 |
| ancient graffiti on the cathedral |
34 degrees, blazing sun…again, today…humidity
The weather today is again very similar to yesterday’s, except
for even more heat and humidity.it was the first day I’ve really felt HOT.
There have been moments here and there, before today, but today I was drenched.
I suspect most people do the free walking tours on one of
their first days in a place, we decided to do this, today on our last. It was
an interesting approach, knowing a few of the places we visited. These free
walking tours give a brief overview of the main monuments and give tips about
the city and try to drum up business for other pay tours. We had about 25
people on this tour and, although that is a pretty bit number, the guide was
good at picking quiet spots in the shade to talk to us. We mostly visited spots
we had at least already walked to but a few we hadn’t.
 |
| world's coldest beer! |
One the new spots was the university, which was formerly a
tobacco factory. This place, like a lot of the rest of Seville, was palatial – this
place
 |
| Plaza de España |
was no UofC. The king built the former tobacco factory, so whatever the
king builds is like a palace apparently.
We also visited the Plaza de España or Spain Square which
was built for a world’s exposition in the 1920’s. Apparently because of the world
economic crash of the
 |
| Plaza de España |
time, no one came so this was a bust. It is a very
impressive place nonetheless.
 |
| Salvador church |
Seville’s Torre del Oro or Golden Tower was also a new stop
for us. This is a tower on the river erected to control access to Seville via
the river. I’m glad we stopped here, because it’s on the ‘not-to-miss’ list for
Sevilla, but it was a bit of a let down.
We made a comfort/beer stop about 2/3 of the way through the
tour. The facilities were great, and the beer was the coldest we’ve had in all
of Spain, maybe even in all of my life. I’m convinced it had small shards of
ice in it – I loved this. €2.50 (3.80 CAD) for a pint!
 |
| the 'mushroom' - underwhelming |
After the tour and before lunch we visited Iglesia Colegial
del Salvador, or the Salvador church. Entrance to this church was included with
the cathedral entrance we paid yesterday, so we made a point of visiting. This
place was a bit hard to find as it was completely integrated with the shops
around it – no grand entrance, or much for steps leading to
the door etc, but
once we were inside although not huge, it was super ornate. We were hot, tired
and hungry, so we decided against the audio guide and just wandered around for 10
minutes or so. I probably stayed longer than I needed to simply because of the
big fans I found myself lingering in front of.
 |
| La Antigua Bodeguita |
Lunch was tapas and wine. Our meals of tapas have always been
good here, but I have to admit I haven’t found anything I’m
particularly in
love with. I have been longing for the tomato bread we had in Barcelona a few
years back but haven’t found – guess I’ll have to move along to Barcelona…maybe
tomorrow.
 |
| La Antugua Bodeguita |
Our intent was to head straight (however straight things can
be here) back to the hotel at this point but stumbled upon La Antigua Bodeguita
– a small beer
and tapas place in the square opposite the Salvador church. Our
guide yesterday mentioned this place to us as a happening place, which it certainly
was. When we walked by yesterday and earlier today it was packed, but when we were
in the mood for a post lunch cervaza there was a spot just for us. It was
pretty obvious this was a place for locals and workers. We had a couple of beers
(smallish) for €1.30 (2.00 CAD) listened to a busker and moved along, this
time back to the hotel for sure.
 |
| outside the Salvador church |
Stacey – good idea on the Tom Collins…I’m now inspired
Heather – yup, the gin was yummy, I’m now inspired to make
my own flower infused booze when I get home!
Katherine – sadly I’m getting a tan without the misters…you have your own mister (you don't mean a human mister, do you??) ?? Just another reason for you to be my personal travelling assistant!
No comments:
Post a Comment