Muslim concept of garden as it is referenced in the Koran and to reproduce paradise on earth. Dating back to at least the 13th century, it originally included orchards, farmland, and animal pens. It’s gardens are planted with citrus, jujube, pomegranate and grapes, cypress, laurel, jasmine, and roses, which are very fragrant.
Having become enamored of Islamic arts and architecture, my next travels take me to Andalucia, in search of the remnants of medieval Spain when it was under Moorish rule .
I find the Sirkeci train station, the arrival point of the legendary Orient Express. I had hoped to come to Istanbul on this train, but it only runs twice a year, departing out of London.