Sevilla (Seville) - February 2015

Happy to be in Sevilla!

I had heard from many people that the south of Spain was a gorgeous place with a more liberal and artistic population.  It had been recommended that I would likely enjoy the south more than where I am currently living.  Now of course everyone always has their own opinion about beauty and culture so in the spirit of research Ross and I decided we should explore Sevilla (Seville to English speakers).  I was also told that summer was not the time for me to go as I cant handle the heat and it gets ridiculous there so winter seemed like a more appropriate time. 

Kevin, Ross and Laura ... models?

I had mentioned the trip to our friends Laura and Kevin and they were keen to go as well.  And as it so happened our friend Lloyd was also looking to head down for Carnivale in Cadiz so this became a road trip for the five of us!  We rented a car on the Friday and drove for about five hours to Sevilla.  Car rental made more sense cost wise for all of us as the train was pretty expensive and we could make stops as necessary as well as drive to Cadiz for the Carnivale parade.

Gorgeous colours and scents

The first thing I noticed once we arrived was the scent of oranges in the air.  I had no idea that the streets were lined with orange trees so this was an amazing surprise.  I have never been somewhere that has orange trees and I must say given the option I wouldn’t hesitate to move somewhere like this.  The smell in the air is so delicious and calming.  I loved the city before we even got out of the car!

Orange deliciousness

Our hotel was located quite close to the river and right next to a great tapas area so we were able to go out for drinks and tapas each night and the crowds were lovely.  Being in a different region of Spain means different tapas and that worked out very well for Ross and I since we do not have a whole lot of options in our city (#vegetarianproblems).  There were several options for us here though.  We had a dish (more than once) which was steamed spinach and chick peas in a slight curry tasting broth; It was delicious and super healthy which I love.  There were also vegetable pistos, pesto mushrooms and grilled cheese with balsamic and honey drizzled on it…Yum.  Sevilla wins for awesome tapas selection.

A cool tapas area

Another great thing about the bars here was the attitude of the patrons.  Everyone seemed incredibly happy and laid back.  I don’t think I even saw anyone without a smile.  At one bar we went to there was a guy just sitting playing Spanish guitar (One of my favourite sounds) and he was surrounded with people singing and dancing.  It was beautiful and exactly what I had pictured Spain being like before coming here. 

One thing that I did notice here however was that smoking rules seemed a lot less enforced.  There were clear signs on the door that said No smoking but there were so many people smoking I had to drink outside because I actually couldn't breathe inside.  However I still loved the bars and the music so I didn't get too upset about it (this time). 

So happy to have a Starbucks

The city itself was gorgeous.  The colours of the buildings were different more oranges and yellows then the red you find as you get farther north. Streets lined with orange trees, a huge river full of people kayaking, giant cathedrals, interesting narrow streets with cool shops (Starbucks!!) and busy plazas full of tourists and horse drawn carriages!  I would have loved to see the city from a carriage but I am cheap and of course I wouldn't pay for that.  It is not a very large city so it is totally walk able if you have a day or two you can see everything.  Also the most gorgeous Plaza Espanas I have ever encountered.  It is worth visiting the city just for that place. 

 Rio Guadalquivir

 Cathedral

The plaza is in Parque de María Luisa (Marie Luisa park) and was built in 1928 for a worlds fair held in Spain. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibero-American_Exposition_of_1929

 Plaza Espana

Valladolid ... One of 50 provinces in Spain

There is a gorgeous little river (man made) to sail boats around, more horse drawn carriages and an elaborate buildings which are mainly government.  There are numerous bridges over the water which represents the four ancient kingdoms of Spain and surrounding the buildings are small tiled alcoves that represent all the provinces of Spain.  I did attempt to learn them all but I'm sure if I was quizzed I wouldn't do very well.

On the Sunday we drove to Cadiz for the Carnivale celebrations and of course as an excuse to dress up Ross in a lovely purple wig and tutu!  Cadiz is a very small town on the ocean which I honestly do not think would be that interesting if Carnivale was not happening.  Because Carnivale was happening though it was super fun and full of interesting people who all just wanted to drink and have a good time.

 My most handsome man

Celebrations in the streets of Cadiz

There were many street vendors with candy and other treats, noise makers and confetti.  There was so much confetti in the streets the hippie environmentalist in me had a mild panic attack but I know that getting upset about it will not change it and as much as I think it is a huge waste of paper and fills the streets with trash it was fun and beautiful and I am in the habit lately of learning and enjoying other peoples traditions and cultures so I put my judgement aside and had a wonderful time.

Gah my OCD, Anxiety and Environmentalist attitude are struggling...

Most of the bars had tapas and drinks available in the streets so everyone was just wandering around eating and drinking, there were people singing and playing instruments around each corner and crazy costumes everywhere.  I have said before that one of the things I love most about Spain is its party atmosphere.  When there is an event happening its like the whole city gets involved and everyone wants to have fun and celebrate.

 Some sweet costumes

The parade was actually the best parade I have ever seen!  There were so many interesting floats and dancers – Ballet, hip hop, Michael Jackson tributes, Can-Can, Flamenco, Fire jugglers, horses, men in gorgeous drag, beautiful woman in traditional flamenco costumes showering us with more confetti, traditional Carnivale dancers and of course the best part was the heavy metal float complete with chicks in leather corsets dancing, smoke machines, huge demon creatures walking around on stilts and Slayer playing.

Best float I have ever seen!

Overall it was a great weekend and I am so happy we could experience it with such great friends!  I hope to be able to make it to the south again and experience more of the beauty and culture that does differ from the north quite a bit.  I love that within our first year here in Spain we have been able to see and do so much.  I am looking forward to our final year here and the adventures we will have!

So happy to have met and become friends with these people