Spontaneity is the word of this trip. I had initially planned to make it June 1- 14th without traveling and just focus on my coursework. Apparently, that motivated me to knock out my papers well ahead of time so I could squeeze in one last solo trip! I was going to Seville Spain where my friends Holly, Henry, and River had previously studied abroad. Honestly, seriously asking myself why I did not visit while they were here but I probably had a million other places on my list.
I landed about midday and took the bus to the city center where I took another bus to check into my hotel, Hospitalis Catalonia. From the back pain from last trip I decided there was no way I was carrying all my stuff around.
I booked tickets for the Real Alcazar de Seville today. The Alcazar de Seville is a royal Moorish palace that is today regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO World Heritage sites are said to have outstanding universal value and are thus placed under protection to be preserved for future generations. There are a total of 1,157 total UNESCO designated sites worldwide. The palace was constructed in the 11th century when the Muslims decided they needed a fortress to protect the city.
The most famous part of the palace is the Patio de la Doncellas. This courtyard was constructed in the Castilian and Islamic styles. The courtyard was stunning with its ornate arches covered in fine details. The arches formed a square with a small pond in the middle. I especially loved the scalloped arches! I spent a good amount of time admiring the beautiful intricacy of the courtyard. The palace had several other rooms, some of which had similar Islamic style of architecture combined with Spanish tiles but nothing nearly as beautiful as the main courtyard.
The other highlight of the palace were the gardens. The gardens were so expansive I definitely got lost and questioned if I was even in the palace still. There was a maze that I completed and so many little fountains at every turn. It was truly a tropical Oasis! I had seen a peacock in the flesh in Greece but it hadn't opened its feathers. In the palace gardens there were tons of peacocks both male and female, running wild. I initially joked I was disappointed that the male was surrounded by 4 females yet still not turned on. I did catch sight of a different male performing his mating dance. The peacocks were everywhere and so close! As the male peacock did his mating dance he shuddered and made his whole body vibrate. If you ask me, the female peacock paid 0 interest at all.
If there was one place I was dying to see it was the Plaza España. The landmark was huge and shaped in a semicircle around a canal that people were kayaking and boating in. The monument was very picturesque! It was covered in colorful Spanish tiles and had huge arches. Since it was a Friday it was less crowded and the greatest crowds centered in one of the patios where a flamenco dancer was entertaining guests. I got to see the plaza and a flamenco performance!
For dinner I decided I was craving paella so that is what I went and ordered! The paella was just okay though and I will have to try again tomorrow.
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