Andalusia, or southern Spain, was experiencing its rainiest winter in memory.... But that hadn't slowed us down. The rain occured in - on again, off again showers. However, we managed to be indoors during most of the showers and outside when the sun returned....
On this day, we are took a horse and buggy tour of old Sevilla...the tour route and the prices are set by the local tourist authority...as Connie and I approached the horse drawn buggy the driver pulled out his license, a map showing his route and his government set rate sheet... There was no hagling with these guys..
The ride took us along Sevilla's Guadalquivir River, past the 13th century Torre del Oro and the showplace Teatro de la Masestranza built in 1991, through the Parque Maria Luisa, and the Plaza de Americas. Sevilla is a beautiful city rich in architecture and history. In my opinion, there is no building with a more magnificant exterior than Sevilla's Plaza de Espana built in 1929 for the America's Exposition. The exterior is artistically covered in hand painted ceramic designs. Today, it houses the headquarters of Sevilla's military district and other government offices.
The buggy tour resumed under showers with Connie and I under cover of the carriage top and a blanket.
We passed through Sevilla'a Santa Cruz district, past the famed Hotel Alfonso XIII, the Universidad and back to the massive Gothic Cathedral with it's La Giralda Tower.
After saying "adios y mucho gracis" to our driver, we set out on foot to find a hot chocolate and pastry shop.
After we dried out and warmed up we were off on foot again, stopping and shopping at various local shops, and an international bazaar, all the while working our way back to our hotel. We had plans for the evening!
Our evening plans were for a stage side table for an "autentico flamenco" show with sangria and tapeo y cena at Tablao El Arenal...Connie's photos tell the story....
After the show we walked back to our hotel passing the cathedral, and the walking shimmering narrow streets that we seemed to memorize quite easily.
One can not do justice to all Sevilla has to offer in just a day and a half, even at the pace we kept. If you are going to visit this city rich in Spanish culture, history, the arts and enjoyment, plan to spend 4-5 days. You won't be sorry.
Tomorrow will come early...Thats all for today amigos!
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