2026 March 23 – 2026 May 8
We no longer running around to see one more sight, one more attraction, just relaxing, after sitting on one of the nearby plaza we went up to the rooftop terrace of our hotel to enjoy some sangria and wine.
We don’t need to see or do anything else, I think we got this city, the atmosphere was amazing, the people friendly and welcoming, we did not feel anything from the anti-tourist sentiment. Will see what happens in Barcelona.
A short walk from old town after demolishing an old marketplace they build this strange looking viewpoint or platform that locals call the Mushroom. The world largest wooden structure.
Not sure how it fits in Seville, I was hesitant to step into a tourist trap, but I have to admit it is kind of cool, the winding path on the top, and how lights moving and changing after sunset.
How long does it take for us to accept a new, unusual idea? Is it harder when we are immersed into something on the other side of the spectrum of thinking and viewing? Counterpoints are necessary for balance, but will they lessen harmony?
Orange trees are everywhere in Seville. Krisztina told me before we leave she would like to taste one orange right from the tree. This sounded easier than bringing down the stars.
Well, it turns out there is a reason we did not see others picking the trees. The moors brought these here long time ago, probably for the fragrance. Wild orange, the British make marmalade from it, but they are not edible, we found out, the bitterness is more than anybody can handle.
Do you think if the apple from garden of eden tasted like this, the world would be completely different today?
The dance, the songs, the guitars that erupt with such a powerful force, yes there is sadness in there and pain, but the raw passion what it makes it come alive. Flame of fire. Romani, moorish, jewish and Christian elements were whirling in front of our eyes yesterday. We went to a theater, the performance, the dancers were incredible to watch. Probably it was too good, with the lighting, background pictures, the sound quality. Originally these were not choreographed performances, just happenings at family gatherings, community settings in local pubs, spontaneous expressions of daily life. While here Seville we saw street dancers earlier, for me that was the real thing, closer to the original settings.
Are you able to see beauty in imperfection? Do you allow raw but real things into your life without refinement? Do you recognize how professionalism can degrade authenticity?
Today was a good test to see if we, after two weeks reached some kind of saturation point, where we cannot absorb more, regardless how beautiful, unique it is. Well, I think we enjoyed visiting this palace as much as if it would have been at the beginning of our trip, as much as if we have never seen similar architecture before. Maybe because of the garden. Maybe because of that peacock walking on the ledge, maybe because seeing people from so many places of the world looking equally amazed when stepping into the central courtyard.
It’s impossible to have travel fatigue when you are in a place like this, right? As a family walked by we overheard the teenage son saying: “mom we have been in these rooms like a million times, already!”
Tell me, will I ever be able to rekindle your interest in lighthouses?
It just did for the entire region of Andalusia. It’s hazy, rain expected. The streets, plazas, monuments that were full of sunshine just days before now look bland and bleak. We have forest fires, smoke in PNW, here they have a weather phenomena called Calima, when wind carries sand up here from the Saharan desert, and if it start raining it can create muddy deposits on cars, streets.
These times might be the best time to pause. And to remember that nothing significantly changed, just the reflection or direction of light. When it seems gloomy are you able to recall glorious moments of your life?
He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!
Now that temperature is 28 celsius, after walking so much we get exhausted by around lunchtime. It just feels right to take it easy and rest in the early afternoon, so we can go out again later, even if it is just for a walk in the old town. I like it how even on the narrowest streets, the smallest plaza you see people sitting outside eating and drinking late into the night.
Today we visited this amazing 500 years old palace with a beautiful garden, nearby. Two completely different styles came together seamlessly here, islam inspired Mudejar and Renaissance. Tiles, stone carvings and wooden ceilings fused in such an unbelievable harmony. No wonder one of the biggest Hollywood movies, Lawrence of Arabia was filmed here.
Today it seems like the entire city is out on the streets, all dressed up, most men, even youth wearing suits, women wearing dark dresses, many with mantillas. The crowd is flowing in multiple directions. The mood and atmosphere is solemn. Christ died for all of us.
