July 2nd, 2002

Sevilla, Spain

Beautiful Sevilla!
An introduction to the historic, beauty and tranquility of Spain's Andalucia region

From Madrid, Daniel, Armando, Jorge, and I bused our way to Spain's beautiful and very cultured Andalucia region. It was such a short time in Madrid, I didn't have the opportunity to spend one last evening with Nadia, Christian, and MariaJose friends from London which I was looking forward to doing. Well, that's what happens when you travel, spontaneous plans and time just flies.

The bus ride south went through some of Spain's more mountainous parks. We arrived in Sevilla at night and just from taking the taxi ride to our booked hostal, was a special feeling. The terrain of Sevilla's cobbled-streets, historic buildings, at its grandiose night lit cathedral was incomparable to any other city previously visited. So picturesque and tranquil... Sevilla is a special little paradise that compliments that relaxing moment.

Once we settled into our hostal, Buen Dormir (Good Sleep), which was a desperate need for a place at already midnight. We settled into the hostal which was okay, ive been in worst and thinking back this was really good. I think it was just the difference from the guys' luxurious hotel room in Madrid. After we settled ourselves, we walked around Sevilla and had a quick dinner and just hung out enjoying the time with each other.

The next morning Daniel, Armando, and Jorge wanted to take care of some important errands such as the bus to Valencia, some Internet things, and so forth. Of coarse I was a bit impatient and teased by the beauty of the city and couldn't keep up with them. I took the day to myself just taking in the serenity and atmosphere of the Alcazar.

Inside the Alcazar its absolutely picturesque with its captivating architecture. This fortress was what I had in mind of seeing when traveling through Spain and loved it so much I spent around three hours in its gardens, courtyards, salons, and patios. I seem to just want to relax in every city I go, and this one had relaxation written all over it. While guiding myself on an a little education audio tour, I became educated about the Alcazar and its importance. This is where Christopher Columbus' journey to America was blueprinted.

After my well-spent time in the ambiance of the Alcazar, I walked around Sevilla during its scorching hour. Siesta is taken serious so many places to shop were closed. I walked into a cafeteria enjoyed a cafe and gellato. More or less for some aire condicianado (air conditioning). I hadn't seen the guys in awhile now and it was about that time when it would be nice to spend the rest of the day with them. I headed back to the hostal, but they were still out.

I rested for a bit, and reenergized to do Plaza Espana. Only so many sites can be seen in a day and this was definitely going to be an exhausting one, because it was my only day to see Sevilla. Plaza Espana is a huge square with a very historic tranquil setting with a small canal, fountains, and Roman mosaics to study. This area felt empty as hardly anyone was present. It was only me and this photographer taking some pictures of the plaza. But similar to allot of sites in Europe, its chipped away bridges were under restoration. I spent probably another hour here enjoying the atmosphere.

After my cultural escapade in Sevilla, I needed something besides culture or I would go crazy from overexposure. I headed to Sevilla's mall to go shopping for some clothes. It's July the time of year for Spain's awesome sales called "rebajas". The prices were unbelievable. Any shirt from any store was around 10€, so I bought me a shirt and some shorts. I had only packed for a weekend trip to Madrid and decided to stay on with the guys unprepared. I was in desperation for some clothes, especially underwear. Everything I had was dirty and washing was as expensive as the clothes.. so what's the point.

That night I ran into the guys at a cafe and I was absolutely exhausted so I joined them immediately for dinner. Dinner was nice and of coarse a touristy selection, which didn't fulfill my cultural appetite. So to satisfy my last hunger for something typically Andalucian, I insisted to see a flamenco show. Jorge and I walked around the corner to La Carboneria for some sangria and live flamenco dancing, while the other slept. The dancing was great but even better was my selection of chorizo en infierno, which is a sausage tapa on fire. I didn't know it required self-cooking at your table before you eat it. I almost ate it raw. Thanks to some people at my table for letting me know... that would've been really tasty. So me Jorge and I fired up the chorizos and munched away to the men singing, woman dancing, rhythmic clapping and guitars playing ...

Scroll down the page to view pictures of my time in Sevilla.