Seville
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| Metropol Parasol--photo by Google |
Seville was probably one
of my favorite cities. It's that perfect blend of big city-small city feel.
It's the capital of the region of Andalusia and for good reason. It's large,
expansive, bustling, and home of some of the grandest buildings and
parks.
| Photo by Wikipedia |
The scent of oranges
lingers in the air as the streets a lined with them. You can grab one from the
tree, although it is not legal, but you'll find it quite bitter. (karma ;) ).
In the past the city smelt terrible due to poor sewage systems, etc, so the king
ordained orange trees to be planted, but only for their smell. Once ripened,
they a picked to make marmalade. The oranges in the garden of the cathedral are
selective for the Queen of England (only the best and most holy for the Queen,
of course). I had never known sweet-less orange trees to exist till now. It's a
unique characteristic of the city.
Seville is the home of
Europe's third largest cathedral, the intriguing Alcazar palace, the royal
Plaza de Espana, the massive Maria Luisa Park, the whimsical Metropol
Parasol, the proud Torredel Oro, the prestigious Palace of San Telmo, the
striking bridges, and much more. (Other things to do and see: museums,
University of Seville, and a flamenco show (or purchase a dress in one of the
many flamenco shops))
If you have a student
card and passport (or ID) you can enter the Cathedral and Alcazar at a
discounted rate. Many museums allow this as well. Get there early to get a good
spot in line. It will likely be a half hour wait otherwise. Also, take a guided
tour of the town to learn more about the sites and history. Many hostels offer
free tours in Spanish and English.
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| Photo by Wikipedia |
The cathedral is a site.
It is the largest church in Spain and third largest Cathedral in Europe.
Here,
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| Photo by Wikipedia |
you can visit the true
tomb of Christopher Columbus and walk up the Moorish tower originally there
before the church (the church was built around it yet it remains an iconic
piece of the cathedral). The 15 plus stories are unique as it holds no stairs
(until the top). As it was first built by Muslims, it was meant to conserve
energy, as they trekked on donkeys to the top, five times a days in the beating
heat of Southern Spain.
The Alcazar
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| Photo by Wikipedia |
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| Photo by Wikipedia |
The Alcazar is an
integrate palace with a little museum, examples of Arabic title work,
tapestries, art, and beautiful homey architecture. Take a walk through the
expansive garden. Get lost in the garden maze, see the peacocks, and find the
restaurant for a little cafe before continuing inside.
One of my favorite sites
of Seville. Walk through the grand Maria Luise Park to the open arms of the
Palace of Espana. Its design is open to hug the New World (North America). A
large fountain stands in the center. Along the interior of the plaza, a large
moat circles the fountain. You can rent a boat and leisurely row from one end
to the other. Afterwards stroll along the plaza. All 49 provinces of Spain are
represented in painted titled murals, including a map of their location. It's a
great way to learn how if significant to that city and the history of that
region.
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| Photo by Wikipedia |
Walk along the
river in Seville and see the masterful bridges. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere
and wonder your way to the Tower de Oro (tower of gold). When the light hits it
just right, it glows like gold, hence the name.
| Photo by Google |
Wonder through the heart of the city, for the typical Spanish feel
and discover other treasures and architectural gems. Don't get run over by the
various horse drawn carriages galloping through. Not sure the cost and the
path, but if you have the time and money I know it up would be a fun (and
romantic) ride. You can also rent four-person bikes in the park, and although
your not supposed to race it adds to the fun ;).
Fun Nights at
the Hostel
At nights we
stayed at the best hostels I've stayed at so far--Feeling
Seville Hostel. The staff was super chill and flexible. It was cheap,
spacious, plenty of bathrooms (always stocked), a cozy, cute, quality kitchen,
and large common room with comfortable seats. There were a core 8 of us and
another 8 or more we'd meet up with each night. In the rainy nights, we stayed
in and exchange stories of the day, learn each other’s customs, languages,
and games playing and talking into the wee hours of the morning.
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| Photos from Hostelworld.com |
Cordova
We didn't spend much time in
Cordova, but it's a city with many historical and ancient remnants
scattered around. Most notable is the Great Mosque
of Córdoba. It's a mesh of Islamic and Catholic architecture due to the
conflict in it's past when both lived in the same region and lobbied for religious
areas to worship at.
And of course it has the typical narrow streets and crowded shops and restaurants that is so Spain.
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