Here it is–the unedited photo dump from the trip. I apologize in advance for any duplicates, thumbs on the lens, or other irritants–but there are some amazing photos in the mix. I’ll clean things up as I find time. Some photos may appear in more than one album. Seville, City Scenes Seville, Real Alcazar Seville, Cathedral Seville, Salvador Cathedral Seville, Archivo de las Indias Seville, Museo des Belles Artes Córdoba, City Scenes Córdoba, La Mezquita Ronda, City Scenes Ronda, Arab…
We chose to stay in B&Bs wherever possible. (Ronda was the exception.) We hoped that having a personal connection would give us access to information and suggestions that were out of the way or had local flavor. That proved to be true in every case. Seville B&B Case Alfareria 59 Alfareria 59, Triana, Seville, 41010 ES The Good: Location in Triana, an easy walk to Real Alcázar, Seville Cathedral, ceramics shops, the old city (Santa Cruz) Hosts Carlo and…
Tucked right between the Real Alcazar and the soaring Gothic Cathedral is a much less visited building called Archivo General de Indias. It’s like George Harrison standing between John and Paul–the enormity of the outer flanks may diminish the inner by comparison, but in both cases you’d be missing an opportunity for much beauty and wonder. The building itself is remarkable, particularly on the inside. It’s a beautiful Renaissance castle originally built as a business center for Spain’s interests in…
The last full day in Seville was largely devoted to exploring the Real Alcazar, a palacio still in use as a residence by the royal family. Quick history lesson: The Alcazar was originally a Moorish palace built in the 900s. With the Reconquering (late 1200s in Seville) it was converted and expanded by King Don Pedro in the early 1300s to a palace for the Christian rulers of Spain. It was built by Moorish artisans and so it features arches,…
A rainy Sunday afternoon when some sites are closed gives me an opportunity to log a few minor adventures. Mueso des Belles Artes, Seville A beautiful museum housed in a former convent found in the 1200s, itself a stunning objet d’arte. Best known for its collection of Murillo oils (1600s), it houses many other paintings and ceramics culled from other area monasteries and convents. The City Wall and Jewish Quarter, Córdoba Built in the 1200s on top of the old…
First full day in Seville was spent exploring two amazing catherdrals, some Roman and Moorish ruins, at least one tapas restaurant (because as I write this we have not yet had the evening meal, which beings no earlier than 8:30 or so when the restaurants reopen), and a gelato bar. Much walking, getting lost, and finding ourselves. We discovered several wonderful ceramic shops in the area which produce ceramics in traditional Arabic fashion and will definitely be going back as…
We made it. Here’s how: Drive 20 minutes to the Kalispell airport. Fly to Seattle; 1.5 hours Train to the Philadelphia departure gate; 1o minutes Fly to Philadelphia; 5 hours Walk two miles to the Madrid departure gate Fly to Madrid; 7.5 hours Walk forever to find the train to the exit of the EXTENSIVE Madrid airport; 20 minutes and 15 minutes Bus to Madrid’s Atocha train station; 1 hour Kill two hours in Madrid waiting for the Renfe AVE…
