Thursday, November 24, 2005

SEVILLA - THE CITY



Placa Espana - built in 1928 as part of an Americas Expo




Looking along the River Guadalquivir with the Torre de Oro (Tower of Gold) in sight.
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Simply amazing! We think it ranks as the prettiest city either of us has ever been in. Rather than write a travelog we will give just a few of the highlights of the city we are enjoying with photos.
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The buildings are georgous. Parks, squares and monuments everywhere.

Two Palaces of Kings and Queens of Spain: one is being currently restored and the Alcazar (roots back to 1100) we have done one tour of it but will go back with a picnic lunch and a book and just chill out in the beautiful grounds.
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The Cathedral – third largest in the world and it purports to contain Christoper Columbus’ bones (but in fact they are those of his brother). We did see his real casket in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic - who really knows... We attended a Christmas concert in the Cathedral and revisited on the free Sunday openings.
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The Egg - another monument to Columbus
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The River Guadalquivir is well used by tour boats and rowers. We watched one rowing competition between the Sevilla and the Betis Rowing Clubs - they went right by Chinook. Other competitions are happening soon.
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Tapa bars, Flamenco bars and restaurants are everywhere - every second shop seems to be a bakery - and prices are reasonable. We have been out many times and enjoyed their ambiences.

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Many many many guitar shops...
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Hotel Alphonso XIII - very classy!
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Sevilla is supposed to be the hottest city in Europe during the summer months, so we will definitely be moving on...