Spain: Seville

Barcelona or Seville? Doing both was not logistically feasible for us, so the historic value of Seville won out in our decision-making and was only 2.5 hours by Renfe AVE train (high-speed) from Madrid (Renfe is the national train system).


Located in the Andalucian region of Spain, Seville (Sevilla) is known for its Tapas, Paella and Flamenco.

Tapas is everywhere. Small servings of food normally ordered at bars way before the 9 pm dinner hour. We frequently had tapas at 6 (as 9 pm conflicted with our bedtime). Here's an idea of what we ordered....

Tapas

Tortiilla Espana = Potato Quiche
Tortilla Paisana = Veggie Quiche
Aceitunas = Olives
Alioli = Garlic and Oil
Calamare = Fried Squid (not necessarily battered)
Boquerones = Anchovies (quite popular)
Patatas Bravas = Small diced potatoes
Pulpo al gallega = Octopus
Pan = Bread

On the occasional days we could hold out until 9pm to eat dinner...this was our favorite...

Paella

Many years ago, I read a book written by Erma Bombeck called "When You Look Like Your Passport Photo... It's Time to Go Home". She described how young people would regale their friends with stories of the architecture, artworks and culture when they returned home from their travels abroad. Old people talk about the food. OMG. I have arrived.

Travel tip: Re: Train travel in Spain. Save money. Go Tourist Class. We traveled Renfe '1st Class' (to Seville) and 'Tourist Class' (from Seville). There was very little difference in service or comfort between the 'class' structures. 1st Class offered a small complimentary snack and wine.

 Flamenco

Our 14th Anniversary was celebrated over dinner and a Flamenco Show at El Palacio Andaluz.

My knowledge of dance is lacking. That being said, the long faces and apparent bad attitudes of the Flamenco dancers was getting to me. In fact,  they were looking downright pissed off. 

Later, I learned that's the way it's supposed to be. Flamenco's roots are from many years ago where it was a secretive dance to express passion and frustration of poor, disenfranchised Spaniards.

There you have it.

Seville was lovely. All tiny alleyways and flying buttresses.

The Seville Cathedral (circa 1100) is an architectural miracle and is the final resting place of Christopher Columbus.

Seville Cathedral

Seville Cathedral - Flying Buttresses