TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE DIARIES

There is one thing I have regretted not having seen in Sevilla: Plaza España in Parque de Maria Luisa (google it for fotos). This massive half-moon striking plaza was built in 1929 for the World’s Fair on industry and technology, the Iberico-Americano Expo. We actually went there but it was too late, the gates were already closed at 6PM. Here are some of the notable Sevillan architecture that I haven’t posted yet: The impressive baroque ‘Palacio de San Telmo’ circa 1682, originally constructed as a seminary school, it now serves as the seat of the Andalucian government. I took this foto in our moving rental car. ‘Carruajes’ (horse-drawn carriages) for tourists. Sevilla like any other Spanish city is filled with fountains. If I am not mistaken this is the ‘Plaza don Juan de Austria’. It was scorching hot in Sevilla (before the rain) so an iced coffee at Starbucks came in handy. By the way, Starbucks is oddly present on every corner of the city center, and honestly, it just doesn't f...

It was a Tuesday when we went to Sevilla and oddly enough the whole ambiance of the city felt like it was a sluggish Sunday, in a very inconspicuous, somber mood. Huh—where is the pizzazz? Did the afternoon showers dampened the mood? Dutchman and I were forced to take shelter at McDonalds as the outdoor terrace at the end of Calle Sierpes was sopping wet. One hour torment inside McDonalds seemed like eternity but there is not much I can do with the pouring *sniff* rain outside. On the brighter side, I was able to study the map for our next walking agenda—the cathedral and the plaza where it stands. Trivia: Did you know the explorer Christopher Columbus is interred in Seville Cathedral? The 16th century gothic Cathedral of Sevilla, also referred to as the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede de Sevilla) was built on the ruins of a Muslim mosque following the re-conquest of Spain from the Moors. Only the 12th century minaret of this mosque survived...

Shops in Spain are usually closed for the afternoon siesta between 14:00 (2PM) and 17:00 (5PM) daily, an atypical business tradition found only in the south of Europe that is deeply rooted in culture (well that’s how it is in Spain I guess?) and handed down through generations. As the saying goes—Old habits are hard to break. Unfortunately. Calle Sierpes looks a bit boring because its siesta hour, the shops are still closed. Come back at 17:00 (5PM) to 20:00 (8PM). Calle Velasquez Tetuan where many designer labels can be found. Next foto is a traditional Spanish confiteria and heladeria (Ice cream and confectionery shop), La Campana--their products are perfect for souvenirs. The Capilla de San Jose (San Jose Chapel) is located near Calle Velasquez Tetuan. There are also many religious stuff for sale here as well. Considering the economic woes the country is currently undergoing, I am curious to see if there will be some sort of breakthrough with this classic Spanish store opening time....