Sevilla

Hello Friends. Please forgive me for not updating my blog for quite some time. Time has been flying, that is for sure. But there comes a time when one must slow down and reflect. And now is that time. I will try not to bore you with too many facts, but much has happened in the past few weeks that must be shared!

I will begin with recent adventures to nearby - and quite distant - lands...

On June 13th, I went on a school trip to Sevilla, which is located about three hours away from Granada in the province of Andulucia. Sevilla is the city where relations with America first began. Here is located the Plaza de España, the center of communication with America. It is formed in the shape of arms, facing toward America, as if it is wrapping itself around the newly claimed land.



We then visited the Cathedral de Seville. It was first built as a Mosque in 1181 but then was consecrated as a Chatedral in 1248. The construction of this cathedral occurred in various stages and has a multitude of influences, including Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance influence and baroque structures. While we were there, we climbed the tower (34 ramps!), saw the tomb of Christopher Columbus, and walked through the Orange tree courtyard. Everything was breathtaking and gigantic...a girl from London told me this cathedral topped all cathedrals she had ever seen in her home city!







Our last destination were the Ruinas Romanas (Roman Ruins), bath and gardens. This was a very tranquil place, the gardens well kept and the detailed architecture also breathtaking. There is much detail that I unfortunately cannot remember, and I was also slightly confused as to why they are called the Roman Ruins when much of the architecture had Islamic influence...these are details I must still sort out! Here is a foto of one of the courtyards. Many have similarly shaped entry ways with a fountain or small water bath running through the center.



This concluded our day trip to Sevilla, complete with a high of 44 degrees centigrade (over 100 degrees fahrenheit!) and several stops to the air conditioned Starbucks (yes, starbucks) near the center.

I will leave you with what caught my eye the most: the horse carriages lined up outside of the cathedral. There was a constant ringing of bells and clopping of horses hooves down cobblestone streets...I stopped once to take a video, but unfortunately cannot upload it on my blog. Check facebook...I will put it up there so you can close your eyes and pretend like you're in Sevilla :)

Horses, horses, horses...