This is probably not the image that first comes to mind when someone mentions Seville, but it’s an image that grabbed my attention when I first saw it, back in 2011. Metropol Parasol is familiarly known as Las Setas (the mushrooms) but it reminds me of a giant waffle. Maybe I had breakfast on the brain, for the sun was just cresting the surrounding buildings as I walked all around the perimeter. I settled myself at a convenient table in Grupo Sala to devour an avocado torrada, my eyes moving appreciatively from my plate to this surreal vision.
During mundane excavations in the Plaza de la Encarnación, Roman ruins were discovered. Work came to a halt, but the finds can be seen in a museum beneath Metropol Parasol. Sadly I did not manage to see these, nor to ascend to the walkway to look down upon the city. I was much too early, and my wandering footsteps had far to roam that day.
A maze of calles weave Seville together, and at every second corner there appears an image of a saint, or a church. I counted San Pedro and Santa Inés, Santa Catalina and San Andrés, San Nicholas and Santa Magdalena, San José and Santa Marta, all looking down on life with gravity.
Slow progress is made through these narrow streets. The light and shade captivate, each alley and doorway cloaking in mystery the life within. At a busy crossroads I hear the smart-stepping click of horses hooves, and am just in time to capture the smiling bride and groom.
Seville literally hums with life, an invitation to flamenco or a bodega awaiting everywhere in the heart of this city. In Plaza de San Salvador the buzz of excitable Spanish conversation stops me in my tracks. That and the sheer beauty of the square, glowing rosy pink in the sunlight.
But I have an appointment to keep, and must press on. It’s Halloween and, forsooth, there’s a witch or two about. It’s courtyards that entrance me, and the spellbinding rhythm of tapping feet. A city of saints and sinners.
Ahead lies the prize. The Giralda Tower, beckoning, from a distance. Soon I am within touching distance, a little sad to see it swathed in scaffolding, but no matter. I am here on a mission.
In a rooftop bar, overlooking the mighty cathedral, me and Sue (Words Visual) finally get to have that long conversation.
We watch the men at work on the scaffolding, and later there’s a passionate performance of flamenco. An evening meal, with cake, of course!
You were worth every step of the journey, Sue. Thank you so much for your lovely company.
And thanks to everyone who’s walked with me this week. It’s always a pleasure to walk with you. Join me any time, here on Jo’s Monday walk.
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I was quite excited to see where Drake was taking me this week, because I’ve actually been there before :
The challenge? To make a power station look good in the rain. Debbie’s up for it!
When it rains, Jackie cooks or reads a book :
Meet Geanie, all the way from Utah! I’m sure you’ll have fun together :
The Best Travel Destination Might be in Your Own Backyard
Irene always finds beauty close to home too :
I may be just a Stroller/sometimes Strider, but I love a little ambition in a walker. Go Mel!
Camino Madrid 2020 – the nuts and bolts of walking in Spain
And Cathy, of course, with the challenge now behind her :
(Camino day 42) Sarria to Portomarín & ruminations (week 6)
Jude has been trying to tempt me with an English autumn. Thanks for the memories, hon :
While Sandra was high up in Lisbon- great vantage points!
Miradouros in Lisbon, #Portugal
Finding a little magic in the Welsh hills, let’s finish with a lovely joyful walk with Becky :
Next week I shall be continuing to walk through Seville. Hope to see you then. Meanwhile, take care. Wishing you all a great week!
restlessjo 
Thanks for your writing on Seville! You captured the spirit very well. 🙂 I live here now and I love it.
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I can imagine it a wonderful city to live in. I’m happy with our little place in the Algarve, but I love to visit. Many thanks for your company 🙂 🙂
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My daughter spent six months teaching English in a bilingual primary school in Seville with the Erasmus scheme and loved the city especially the area around the university. I wish I was there now.
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I’m sitting up on our roof terrace after a beautiful morning walk in the Algarve hills. No complaints about life, Anne 🤗💕
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Wow, what a fantastic day! You’ve sold me on Seville, between the mushroom/waffle architecture, which I love and of course, the older parts of town, and then the food! What’s not to love? 😉
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Good question! It’s a great city, Lynn 🙂 🙂
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Ah, darn! No pictures of you and Sue? That’s a shame. It would have been nice to see you two together. It looks like you saw a lot of Seville in such a short time and I love, love, love your photos of the Metropol Parasol. What a fantastical place. Glad you had a fun time! 🙂
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I saw some photos of Metropol Parasol years ago and could hardly believe my eyes. It didn’t disappoint, Cathy, but I wish I’d been able to get up to the walkway.
I do have a couple of photos with Sue, but I didn’t publish them as she’s quite a private person. I can send you one by email if you’d like? 🙂 🙂
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I’d love to see them if you have time to send them! 🙂
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Reblogged this on LIVING THE DREAM.
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Absolutely delightful walk through Seville, Jo. I loved the narrative pulling us along to not be late for a very important date, and all the photos and your ponderings were wonderful. This is my favorite line: “A city of saints and sinners.” So many fantastic photos, hard to pick out a favorite, but I’d have to say it was the series of intriguing shapes and colors of the Metropol Parsol. Thanks so much for taking us with you through Seville.
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Thanks so much, Jet 🙂 🙂 It’s a city I’ve visited a couple of times but never with so much joy as when I was going to meet Sue.
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WOW! Fascinated me all dear Johanna, Thank you, Love, nia
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It’s a lovely city, Nia. I think you’d enjoy it 🙂 🙂 Thanks for your company!
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What a beautiful city.. I do like that blue and white mosaic you find in Portugal..
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It’s such a vibrant place, Lisa. Hard not to find something to love. 🙂 🙂
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How lovely to have sunshine so late in the year. Love your Hallowe’en image, it is brilliant.
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And a light show tonight in Faro, Mari 🙂 🙂 Never a dull moment! Thanks, darlin.
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Metropol Parasol is amazing! What a fabulous building. Seville looks lovely, and your avocado breakfast even better. And those cakes look like heaven.
Alison
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Quite where the inspiration came from, I’m not sure, Alison, but I’m glad it did. It is an extraordinary sight in the midst of traditional Seville. 🙂 🙂
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The Parasol does resemble waffles😄 It didn’t exist when we visited in 2005. How lovely you managed to catch up with Sue.
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Madhu! Fabulous to have you here 🙂 🙂 I’m smiling ear to ear! How are you?
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Very well, thank you Jo. Feels good to be back. I raced to publish something before I cross the 12 month deadline😄
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Thanks for this virtual visit to Seville. Five years since I was there but such happy memories 🙂
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It’s such a vibrant city, isn’t it? I like it a lot 🤗💕
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What a special and intriguing city, Jo. I really like the “mushroom,” or waffle. It’s fantastic architecture. 🙂
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I was disappointed that my timing was bad and I didn’t get to see inside or up on the roof, Debbie, but I did manage quite a lot in a short space of time. Next time, hey? 🙂 🙂
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Love those mushroom sculptures Jo. I am always amazed at the imagination of artists who create these amazing works of art. What an interesting place to explore and what a bonus to meet up with our blogging buddy Sue
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Hiya Pauline- how are you doing? 🙂 🙂 It’s a fascinating city, and there’s still much that I haven’t seen. I’ll have to go back, I’m sure, but life here does keep me busy!
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I’m keeping ok thanks Jo. You certainly do keep super busy
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Beautifully written (and photographed) Jo. A wonderful mix of architectural styles, and a great variety of companions – saints, sinners and Sue! Is the museum under the plaza like the one in Krakòw, with the actual excavations visible?
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Thanks, darlin 🙂 🙂 This is the best link to the Antiquarium that I can find, Meg. http://antiquarium.icas-sevilla.org/antiquarium/el-espacio/ Not quite like Kraków but it looks a fascinating space.
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