The beauty of Sevilla

Hola!

Como estais? I had always heard how beautiful the city of Sevilla was and now I can say that I have experienced it! Maybe not in its full (yet) but it definitely opened my eyes! The past few days I have been to Alcázar, the Cathedral, Parque de María Lusia, and Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo. They have all been beautiful and undescribable.

Alcázar was originally a fort for the Cordoban goveners in Sevilla and now is a royal palace. Throughout its years, starting in 913 until present, Alcázar has gone through many reconstructions, additions, different rulers and has been used as forts and palaces for decades. It has unique tiles on the inside and there are Arabic inscriptions as well as the Star of David within the tile work. Each new person that lived within the walls added new decoration. The palace has also been the stage of many royal weddings such as the daughter of King Juan Carlos I. The architect and designs throughout the building can be related to all different groups of people such as the Arabic, Muslims, Roman Catholics etc ... It is a facinating place! Around the palace are many different "patios" with ponds and Orange trees. There is also a BIG garden attached to the palace that I have yet to explore.

Later one evening, when it happened to be 102 degrees outside at 5pm ... I decided to take a stroll in Parque de María Lusia. Due to the extreme heat, I did not make it too far but found my way to a nice little bond with benches in the shade to relax with some friends and read. The park is connected to Plaza Espana which I hope to encounter soon. While I was at the park there were many paths one could walk on and carriage rides. The nature was beautiful and refreshing. A good escape from all the cars and commotion on the other side of the street.

Today I made my way to the Cathedral as well as the Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo (museum of contemporary art). The Cathedral was BREATH TAKING! "It is officially the biggest in the world, is awe-inspiring in its scale and sheer majesty" (quoted from the Guidebook) Couldn't use better words. I believe that each side was constructed at a different time as it is definitely NOT symmetrical nor do they have the same style or design. Some walls also seem more worn than others. The cathedral holds the tomb of Christopher Columbus and his son. It is still debated whether or not Columbus is here or in another church (I forgot which one). People are wondering if its just one bone, his whole body, nothing or his son that is located in his tomb. I was able to walk around and see the intricate detail of the moldings and the MASSIVE organ that is inside. I was also able to walk up the tower and look out onto Sevilla. It was about a 5-10 minute climb up to the top but was beautiful up there! The bells rang when I was up there and startled me. If ever in Sevilla, I definitely suggest people take a look at this cathedral as it is gorgeous! I thought that after studying abroad I was Cathedraled out ... but as of now I can re-enter cathedrals without being bored or thinking they all look the same.

After that I came home for some lunch and headed out to the Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo. Not being a big art fan, I did not understand nor appreciate the art but the building and gardens were non-the-less pretty. A few of the artists work that is featured in this museum are that of Carrie Mae Weems, Hannah Collins, Cristina Garcia Rodero, Nuria Carrasoco and Valie Export to name a few.

Other than those few excerstions, I once again will state that the food here is amazing! Concha is going to teach me how to make Gazpacho and Tortilla and I am thrilled! The weather here is also starting to cool down (mid 80s) for a day or to and thus I am abl It e to sleep a little better without sweating! Other then that ... Things are going well and I'm anxiously awaiting to head to Vera, Almeria and get settled into my own piso and start teaching! I will keep everyone updated! Thanks for staying tuned!

Besos,
Julie

I need to figure out how to add photos!