<my musings>
How is it we’ve become accustomed, even spoiled, by the miracle of air travel? Five hundred years ago, the Portuguese explorers sailed off into the west. They expected to encounter India or else sail off the edge of the earth. The trip took months and at least some died of scurvy along the way. Nevertheless, I feel put out when a flight gets delayed by hours.
</my musings>
The morning we leave Olvera, the power came back on, along with the cellular service. Unfortunately, the entire town lost access to water. We bid our farewells to our new friends from the UK and Germany and head toward Carmona, where we have booked a couple nights in the Parador. The paradores are historical buildings, refurbished by the Spanish government to have four star hotels and high end dining. We are hoping the Carmona Parador is better than the Alhambra Parador, where we had a disappointing meal.
We drive through vast farmlands, seems similar to Tuscany to me. Driving into town, we wind our way through narrow streets up and up until we arrive at the Carmona Parador. We were looking forward to this stay in particular. It did not disappoint. Our room was magnificent. Strolling around uncrowded Carmona, many outer doors are opened, showing beautiful tiled foyers. Although we didn’t knock to say hello, they did appear very welcoming.
After a relaxing night, we woke to a rain storm moving across the valley toward us, so we opted for a day exploring the inside of the Parador. The view from our balcony is vistanormous, both night and day. We had very little opportunity to explore the steep (and narrow!) cobblestone roads in town, but I’d love to return here some day. Of course I’d stay in the Parador!
After two nights in luxury, we drive to the airport, return the rental car (without a scratch), and get a taxi to our hotel in the Triana neighborhood of Seville. Our friend Steve is joining us today, but ends up having major flight delays. Finally he is delivered via train from Madrid, bedraggled but ready to start exploring. We take it easy on Steve and have a quiet stroll to a riverfront restaurant for dinner.
The first full day in Seville we enjoy a half day tour with Maria de Mora, of Guide Me In Seville (highly recommend!)
https://guidemeinseville.com/
She walks and talks us through the old town and several historically relevant points of interest. Did you know Seville was the main port for tobacco imports from America? Also, the city has the General Archives of the Indies, created in 1785. This became the repository where archival materials documenting the Spanish Empire in the Americas were stored.
We encounter just enough rain for me to buy a cheap umbrella. I wish I could have found one with something interesting on it – a souvenir from Seville. We say farewell to Maria and hello to hunger. It seems everyone has the same idea and we have trouble finding seating for lunch. Finally, we discover a side street with a restaurant and have a light lunch with a hilarious waitress. We unintentionally dine and dash, but she runs us down laughing. It’s more a “dine and dawdle” at our age.
Later that night we enjoy a traditional flamenco show. This show had one female dancer, one male dancer, a guitar player, a male singer, and a female singer. Compared to the flamenco show in Granada, this performance had a much bigger audience and was in a theater, more professional than the Granada flamenco, which was more intimate. If you can, go see flamenco in both cities and compare for yourself.
A tour of the Seville Alcazar is next. Very beautiful and certainly worth exploring. I can even spot a couple of Game of Thrones filming locations. The gardens here are massive and very beautiful.
Most impressive to all three of us is the Plaza de España. We leisurely stroll the plaza, enjoying an occasional street musician. It’s a beautiful use of urban land. The major cities each have a small section with a bench, depicting their city with artistic tile work. We all agree: Plaza de España is our favorite spot in Seville.
<more musings>
Travel seems to slow down the passage of time. It seems like each moment is extended. I imagine the long voyages across the Atlantic and how the sight of land must have thrilled those intrepid explorers. This is exactly how we feel now when we find seating in an outdoor cafe.
</more musings>
what an extraordinary place im coming!!! OLE!!!
ANd you both teenagers again …transpiring joy and love and timelessness
contagious un abrazo Gigante lleno de la fuerza del flamenco
Sil
I was never this tired as a teenager..but I was never so interested as on either. It is an extraordinary visit we are having. Y hacer contigo, gracias.
Some stunningly awesome photos!! And it’s probably difficult to truly capture the beauty here. It’s a place I regret not experiencing.
Look forward to hear more❤️
Love you both
Are your heads exploding with sensory overload? Wow, what amazing sights and the pictures are wonderful. You all look so happy.
Thanks Annie! We are having a grand adventure, meeting new places & people too. 😎
Always interesting and incisive reports! Keep up the good work and remember that you are travelling for many of us.
Thank you, George. The visual usually trumps the verbal, but in the right hands they can carry you along as a companion. It is truly nice to have you along. Have comfortable shoes on for the coming blog posts.
I want to go! The Plaza de Espana looks amazing. I’m not surprised it’s everyone’s favorite ❤️
Yes, it’s wonderful! I hope you’re able to experience it for yourself soon. You’d love it.