Hi!
Things have been kind of silent around here for the last two weeks, largely due to the fact that my favorite people in the entire world have been here in Spain with me!
My parents arrived two weeks ago and during the first week, we hung low and explored Madrid. It was like seeing my home in a whole new way because we did so many things that I haven’t done and visited so many places I haven’t visited. I will do a roundup post on those things one day in the (most likely, very distant) future, but for now, I am recapping our week-long trip to the South of Spain.
These beautifully bright orange trees lined every street in every city, but those oranges tasted like poison. Take my word for it.
I will likely do these posts in 3 parts, one for each city we visited. Beginning with…
Sevilla
The first day we arrived in Sevilla, it was warm and sunny! I only needed a light sweater…it was glorious. And then it rained and was cold for the rest of our time there. Womp womp womp.
Anyway, the first day, we walked around and figured out the lay of the land. I quickly fell in love with the small, winding cobble stone streets that are lined with cafes, restaurants and bars. We eventually made our way to the Flamenco Dance Museum (Museo del Baile Flamenco) bought tickets to a flamenco show at the Flamenco Museum for that evening because…when in Rome..
I took a little cat nap (in my seat, with my head in my lap because I’m a lady) while we waited for the show to begin. My parents sipped sangria instead of napping. The show was good, but I’m still not in love with flamenco itself. Maybe it will grow on me? My parents, however, really enjoyed it.
Why the long face?!
The second day in Sevilla started with coffee and bread and then we did a walking tour of the city.
Walking tours are always a great way to see a city and explore areas you wouldn’t normally see and learn little tidbits about the history, so this was enjoyable.
I was mildly miserable due to the rain and cold, but I survived. 
“Mom, do I look ok?”……..”You look like a wet chicken.” (and then she pinched me)
After the walking tour, we warmed up with some 100 Montaditos (side note- my parents fell in love with 100 Montaditos. It’s almost embarrassing, but I guess…well, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Or the tree doesn’t far fall from the apple?? I don’t know but you get it).
After 10 Euro worth of crappy food (it is, really), we headed to the Alcazar (the palace) to walk around and marvel at the insane beauty and architecture of this place. The building still functions as a royal palace- the oldest in Europe that is still in use! It features a number of various patios and halls that showcase various architectural style, from Mudejar to Gothic. The center of the complex is the Palace of King Pedro I, who constructed his royal residence in 1364 at the site of a Moorish palace. (According to visitsevilla.es)
They don’t have much information at the palace itself, but my mom had her guidebook and was able to explain some of what we were seeing.
Pattern overload!
I suppose we could have paid for the audio guides, but…nah. We walked and walked instead.
After, after, after, we headed to the Juderia to walk around a bit before my mom headed off to yet ANOTHER walking tour (this time of the Juderia) while my dad headed to the Centro de Interpretacion Juderia de Sevilla (museum) in the Juderia.
I headed to a cafe because I had done enough learning for one day (yes, my head is full of air…) and then when I got bored of that, I went for a nice walk (in the pouring rain) while I waited for my parents. We eventually all met up and went to a supermarket to buy food for dinner because we’re animals.
Then it was goodnight.
The next morning, we were off to Cordoba for one day and one night. Coming soon! (ish)