Jo’s Monday walk : Sunny Seville, on a mission

Metropol Parassol

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.

walking logo

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.

……………………………………………………………………………………….

I was quite excited to see where Drake was taking me this week, because I’ve actually been there before :

Eight hundred year old icon

The challenge?  To make a power station look good in the rain.  Debbie’s up for it!

Not my usual south bank walk

When it rains, Jackie cooks or reads a book :

Morning Coffee

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 :

Morning on the Marsh

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 :

The Lanes in November

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 :

Time travel in Wales

Next week I shall be continuing to walk through Seville.  Hope to see you then.  Meanwhile, take care.  Wishing you all a great week!

144 comments

  3. Seville looks wonderful Jo – have heard good reports from friends but have yet to visit there myself. I love the older buildings and the pretty light (not too sure about the “waffle” but a very apt description)! Such a beautiful set of photos! Hope you have a lovely week 🙂

    Like

    Reply

    1. It’s a very vibrant city, Rosemay. Too hot in summer, but we had balmy, beautiful weather that weekend. A little quieter this week, I’m glad to say. Roast chestnuts today for Sáo Martinho 🙂 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  4. The first building definitely looks like huge waffles 🙂 Love the shot of the church and the big one of the square – a lovely walk, and cake at the end too 🙂 Have you any idea if there’s a significance behind the chocolate design drizzled onto the plates? My friend recently got a second hand car with a design like that in plastic stuck on the back and we can’t work out what it’s supposed to be – seeing your photos now makes me wonder if the previous owner went to Spain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Temperature was perfect, Debs- about 22C, I think- and during the day it wasn’t too busy. A bit crazy Halloween evening though 🙂 🙂 I’m eating roast chestnuts atm cos it’s Sáo Martinho today. Love them! Thanks, darlin- be right with you.

      Like

      Reply

  10. What a thrilling city you’ve served up today, Jo. Sights at every turn. And brilliant to have Sue to share it with. Ever thinking of food, my mind has now latched onto those marvellous looking avocado slices. So many dodgy ones in the UK.

    Like

    Reply
  11. Pingback: Elephants and castles – Travel with Intent

  15. Lovely that you saw Sue here. What a great city to meet friends in. And you have some fine shots as souvenirs too. I’ve only visited the city once, but it really got under my skin – in a very good way.

    Like

    Reply

    1. I think it’s that sort of place, Margaret. On All Saint’s morning it was a bit grungy, but how can you not love looking in on life through all those grills and doorways? 🙂 🙂 And Sue was a huge bonus.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  16. Beautiful walk Jo and Seville looks fabulous. Always wondered about visiting as we’ve never been but may have to add that to the ever-expanding wishlist now and see what we can do.

    Like

    Reply

  18. they are definitely waffles!! Amazed to learn they are made of wood and that they have a roof terrace. So glad you have such a lovely time with Sue on another roof xxx

    Like

    Reply
  19. Pingback: Modern old-fashionedness | Le Drake Noir

    1. It’s such a very vibrant city, isn’t it, Drake? My walk around the Metropol Parasol took place on All Saints and there was much evidence of ‘the night before’. They know how to party! 🙂 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.