Navigation
 | Introduction | |
 |  | Spain |
 | | Madrid (Days 1-3) |
| | Toledo (Day 2) |
| | Sevilla (4-5) |
|  | Barcelona (6-7) |
| | France |
| | Annecy (9-11) |
| | Paris (17-19) |
| | Switzerland |
| | Geneva (11) |
| | Germany |
 | | Homestay (12-15) |
| | Freiburg (15-16) |
| Introduction | |
| | Spain |
| | Madrid (Days 1-3) |
| | Toledo (Day 2) |
| | Sevilla (4-5) |
| | Barcelona (6-7) |
| | France |
| | Annecy (9-11) |
| | Paris (17-19) |
| | Switzerland |
| | Geneva (11) |
| | Germany |
| | Homestay (12-15) |
| | Freiburg (15-16) |
|
Sevilla
Sevilla was our next stop after Madrid and Toledo. Unlike the other two cities, which were both fairly close to each other and also moderate in climate, Sevilla was further South and very hot and dry. Going in and coming out of Sevilla, we saw many rows of fields upon fields growing crops in the hot climate.
Our first day in Sevilla we didn't have much time, however we did go and visit a bull ranch. This was somewhat interesting in that we learned about how bulls are raised and the tradition behind bull fighting, however I personally didn't enjoy the idea very much at all (probably due to my vegetarianism).
The second day we spent in Sevilla, however, was very fun. The city is very beautiful, and we saw some magnificent attractions, such as the Alcazar Palace which is centuries old and has been controlled at various times by Jews, Catholics, and Muslims! Much of this culture-blending was evident because the architecture was re-done over the centuries, as our guide pointed out. (For example, the Star of David mixed in with Christian symbols and seven clouds - the arab concept of "7 Heavens.")
Another beautiful building we saw in Sevilla was the Sevilla Cathedral. This Cathedral was also huge, like the one in Toledo, however this Cathedral had many distinguishing characteristics as well. There is a special display open just this year (2000) that is normally open only during Holy Week. More fascinating than that, however, was the grave of Christopher Columbus. Columbus, late in his life, once refused to be buried on "Spanish Land." Hence, his grave is held by four statues several feet above the ground, and so he has been buried in the "Spanish Air." :)
We were also allowed up the long walkway to the top of the Cathedral's Tower. This walk was an extremely long one, but once we were up there, the view of the entire city (Spain's 4th Largest) was absolutely breathtaking, as you can see...
Enjoy the view while you can, it's time for a dose of Barcelona >>
