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 
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