17 March 2017

Arriving in Seville








We left Salamanca this morning and travelled  through a landscape of snowy mountains, neat stone walled fields (a bit like Weaver’s Yorkshire) and then endless groves of olive trees.  We arrived in Seville late afternoon. 




I felt a bit despondent as we checked into our hotel on the edge of the city.  We chose this place for its location and secure parking.  Paul didn’t fancy trying to negotiate his way through the narrow one way streets of the old quarter.  The hotel is big, modern and has very little charm but we do have a nice view over the river.  

We went out at 8.00 p.m. to find somewhere to eat.  It feels late to me but Seville is only just starting to come alive at this hour.  We walked along by the river to the local area of Triana where there are numerous tapas bars and restaurants.  We chose a quiet bar and it was warm enough to sit outside with our wine and tapas.  Crowds of local people of all ages were walking up and down the streets, everyone seemed to know each other and within minutes our quiet bar was full of chattering Spaniards and the pavement spilling over with tables and chairs.  It all felt very convivial.

Tomorrow we will cross the old bridge across the river and explore the old part of the city.


6 comments:

  1. I always find myself eating in empty restaurants in Spain; they start to fill when I leave. I suppose I'm stuck in a time warp.

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    1. Their body time clocks are different to ours. Even the young children and babies are out and about late at night.

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    2. The last time we went to Seville (many years ago) we stayed in the Barrio - the old town. When we went out to eat in the evening, we were told to come back no earlier than 9:30 p.m. ! We soon learned that the Sevillianas didn't even consider sitting down to eat until at least 10 or 11 p.m., and then took a leisurely meal lasting two or three hours !

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    3. I'm usually tucked up in bed by 10.00 p.m.

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  2. I used to eat in a cafe near the station in Madrid - the only place I could eat Spanish food early in the evening. I went every night for a week and the proprietor had something different for me to try and my drink ready as soon as I walked in. He didn't speak English and I didn't speak Spanish. Have a good day in Seville.

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    Replies
    1. We are struggling a bit with the language. We had a nice waiter who was very patient and happy to play charades with us.

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