Seville - Streets paved with gold
I am sorry to start this blog with a disappointment but obviously, the streets of Seville are not literally paved with gold. To be honest with you it is a little more orange than gold - I am talking about oranges because the streets are actually paved with them.
Between stunning pink Laurier-rose and olive trees lines one orange tree after another. The smell will hit you immediately. It smells like freshly pressed orange juice on every corner inviting you to just lie down and breathe it all in under the lovely Spanish sun. Lying down is not an option though, because if you want to discover all Seville has to offer you have to be on your feet. Seville is the 4th biggest city in Spain and the capital of Andalucía and although the city offers a great metro and bus system Sevillians move by foot or bike. Being comfortably at grade and with bike lanes all throughout the city this is easy enough and you can make sure you don’t miss a second of the great weather. With three UNESCO world heritage sights, influences from the Romans, Arabia and the American discovery and a culture that goes from bullfights to fine art and operas the city offers something for every taste.
A must-see is the St Mary Cathedral, one of the largest medieval and gothic cathedrals in the world and the Alcazar palace surrounded by beautiful gardens and film location for Game of Thrones! I was lucky enough to visit Seville during the best season. The whole city is blooming with temperatures over 35 degrees and blue skies. (Tip: If you suffer from hay fever avoid the springtime and go in autumn instead) I was even luckier as I happened to be there during the departure of the Pilgrims which is a cultural spectacle that makes it worth getting up a little earlier. Watch women in traditional Spanish costumes with flowers in their hair smoking cigarettes, while their men pass you on horses or guide the colourful carriages drawn by decorated bulls through the streets of Seville. My personal highlight, and for those who read my other blogs this won’t be a surprise, was the food in Seville.
No matter how long you are in Seville make sure you take the time to sit down for lunch the Spanish way at least once, which means you won’t get up for a couple of hours. Indulge in Tapas and Spain’s favourite summer drink, (no, not Sangria) Tinto de verano – A red wine spritzer with lemon slices (yes, kind of Sangria after all) and don’t miss out on the Andalusian speciality Salmorejo, a cold tomato and bread soup topped with diced hardboiled egg and Serrano ham. While every restaurant I’ve been to in Seville served food of amazing quality and taste my suggestion is to go to the Mercado Lonja del Barranco. This indoor market has been built by Gustave Eiffel himself and a famous matador turned it into a paradise for food lovers. Situated just by the riverside you can eat yourself through every aspect of Spanish cuisine with seafood as fresh as it gets, Spanish classics like Croquetas or patatas y huevo and international food with a twist like Andalusian sushi. To find out about the twist you will have to go to Seville yourself though, which I would strongly suggest anyway.
