Last Day in Seville

Yesterday was so full of such varied activities, I can think of no other way to describe them all but to start a list:

1) Toured the city on the bus. Saw the tobaccoo factory that inspired the opening of the opera Carmen. Visited the Plaza of the Americas which was built in 1929--kind of late art nouveau with baroque touches. Visited the site of Expo ´92--the last World´s Fair of the 20th century. The Spanish government poured 8 billion dollars into this thing--what they have left is a huge complex of "modernistic" (to the eyes of designers in the 1980s) buildings and display halls that are seldom used. Saw the Church of the Macarana--no, really.

2) Toured the Royal Palace with a local guide recommended by Rick Steves. Her name was Concepcion, and she was full of information and great tales. Plus, she gave me additional information about how to access the local monastery for a tour and how to get into the royal chapel at the cathedral. The palace itself was built by both Moorish and Christian artisans and the different wings are Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque--all of which leads to a fanciful combination. Columbus was received here and delivered his reports to the king and queen in one of the reception halls.

3) Visited the local monastery, founded in the 14th century by Carthusian monks. Using my TCC connection, I was allowed to look at some of the 4,000-volume library collected by Hermano Colon--the younger son of Christopher Columbus. Quite a treat.

4) Tried the tapas dinner again--and really went adventerous. Ever had egg and lobster? Peas and spiced olives? Ox tail? Well, I have. These are not things you find on the menu at Texas Roadhouse.

5) Went to the Chapel of the Kings at the east end of the cathedral. This chapel is not open to tourists--only visiting clergy or members of the parish may enter. Concepcion told me to leave my camera out of sight and tell the guard that I was a member of the Confraternity of Saint James (I joined the American chapter before my last trip). I worked! It was sooooo cool--the remains of Fernando III, the conquerer of Seville, are mummified under the alter. Alphonso X--you know, Alphonso el Sabio with whom the Cantigas are associated--is also buried within. I sat right next to his crypt. Fernando´s sword and spurs are also encased in glass beside the alter; these are no questionable relics, but historic artifacts that are 750 years old--very exciting.

6) Having been properly spiritual, I decided to conclude the day with some additional corporeal pleasures. Namely, I went to El Palacio de Andelusia--one of the areas most famous Flamenco clubs. After a quick call home to my brother, I ducked into the night spot and watched colorfully clothed dancers whirl, stomp, and sing. Pretty pricey (about $32 American) but the ticket came with a free drink (vino tinto!) and lots of fun entertainment. Actually, have you ever seen Casablanca? Remember that female singer in Rick´s Cafe American who has that loud, piercing voice? Well, she was on stage again last night with the dancers.

And then I staggered home. I´m not certain when I´ll be able to make another blog entry. I´m leaving Seville this morning to see some Roman ruins and may be staying out of reach of the internet. Happy Trails.