Spain - Seville - Day 2

18-05-2011

Started on a walking tour of Seville in the morning . Encountered rain as we stepped out ( did not seem to bode well for a walking tour), it stopped after 10 minutes making the weather more pleasant.

First stop, Reales Alcazar. The oldest palace in Europe still in use. There is a huge Islamic influence in the way it's built along with the carvings on the walls. Some rooms were really beautiful. The courtyards, the arches, the pools of water, the paintings, the peacocks in the gardens, all gave it a very majestic feel. Some areas in the garden need a bit of work, a few gardeners were lounging around, they should be sent to Versailles for training. There was a pottery exhibition on, the best part of it was a video with music about the history of pottery projected on the floor. Learnt that the Spanish hand fans ( I always thought they were only oriental) were made of various things including ivory and pearls, saw some delicate handiwork .

The Cathedral was across the square but the line was so long that we decided to return later.

Visited the town hall, there was a speech in process with various tv crews around, most likely it was the mayor. Then stopped at two churches close together. San Jose, dedicated to Joseph, the first I have seen. Then Iglesias del Salvador, beautiful church , had easy to understand explanations of the different chapels along with a small museum.

Passed a lot more churches and another palace. Although not part of the tour but because we were there we saw the Plaza Mayor which has a huge mushroom like structure with various stalks , opened earlier this year. Panoramic views of the city is visible from the top.

Helped a 70 year old lady with her map, she was so happy that we could speak English ( her words - I am 70 and don't speak Spanish, it is difficult). I hope at 70 we are exploring too.

The Cathedral in the afternoon was a good idea. It is the third largest cathedral in Europe, it is huge. Very beautiful inside with a lot of intricate work. Columbus' tomb is also there ( I think there is a dispute with another cathedral in South America which also has his tomb) . Climbed to the top of the Giralda tower. Way better views than the Plaza Mayor.

Archivo de Indias was around the corner. Visited the exhibition on piracy and the different pirates over the centuries. By then we were tired so walked by Hospital des Venerables but did not stop long.

Feel like I am coming down with a cold , hope not.






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