Sevilla: Return to Al Andalus

Arriving in Sevilla, I was immediately captivated by how different it was from Madrid. The city seemed much older, exotic, and mysterious due to its Oriental and Occidental architecture, Moorish and Spanish heritage, and it's diverse foods. The city is deep within Andalucia and was important during the Moorish rule in Spain.

En route to Sevilla via the Renfe speed train:

Sevilla Santa Justa Train Station:

First, I visited the Torre del Orro. This was a former Almohad watchtower built in the Moorish style. Overlooking the Guadalquivir River, it was a strategic post controlling incoming ships and supplies into the city. Oddly, it is now houses a naval museum which does not mention anything about it's original use and history. It is unfortunate since this was a major part of the rich Moorish history which existed for over 700 years. 

Torre del Orro:

The shape of the building is octagonal with a lookout tower at the center. Within the tower, the original Islamic geometric tiles cover the interior walls. Outside the lookout tower, curved arches decorate each of it's 8 sides.

View of the Old city from the top of the lookout tower:

Next, visited the Plaza de Los Toros (Bullfighting arena). Was interesting to tour around the site to learn more about one of Spain's national sports.

Plaza del Toros:

Made my way to the center of the old town to marvel at the dominating Sevilla Cathedral. Surprisngly, there were endless droves of crowds so it was impossible to visit the main part of the cathedral. Built on the former site of a Moorish mosque, it is intricately designed to incorporate Moorish and Gothic architecture. The Giralda, which was the former minaret tower was converted to a Christian belltower.

Sevilla Cathedral:

Nearby was El Alcazar (Royal Palace). This palace was built by Charles IV on the site of the old Moorisb palace. It is aesthetically mezmorizing due to it's Moorish style courtyards, geometric elaborate designs, and mixture of Eastern and Western walls. 

Finished the day of with a Flamenco show. Sevilla is known as the birthplace of Flamenco so you must see one if you are in town. Many bars and restaurants offer a show and dinner combo so you can scout around which one is best. There are also flamenco performances at small or large venues tbroughout the city. The one I went to was in a small alley in a small hotel. It is a must-see in Sevilla!

Day Trip to Toledo

If you are in Madrid for a few days, I recommend you visit Toledo which is a nice day trip outside of the city. It is only 30 minutes by Spain's bullet train (RENFE). The cost is around 10€ roundtrip. You can buy your ticket in advance or the day of at the Atocha Renfe train station in Madrid. I bought my ticket the day of, but they sold out of the 10€ tickets so I ended up buying the more expensive seat for 17€.

I did the trip a couple of days a go and it was amazing. Toledo was the former capital of Spain so it is filled with medieval ramparts, Moorish and Western architecture, cobbestone streets, and narrow alleyways. It is also the home of El Greco's masterpiece-"The Burial of the Count of Orgaz." Toledo is a small walkable city perched on a hilltop overlooking a valley and river.

One of the main must-see sights in Toledo is the Cathedral. It's monolithic arches, gothic typanums, and exquisite treasures captivate those who visit. Here are some pictures of it:

 

Another lesser known site is the Cristo de la luz Church which was a Catholic Church housed in a former mosque (Mezquita in Spainish) during Moorish rule. It's curved arches and pillars display its simple yet intricate design. Not much remains of the
Christian era.. except for a few fading frescoes. Surprisingly the Moorish carved interior and exterior has survived centuries of conquest and reform.

You can a get a Toledo Pass which allows you to visit certain selected sites with some with some guided tours ( which is what I did).

Marzipan is also famous in Toledo so you must try and/or buy some before you leave!! There is a convent where nuns make marzipan and other treats. You just droo by and ring the bell to purchase some. Give it a try!!

The Journey Begins

THE JOURNEY BEGINS


After years of traveling, I've finally got around to write this blog. I hope to share all my travel knowledge and experiences with you. I'm actually on a trip now so I wanted to start blogging!!!

A few days ago I started my current trip with a buddy. After some debating we decided on doing a 3 week Eurotrip. We started our current journey in Madrid, Spain. I had previously been there, but that was many years ago with my parents.

When arrived, we were starving so we stopped by Museo del Jamon, a local deli chain that specialized in Jamon, the delictable cured Spanish ham (similar to prosciutto). We ordered bocadillo de jamon (jamon sandwich) which was only 1€!!! Here is a picture:

                                          

After, we were still hungry so I found this small hole-in-the-wall called "Casa Luciano" near to The Prado. I have a sharp eye for mom and pop restaurants because I prefer them because they are 1) unique, 2) good quality, and 3) have withstood time. Built in 1904, it serves quality sandwiches, dishes, and drinks. We ordered bocadillo de calamares (calamari sandwich) and bocadillo de tortilla (potato omelette sandwich). 

Later we stopped by Plaza Mayor, Madrid's famous historic square:

Near the square, we stumbled upon Mercado San Miguel. As a foodie, this place was paradise!! It's a covered market of all kinds of vendors selling jamon, cheese, bacalao, wine, beer, and tapas. A friend suggested I try "pulpo a la gallega" (boiled octopus with olive oil and potatoes...it was one of the best seafood dishes I ever had!! 

Later that night we got hungry so we ate roasted suckling pig at "Restaurante Botin." It's the oldest restaurant in the world (since 1725). I had eaten there before, and it still tasted perfect with the juicy pork meat and crispy skin. It is definitely a must if you visit Madrid. It's a little pricey, but the experience will change forever. 

Anyway, that's all for now! I'll continue to update you during my trip! 

-Joel