Oranges oranges everywhere...

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but not a bite to eat!!!

Charming Seville´s street are lined with orange trees, but their fuit is too sour to eat because the plants´ roots are confined. But that doesn´t stop most tourists from trying the tempting fruits (it just looks SO good...) This morning I was asking other visitors about the street fruit over breakfast when a young guy with a French accent quipped "They are TERREEBLE! I mean, you can try.. but i had dees taste in my mouth for the rest of the day...!" He demonstrated his pucker face and we all had a laugh.
So later Jess and I tried the juice from a fat daddy that fell from a tree and landed at our feet. I mean, come on, what would you do? The bright orange thing was practically screaming "TRY ME!" ... Jessie is convinced with enough sugar we could make juice or marmalade...
We went through the Alcazar. Every city south of Madrid has one (the word is Moorish for fortress), but Seville's is particularly pretty. It was built in 913, and after christians retook the city it became the king's palace. Over the years additions and improvements were made, and the whole complex now has amazing tile work, gardins, and two palaces.
We left hungry and had a quick bite, then took a stroll down the river. We also peeked into the bull fighting arena. Did we mention the bull heads looking down at us while we were having that snack at the bar? A few days ago Jessie didn't believe me when i told her the fate of the bulls, but the stuffed trophy heads on the wall seemed to be backing me up on that one!
After all this excitement (not much, really), i finally cooked our first meal in Europe (Spaghetti a la Hostel).
We then went for a stroll and stopped at the Cervezaria Internationál (International beer bar). While we were sipping our beers, the bartender proubly told us there were 280 beers on the menu (which i mistook for me offending him and him telling us our bill in response). Maybe my spanish needs a little more work. Ok, goodnight.
Write back you people!

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Photos

Una Plaza
a typical plaza in oldtown Seville

¡HOLA!
Jessie proudly introducing a carved ceiling at the Alcazar of Seville.

The Gardins
The gardens behind the Alcazar are a recent addition (within the last 500 years)

Reflections
This is the Baths below the Alcazar.

Outside the Alcazar
This wall was part of an elaborate pool. In between the smooth stucco is what i´m pretty sure is corral brought from the sea!

Pruning
These fruits were being pruned away from the garden´s trees so they wouldn´t fall and rot.

Soo Cool
The Rio Guadalquivir cuts through Seville, and its banks are a good place to take a break and soke up the warm Andalucian sunshine.

Torro de Oro
The Gold Tower. This is a Moorish watch tower along the banks of the river.

Comments

[Jack]

I am jealous
Hi Jessie and Jon, I love this blog site! I feel like I am following you along your journeys in Spain. Have fun and stay safe. P.S. Drink a Spanish beer for me. Take care, -Jack

[Nicole]

I knew IT!!!
Well I am happy to see you guys having a blast. Hah I warned you about Madrid,to Jessie in particular. You guys will have to let me know if you make it to the 2 story wine museum since its in the Anacostia area. Just make sure you dont drink really old wine. The idea of fermenting wine w/ dead rodents I think would turn anyone off:)

[Edith]

brings back a lot of memories
i wish i could spend as much time as i want when i was over there. it would have been nice taking time enjoying the place there like you guys. I got in The Alcazar for free with my student ID. hehehe Did you guys see peacock at The Alcazar? i wish i could spend more time in Sevilla, i can only schedule 12 hours there before i have to take off for another city. so jealous!! show more pic, i wanna see more!

[Nita]

Hello
Terry passed along the blog information and I've been checking it a few times a week. It's like a mini-history lesson and I especially like the pictures. Most of all, I feel like I'm getting to know both of you through your writing. I talked to Sarah Pax earlier this week and she's been keeping track of both of you too. It's fun.

[Gary]

LOOK AT THOSE ORANGES
OMG!!! There are so many oranges. Too bad you can't eat them. All the pictures look really pretty. Keep posting!!!

[Cara]

Bitter Oranges?
In Pig Perfect, when he goes to Mexico, they keep talking about bitter orange juice as pickling liquid and marinade. There's a recipe calling for Seville Oranges. I wonder if they are the same??

[Jon and Jessie]

Seville Oranges
We think yes. But they´re inedible. The juice is great, but we weren´t trying to make a salad dressing or BBQ!

[Rachel and Julie]

Feliz Cumpleanos!
Hey Jon and Jessie, you pics look awesome. It sounds like you are having the best time. Keep writing Hemingway!!