The Al Hambra. Built over the course of 600 years, this complex is an awe-inspiring example of human creativity and craftsmanship. The fortress, castle, citadel or palace (depending on what century you are talking about), is perhaps one of the best examples of moorish influence in architecture and design within Spain. The palace court offers room after room of intricate carvings, featuring arabic and patterns within stone, marble and wood. As a designer, the attention to detail was simply breath-taking. While walking through the walls, gardens and courtyards, I imagined the people that dedicated their lives to working on one wall or pathway for years. What would it have been like to spend day after day carving intricate patterns? Was it a mission for God? Was it servanthood to the ruling authority? What do you think?

In 2010, my dad and I took the trip of a lifetime. We traveled all over Spain, visiting the ports of call he was in over 30 years ago while on a tour of duty as a pilot for the Marine Corps. One of our days was spent walking through the Al Hambra, an experience I will never forget.