Seville, Spain -day 2

We did some more exploring today. We strolled around town, and sat at some cafes drinking coffee and reading. We made our way to the Seville Cathedral, which we learned was the largest Gothic building in the world and the third-largest church in Europe (after St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London), and was built in the late 1400's. We hadn't really explored any churches on this trip, so we thought we would give this one a go. This is also the apparent location of the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Prepare yourself for many pictures of this unbelievable building.

Several city blocks long.

Several city blocks wide

Several stories high

Inside the church there was the tower, there was a garden with orange trees, and vast areas for worship and prayer, including tomb-like diaramas.

View of Sevilla from the tower

Overlooking the orange tree orchard

Climbing down the tower steps

The alleged tomb of Christopher Columbus

The largest pipe organ I have ever seen in my life

In the Orange Orchard

 Oh those crazy Moors!

A little concerned about their choices in souvenirs...

Outside the cathedral -Medieval Times type castle

After some more strolling, we headed back to the flat to make dinner. We had to be up early to catch the bus to Portugal! The streets are draped in canopies to add a little bit of shelter from the scorching sun, It is typically 38-42 degrees here. It is a very dry heat. The patios have mist sprays to keep you cool while you eat. But it wasn't unbearable, as long as you had a hat and water.

The drapes provide shade, making it possible to come out during the day!

Flamenco dress shops on every corner

Malaga to Seville

We woke up early today, hoping to get out and explore Malaga before hopping on a train to Seville. We packed up and checked out of the hotel. The guys at the front desk were so gracious to hold our bags for us while we gallivanted around town.

We wanted to head towards Alcazaba and see how much we could explore before our train left. The walk was about 15 minutes from our hotel at a brisk pace.

Strolling down the beautifully palm-tree lined streets of Malaga

Outside Alcazaba

 Purchasing tickets was easy. There is a self-serve machine. We bought entrance to the ruins, and walked around freely.

Self serve ticket booth

Beautiful views from up top

Higher to go!

 

You could follow this path and continue higher up Monte De Gibralfaro, but we didn't have enough time before our train left.

After exploring the castle and gardens, we sprint-walked back to the hotel to collect our bags. We then had a very quick jaunt to the train station. We looked for tickets at the Renfe booth, and it was only selling seats for the more expensive train leaving 5 minutes after the train that we had seen online. We didn't want to overpay unnecessarily for the train so we went online and tried to buy tickets using our credit card. Success! We bought the tickets minutes before the train departed. Ran to the platform and got our seats before the train pulled out of the station.

 

Very happy to have made the train!

Leaving the trains behind in Sevilla

We arrived in Sevilla, and our host gave us instructions to take the bus. The train station in Sevilla isn't too big so it was easy to find the correct bus stop outside. We couldn't leave without acknowledging Sevilla's love of Bryan Adams.

The bus took us to Plaza de la Encarnacion outside the Espacio Metropol Parasol where we could walk down the pedestrian only streets to our flat on Calle Lagar.

Espacio Metropol Parasol

Joaquin arrived shortly after we did, and showed us around the apartment.

Waiting for Joaquin

The courtyard of our building

Air conditioning is a must in Sevilla and we were very grateful to have it. We unpacked a little and headed out to explore the town. Shay booked us tickets for a flamenco show at Los Gallos Tablo Flamenco for the evening.

Ready for Flamenco

We found a place for dinner reviewed by tripadvisor, I wish I could remember the name. The locals stand around the tables and order tapas, which are supposed to be really good. We didn't know there was a difference between the bar area and the restaurant, in that they offer different menus. We got seated in the dinner area, and were given large dinner menus. We ordered the fried cod, some olives, the chickpea and spinach and this pork dish. Well, they brought things out one at a time. The olives and the spinach were very good. We should have stopped there. The fried fish, was good, only they brought us a plate with like 7 or 8 pieces on it. And after trying to eat that, we still had the pork to eat, all without any condiments.

The food was very salty, and lacking any sort of flavour. It was almost laughable the amount of food that came out. 

 

Too much cod!!

Cod Coma

Attempting to eat all the salty pork. (I was having none of it, so Shay had his work cut out for him).

We then made our way to Los Gallos to watch flamenco. Los Gallos has been around for over 45 years, and runs two performances, pretty much every day of the year. They did not disappoint! With our ticket, we received a free drink, and were allowed to take photographs during the last dance. The dancers and musicians were extremely talented, especially the male dancer who came out towards the end.

Great night!