Sevilla, España

So after the trip around Portugal, we made our way into Seville (Sevilla to the Spaniards). A little while later we were in our hostel and quickly to bed. The next day was full of sites to see and marvelous weather. With the average high while we were there at 30º C, we hoped everyone back home would be jealous.

The first site on our agenda was the Cathedral of Seville. Like many other touristic churches, the visitors to this church are plagued by gypsies. Unfortunately we were taken by surprise and swindled out of a couple Euros. Not a big deal, but I think Stu took it personal and is planning to go back to even the score. Gypsies aside, the cathedral is an amazing structure. It is the largest gothic church in the world. It is also the third largest cathedral. It houses an amazing amount of intricately carved, stamped, and moulded pieces, each of which could easily have been someone's life work. Whoever says the church has no money, should pay there €8 and see what's on display. Among all the artwork and beautiful craftsmanship is the tomb of Christopher Columbus. It is held off the ground by statues of the kings of the 4 kingdoms of Spain. DNA tests have been performed to prove that the remains inside are indeed those of Christopher Columbus. (Side note: apparently he died thinking he had discovered India, not the "new world").

Another great site seen in Seville, was the Alcazar. This palace was built by christians shortly after the Reconquista (the retaking of Spain from the Moors by the Catholics). It was built in the Moorish style. There is so much attention to detail in the Alcazar, that even close up pictures wouldn't do it justice. Moulded plaster and carved wood take shape into such an impressive building. It truly left us in awe.

We saw many cute buildings, beautiful gardens, and ornate fountains. Many of which were in or around intricately tiled plazas. The general mood of this city is relaxed and it does indeed have a romantic air about it. If I was asked if I would return to Sevilla, I wouldn't even blink. Of course I would.

Hasta la proximá vez,

Kathlene and Stu