So we arrived in Seville, and took a taxi to the place where we had to pick up the keys to our apartment. We were told that it was close, so we opted to walk. With luggage, and narrow cobblestoned streets, well, it seemed much longer than it actually was! But we made it, and started to settle in, then went out for a walk. We wanted to get some groceries, figure out where we needed to meet the next morning, etc.
We wandered around for a while, so that Wendy could get her bearings back. She'd been to Seville twice before. One place we stopped, and I have no photos sadly, was the Alfonso XIII hotel. My, that's impressive! One of those places in which I'll never stay, but an amazing place to see. We walked by the Cathedral and the Giralda, and the gardens of the Alcázar. We saw the main square, the Plaza Nueva. We passed three Andean men, one wearing a Plains Indian-style headdress, playing "Sounds of Silence" on the pan flute. I knew that meant it was time to stop for dinner, and I didn't even need any wine! We found a little place called Las Escobas, antigua taverna de 1386. Well, who knows, but it was tasty. And we were beat.
Our first full day in Seville we were taking a field trip to the Pueblos Blancos (White Villages). These are villages in the hills, mostly in Cádiz province, where nearly all the houses are painted white. Many of the villages are old frontier towns, from the days when the Christians and Muslims battled here. The house color is strictly regimented, and originally was done to help control the heat in the summer sun.
First, we stopped at this old castle, La Castilla de las Aguzaderas in El Coronil. You all know how I love old castles.
Then we continued on. Our first village was Zahara de la Sierra. It's stunning! The ride is up the mountains, on curving switchback roads. And when you get there, it is wonderfully dramatic. To get there, you have to pass through the Parque Natural Sierra de Grazalema, which is a natural park.
We stopped by the new reservoir to see the village from below first. You can see the remnants of the old castle in the below photo.
Yes, lots of lovely roofs and red tiles!
It's a beautiful town, with lots of history. It's been reclaimed for tourism, so there are wonderful markers around town.
These shots are on the climb to the ruined castle at the top of the top crag. The castle changed hands many times over the years.
There's a lovely little museum here too! Small but wonderfully done. I really like the timeline, which not only told the tale of the village, but put it into world context.
More roof tiles, this time on the descent and looking toward the church.
In the natural park, there are many of these trees. It's some type of acorn. Needless to say, it's an important food for local animals.
We then drove to Grazalema. Grazalema is the most popular of the villages with tourists, and it's easy to see why. Red roofs, wonderful food, scenic views, shopping. The town is about 4500 feet up in the hills. Originally founded by the Moors, it's full of steep cobbled streets. The Plaza de España is the city center. We followed our guide, a relocated Australia named Paul, to his favorite spot, and were not disappointed! The most amazing fish, the most ethereal fried peppers. I'd run back there now if I could.
Potable water. What a fun way to have a public fountain!
A little pastry shop, with the same family name as a friend.
Charming pretty streets to wander.
A city map, along a scenic overlook, all done in tile.
More tile, this touting some of the history of the town.
And we had two villages still to go!
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