VINTAGE ART IN ALBAICIN, GRANADA

One evening in October, we were strolling down a narrow-medieval street in the Albaicin district of Granada, Spain, when we happened to notice that the lights were still on in a small art shop. As we entered, Al Aire Art (Plaza Aliatar, 16), we noticed beautiful intricate honeycomb tiles that reminded us of the artwork we had seen earlier that day at the Moorish palace of Alhambra. We were greeted by the artist that made them, and he cordially invited us into his small workshop.

He described in detail the special techniques used to produce the tiles that are similar to those used by Hispanic Muslim artists when designing the Alhambra in the 13^th century. They are made in geometric shapes known as honeycomb work with intricate detailing. The fascinating old process included special molds, high-quality plaster, an egg tempering, hand-mixed paints, and other special tools.

The beautiful pieces of art are only sold in that little store on the hill in Albaicin—one of my regrets is that I did not purchase one (or maybe two) that evening. Perhaps, I was worrying a little bit too much about “traveling light.”

The Albaicin (Albayzin in Moorish) with its cobblestone streets, Moorish-style houses, and vistas is the oldest district of Granada. Located directly across from it, on another hill, sits the famous Alhambra. Both places have been chosen as UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

The young man that we spoke to said that he moved to Albaicin about six years ago, and he stays because there is something magical about it. I will continue to remember this quiet place, high on a hill above Granada, as magical too. 
(Writing about travel when you can't travel and worst of all when people are suffering all over the world caused me to hesitate about making this post. However, I believe that we still need to make the best of every day and as long as remembering and sharing the good times makes the day a little easier, I will continue to write.)

RELATED POST: Azelejos & A Vintage Tile Shop in Faro Portugal, Oct. 12, 2016

VERBATIM BOOKS - A VINTAGE BOOKSTORE IN NORTH PARK, SAN DIEGO

In my search for the best vintage shops in San Diego, I recently discovered Verbatim Books in North Park. Located in a former A&P Tea Company grocery building from the 1930s, this unique old store is a great example of why independent bookstores are making a comeback.

Just stepping into the store is a worthwhile experience. If you have time to hang out for a while, it's even better. Many of the old books are artistically arranged with shelves devoted to a rainbow of colors and others arranged to spell the name of the bookstore in large letters. The walls are covered with eclectic collections of old maps, antique doors, artwork by local artists, and photographers. There are comfortable sitting areas that include an interesting cushioned chair designed with books. It's well organized—nothing like the dusty and cluttered used bookstores from the past. There's also a cozy nook devoted to children; complete with stuffed animals, games, and books.

The bookstore opened in 2015 and expanded to its current location at 3793 30^th Street about one year ago. Besides having a large selection of gently-used and rare books, they carry hundreds of books by local authors. Its unique Local Author Program gives locals, residing in San Diego or Tijuana, an opportunity to put their book or zine in the store for sale on consignment. They also buy and trade books and host a range of free events from poetry readings to square dancing. 

Verbatim Books offers much more than just a place to buy a product—it gives a sense of community, a place for conversation, a chance to buy locally, and a welcoming environment to search for books of yesteryear. With no online inventory available, the emphasis is on perusing the shelves to discover the joy of finding something new and different to read.

Do you have a favorite bookstore? Please tell us about it in the comment section below.

Since writing this article, most of the independent bookstores have been forced to shut down due to Covid. Here is a related article that was written on March 23, 2020: How bookshops are helping with isolation by Clare Thorp.