SPAIN -- The Finale -- Sensational Sevilla (July 11th and 12th)

 My last stop in Spain: Sevilla. Even hotter than Madrid, it reached 41 degrees celcius when I was there, and only "cooled down" to the 30's at night! Needless to say, much as I dislike air conditioning, it had to stay on all night in my room at the Airbnb. 

After I arrived, I headed off into the historical center (I got there in the late afternoon, but because of the long summer days, it stays light until 10!)

It was actually a treat to see a town by twilight and at night.. a totally different world! (My host assured me it was safe... I felt that this was so, but I DID take an Uber back to his flat once I was done touring, which was close to 11 by then). 

So first, the 11th-- evening scenes of the lovely town:



As always, every European town must have its central cathedral... Sevilla was no exception. This one was quite spectacular! I tried to get in the next day but could not... sold out! (Sheesh, this again?!?) 








A pretty--and fairly large-- park I passed through... 


Very odd sculpture in the park! 

Wonderful variety of trees...love those palms... 


Not sure what this was, but wonderfully ornate and beautiful!


The pretty front of the Portuguese embassy


Not sure about this one... 







This, I know, is a  hotel... an expensive one, to be sure! 








Really SO lovely by night! 


Street flamenco dancer... as it turns out, this city is the flamenco capital of Spain! Love it! 




From the side of the cathedral, now lit up...sooo gorgeous!!! 



Not golden by day...only by night, thanks to the lighting cast upon it! 


For the Spaniards, night time is prime time! They are out late, eat late... I always wonder when they sleep?!


This next set of photos is worthy of a more indepth explanation, so here you go: 

Known as "Las setas" ("The Mushrooms"), it is the largest wooden structure in the world. Opened in 2011, the work of German architect Jürgen Mayer is 26 metres high. The structure is made up of six large parasols in the shape of mushrooms, and it affords fantastic views of Seville from the walkway/viewing point.

Sadly, I did not make it up there... it was too late and too expensive...another time! (Even so, it was magnificent to view it from the ground, looking up!) 





Got a fellow tourist to capture this photo of yours truly...couldn't resist! 




The lighting of the structure continually changed colors... 


On to the next day, July 12th... Sevilla by day, in the scorching heat! Even so, I managed to enjoy a pleasant stroll around the city. I really liked this town, and know I will have to return one day!




Crazy guy, yes?!? Apparently ingeniously supported by a metal rod going up his back... 


Having a terrible lunch... but the little birds, whom I fed all the bread to, helped to redeem it!! They were grateful and adorable. 


I spent most of the hot afternoon at the "Piazza de Espana", a famous historical area at Sevilla's center. Here, I enjoyed fantastic architecture, exquisite tiled murals, and flemenco dancing (free, but I donated generously, as all three dancers--as well as the musicians--were professional grade and fabulous!) 

All in all, a great visit to this city, but way too short! 































I left the Piazza and slowly meandered on back to my airbnb...passing more beautiful sites along the way... with a final glimpse of a peaceful church, inside and out. Always a great way to end a touring day! 















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