Seville

We made it to Seville with only a little rain. We have been lucky so far. It rains most days but we only end up riding in a fine mist. We haven’t even taken out our rain gear. We found a beautiful hotel, YIT Vereda Hotel, on the outskirts of the city for about $42/night. It had secure parking for the bike and the bus stop into the city was just out front.

We had a good start to the day the next morning. We then went out to wait for the bus in the rain. As luck would have it this day would end up being an all day rain event. Not hard, but more than a mist. Our umbrella we carry really came in handy. Thanks to some handy advise from Ted Simon, we never travel without one. After about an hour on the heated bus we were dry. The walking a couple kms to the cathedral made sure we weren’t. Stopping at a cafe just outside the Cathedral de Sevilla, we enjoyed a coffee and a light breakfast. I ordered something and got just what I didn’t think I ordered. It was delicious. It reinforces my lack of language skills and realize it’s still just easier to point. The Cathedral de Sevilla began construction in 1401. It was constructed on the former site of the grand mosque in 1107. It is of Gothic construction. Christopher Colombus sailed out of the Port of Sevilla and is buried in the cathedral. There was a mass going on at the cathedral and we followed another couple sneaking in through a back door. It gave us just enough time to snap a few pictures before being ushered out. Oh well, if you’ve seen one over the top cathedral…it was enough for us.

Just across the way was the Royal Alcazar of Seville. This palace is one of the oldest palaces still in use today in the world. It was formally the site of the Islamic-era citadel in the 10th century. This was well worth the 8 Euros (pensioners discount) for entry. We ended up spending well over 2 hours just taking it all in. The Royal family still resides here. The money spent keeping this for the family baffles my mind.

We exited through Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarters. The narrow streets criss-cross this area. Some are barely wide enough to walk through. These streets create a maze of cobbled, orange tree-lined squares. The allies are lines with souvenir shops and handicrafts. Large dried hams hang in the opening of small delis. The scent of orange is at time thick in the air. We find a small cafe and sit on the sidewalk. Large awning protect us from the rain. Heaters tucked under the awnings keep us toasty. We sip coffee first. Then, we enjoy wine and sangria. It seems perfect as we sit and watch the couples and families stroll down the lane.

All to soon it is time to brave the chill and find our way back to the bus. The rain has yet to let up. Getting to the station we enjoy another espresso and some chips (fries). The ride back to the hotel is warm, like this morning. It was a perfect day as we kick off our shoes back at our room.

Tomorrow we will head to Gibraltar. It is promising to be a clear day, but cool with lows in the upper 30’s F.

See you next time,

2WANDRRs