SEVILLA

What a magical city! I had a wonderful place to stay in the barrio Santa Lucia, close to everything I wanted to see and do. The people there have been very kind and helpful. I'm on my own now ...  But I think I've managed to plan the things that will be most interesting for me to see.

The train trip to Sevilla in the south of Spain reminded me of California. There were golden fields and hills, rather than the green hills I saw to the north. But I also saw lots of vineyards and olive groves. Reminded me of the central valley. I arrived at the busy train station later than expected, so I took an Uber to the hotel and crashed.

 

The next morning I was ready for a long day of walking -- 26,664 steps and a total of 12 miles throughout the city! This guy greeted me as I set out! 

Once again I walked though lots of narrow streets to arrive at the Jewish quarter, the barrio Santa Cruz. 

The contribution of Jews from the 8-11 centuries in Spain was tremendous, seen in architecture, philosophy, science, and medicine. Vestiges of this history are seen today throughout the city. The Jews were expelled or forced to convert to Catholicism in 1492 with the Spanish Reconquest. Synagogues were redesigned into churches, but much of the Jewish design remained. 

Sevilla is known for its beautiful blue tiles found throughout the city. Everything from light posts to benches like these in the Murillo gardens are covered with these pretty azulejos.

As I came through the gardens, I saw this monument to the exploration of Columbus to the Americas. Besides the boat he sailed, credit is also given to his patrons, Ferdinand and Isabella.

Next stop, the Plaza de España, a large semi circular plaza with tile benches built around the perimeter representing the 52 provinces of Spain. The buildings house government offices as well as museums that are inside the two towers at the end of the horseshoe. The buildings are covered by colorful tiles as well as azulejos. Even the roof is blue tiled.

 

 

University of Sevilla

Next I passed the well known University of Sevilla on my way to the thousand year old Alcazar, the Islamic palace, later conquered by Castille and King Ferdinand, eventually inhabited by King Carlos. In addition to the complex architecture and patios, the gardens give a sense of the Arabic and Castilian love of outdoor spaces, pools and fountains.

Near to the Alcazar is the Cathedral of Sevilla with its Giralda tower. The cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world (23,500 square meters). It was first built as a mosque during the occupation of the Moors in 1184. The tower was then built as a minaret. In 1248, after the Spanish Reconquest, Ferdinand III declared it to be a cathedral and almost 200 years later, the minaret was covered by the present bell tower. Inside the cathedral, besides towering gothic arches, I found the tomb of Christopher Columbus! 

Tomb of Christopher Columbus in the Cathedral of Sevilla

My last night in Sevilla, I took an Uber to the Centro Cultural Flamenco and enjoyed an up close flamenco show. The dancers and singers were amazing.

BARCELONA

Ahora, sí

I arrived by plane to Barcelona and I was greeted by my good friend Raquel. It is so great to be here visiting her and her husband Álvaro. We became friends working together in the Dominican Republic (her home country) until they moved to Spain (his home country) in 2022. We haven't seen each other since 2021, so I'm happy we can have some time together.

They live near the Mediterranean Sea. Our first stop was the beach! It's so pleasant and WARM water! A great welcome to this exciting city.

After a good night of rest, we headed out to get coffee and some breakfast at a cafe near the sea. Then Raquel and I drove into the city. Barcelona is bustling with people. We parked the car and took off on foot to see the interesting buildings that were designed and built by the well-known Spanish artist, Antonio Gaudí. His notable work, the Sagrada Familia basilica, started in  1882, continues to be built long after his death in 1926. Each façade of the building showcases different scenes from the Bible. Gaudí's creativity is beyond believable. I really enjoyed walking around the perimeter to enjoy the detail.

Other examples of Gaudí's touch can be seen throughout the city, including La Pedrera, a maze is shapes and imagination, from the windows to the roof. La pedrera means the rock quarry and the rough and undulating walls give the sense of a natural setting.  

Another building is the Casa Battló, also ca!led the house of bones. You CA. See from the balconies how it would get such a nickname. It is in reality the remodel of an existing house for the Battló family, who wanted something that was creative and stood out from the other houses in their exclusive neighborhood.

There are other interesting modern houses along this street Passeig de Gracia designed by other modernist architects of Barcelona forming what is known as the "Block of Discord."

Lots of walking deserved a quiet lunch in a local cafe before walking more along the Rambla or pedestrian zone.

Here we saw preparations being made for the annual Mercé festival, a Catalan celebration of the Roman Catholic feast day of the Saint of mercy. Activities include dances and a parade of papier papier maché giants. 

The nearby St. Josep market is packed with all kinds of food. 

We walked back to our car through typical narrow city streets. The flowered tiles are a symbol of Barcelona, connecting to both its present and past.

Back at Álvaro and Raquel's home, we enjoyed a very typical Spanish evening meal: tortilla española, pan tostado, jamõn ibérico, and cheese. A tasty way to end the day.

Friday we drove to Montserrat (serrated mountains), a steep mountain climb and pilgrimage destination known for the monastery high up the mountain which houses the black Madonna, la Moreneta. Pilgrims attribute special powers to her.  We didn't climb the mountain, but rather road a gondola up the side of the mountain.

we continued on the road to Manresa, a place known for the cave where Ignatius stayed for a year on his spiritual journey. Since the time he was here, A complex of buildings and a chapel have been built up. The church is decorated with some of the most beautiful mosaics I've seen.

The trip to Manresa included a classic Catalonian lunch at Masia L'Abadal.

One more refreshing coffee by the sea before leaving Barcelona and heading on to Sevilla. I had an amazing time with Álvaro and Raquel. I hope it's not so long again before we can get together.