Sevilla

We left Lagos the next afternoon, on our way to Sevilla, Spain. We knew we had crossed the border when we stopped and three tall dark and hot policemen looked deep into our eyes while checking our passports. We arrived in Sevilla around 9, right around when dinner starts here. We carried our bags to our hotel in the old city, a former residence converted to rooms down a winding cobblestone path. It’s close to the famed cathedral here, which is great for sightseeing but not the best for sleeping in since its bells start ringing at 6 am.
Some of us hiked up the 42 ramps in the bell tower to see the view, but the cathedral itself was closed. It contains a crypt with what is thought to be the remains of Christopher Columbus.

We went off to watch a World Cup game with Spain playing, hoping to see partying in the streets if they won.  Unfortunately they lost and will not advance so no parties.  However the next day there was a massive parade and celebration of King Juan Carlos who recently abdicated the throne in favour of his son. 

I visited the bullfighting stadium here, one of the most  important in Spain.  Bullfighting is still huge in this area, although some fight to have it banned.  Marcos had a couple of tickets so I could have attended a bullfight that night, but I declined after investigation, and instead visited the Museo del Toro in the stadium.  Within were the heads of famous bulls, and one head that looked kind of feminine that turned out to be the head of the mother of a bull who had killed a legendary torero or matador.

I was happy to learn that the bulls killed in the ring are sent to market and eaten, but didn’t need to see the whole event.  The bull always is killed,  after being wounded by spears into its back.  I would have liked to see the art of the matador, who basically stays still while keeping his cape moving to attract the bull while dressed in a tiny bejewelled outfit, but I couldn’t go.  Two others of my group attended, and will never go again.

Instead I went to a flamenco performance.   It was intense!  The singer and guitar player started the show in a tiny intimate theatre, then the dancers put on a dramatic show, where they got together, split up, got back together, then she dumped him.  We were all exhausted when it was over, I can’t imagine how the dancers felt. 

On the bus again in the morning!