Sevilla

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Another marvellous city .

The train ride was a bit of a surprise as half the distance was in a bus . They are rebuilding train tracks to accommodate high speed trains come summer so there are segments where RNFE is using buses . Comfortable enough but there is no discount offered . Oh well , easy enough to use.

I neglected to mention the cathedral in Granada. It was truly impressive as the only Renaissance church in Spain . The interior is white and that huge space it is magnificently bright. compared to most Spanish churches i have seen . The altars were amazing , as was the art work throughout .

I arrived in Seville in the rain ...I am really getting tired of the rain . It let up for a while and I was able to explore the section of the old town where I am staying . I found some lunch , an Iberian grill with a glass of sangria , explored several churches and watched a wedding proceed with a choir of @30 teens singing. The bride was preceded by 5 little girls and escorted by a woman I guess would be her mom. Those in the church , the guests not the tourists , were dressed very elegantly . The woman were in gowns , furs , and VERY high heels . They were also very thin ... It was interesting .

In the Church of the Annunciation the folks had formed a line and proceeded to a life size statue of Mary with a crown on a full head of hair , a wig of long dark hair , and kissed her hand. Haven,t seen that before and it made me a bit uncomfortable .

I continued exploring the plazas and watching people . Young people were out enjoying the evening . A group of girls stòd out in their turquoise tutus , a group of young men playing instruments led people around and through a plaza and people seemed to be enjoying a Saturday night ...and then it poured . Fortunately I had my trusty raincape and umbrella .

Yesterday I joined walking tour of Seville . I was collected at the hotel ...in the rain...and brought to a meeting place where there were at least 50 people. The organizers divided us into language groups of about 12 and we were off on 2-3 hour walk. Fortunately the rain stopped for the most part and our guide was really good . Raoul is very knowledgeable and really loves his city . The Romans , the Moors and the Catholics have all built monuments . In some plazas of the city all three are evident . The cathedral here , the 3 largest Christian Church in Europe , is also the largest Gothic church in the world . Again a marvellous building that took nearly 500 years to complete. It encompasses some of a Muslim mosque in it,s bell tower and park like area . Like in Granada there was respect for the building done by the Moors.

It was good to be with a group of English speakers. I am staying in a hotel and was feeling isolated and Do not like that feeling .

Last night I happened upon the Festival we Musica recital . A young man , Benjamin Alard , playedVariaciones Goldberg , on what i think was a spinnet. Or maybe z clavichord . An instrument for a previous century , wooden with 2 keyboards , like an organ. It sounded very much like a piano and he was exceptional. He played for 90 minutes ! I must admit I snoozed a bit but I did enjoy the sound. I hadn't realized I missed music .

Enough for now. I shall continue to explore Sevile today and am off to Cordoba tomorrow.

Thank you Roger and Mo for your comments . Where are the rest of you ?

Keep in touch.

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Comments

[Sarah]

The wedding sounded fascinating! But too bad there has been so much rain..... how long are you there for?

[Suzanne]

Hi
I am happy you enjoyed Grenada. I thought it was a beautiful place. Just walking in those little streets in old town is fascinating. Maybe the mood is not as relaxing during spring season, I did not expect having much rain. I was skiing in Charlevoix east of Quebec City this week end, maybe you saw Gilles's pictures. The snow was incredible they had 32 cm last week. I am thinking of Laura and Kelly they had it falling in Maritimes also. Even New York and Boston. But spring will come , not to fear. Have fun in Córdoba I am sure you will be overwhelmed by the cathedral mosque, quite unusual. Bye.

[Mo Adams]

Misinformed
Eliza Doolittle led us to believe that the rain in Spain falls mainly on the Plain. Glad to see that it is not dampening your spirits.

[Joy]

Appreciated!
Greetings from Puerto Vallarta! Humid here - but no rain so far. Went on charity house tour today, of 4 houses. Friend Marilyn grieving her dead sister who lived down here for 3 winters before dying of rare disease. Laurieanne travelled with me to Bali. Great loss! I hear weather is lovely sunny & melting now - but it was wickedly cold when I left. I envy you getting to Seville!

[Nettie Kost]

Enjoying your trip through your blogs.great Experiences.
Have been enjoying your trip as we have been in Casablanca, Marikeche and and Seville. Architecture, history and people are a great experience.I am in Los Ayala at Evas for 4 weeks. Bryon arrived yesterday for a week and we are off home to Calgary. A good break from snow and cold. Visited with Roger and hope to see him one more time .Our neighbours son , 19 was killed in a scooter accident so very devastating for them. We knew him for 11 years so very sad. Eva and I helped with the food for the wake which was that night. There were .Now there are prayers or a service every evening at the small church. The small community really pulled together for the family. Our internet was down for 5 days so now catching up . Safe travelling back to Canada where Spring is on its way. And another dream completed.

[Ling]

Not sure why I couldn’t leave comments... I love your trip, wish I could go one day!