With my bags already neatly packed for the trip back home, and with one foot out the door, I decided to spend my 24th birthday at the beginning of the year in Seville, Spain. I kept seeing how glorious it was online, but that wasn't new. Or rather, I don't think a city being beautiful is enough to make it so, in your heart.
A good and very dear friend of mine says you understand a city by the personal map you build inside your head of it. And that map isn't based on glorious architecture, or Insta-worthy picture spots. It's based on the things you've lived in that city. Some of them wonderful, others not. And then, there's that special, instant connection you just feel with some places. One such place for me has always been London, but apparently, so is Seville.
Itinerary? Nah.
I'm not good with them, they stress me out, so I generally avoid them when abroad. Does that mean I end up spending a lot of time in one place, and neglecting another? Completely. But I don't mind. I have a fairly laidback approach to travel (which isn't to say I don't turn into a Nazi commander when abroad). If we make it to X spot while there, it was meant to happen, if not, whatcha gonna do?
So in Seville, as in most other places, I just went to random places, as much as I could. I like to walk a lot, so aside from travel between cities/countries, I 90% walked everywhere. I love walking. I could never be one of those tour bus tourists, because you don't see the city, I feel.
Walking, you get to see all sorts of unusual things, and stop in quirky bookstores, and wonder if someone's following you. Great fun.
One of the first places I saw, and loved the best was Palacio de las Dueñas, which is the actual residence of the House of Alba, aka Spanish nobility. Not to presume, but if I had to live back in the 16th century, this is definitely the sort of place I'd go with, with its gorgeous, lush gardens...
...its strange, fascinating statues...
...and its books. My God, the bookcases in these houses are dream-material. So is the art. I'm not a fan of poncy, nouveau-riche style "let's hang up a buncha paintings so people think we're cultured". I will most likely not be impressed by that. But the art in these homes was so unique, and so emblematic of Spain's colorful and rich history that I fell in love with it on the spot.
I liked this place because it was a little lonely, and a little misunderstood. Or maybe that's how I perceived it. Maybe that's how I felt, and just attributed it to the place. But it was almost deserted when I went there, and there's nothing lovelier than being in a "touristy" place without tourists.
...made me feel old. There was a big bunch of kids breakdancing, and a song came on, and all the girls clapped and got all excited. I just looked about, confused. I had no idea what was playing, so put my earbuds back in, and returned to my Zevon.
Seriously, though, I ended up at the Plaza de Espana pretty late, wand got to see it in the darkness. The next day, I returned, because it had all been simply so beautiful.
There's just something about the Moorish architecture of Seville that got to me. I could easily spend a few months here, breathing it in, and don't think I'd get bored.
Right before leaving for Seville, I'd stumbled on Hemingway's The Dangerous Summer in this lovely old bookstore in Fuengirola, which is basically a non-fiction account of his summers in Spain, attending bullfights, and documenting the rivalry between two great toreadors, Miguel Dominguin and Antonio Ordonez.
As anyone who knows Hemingway knows, he was a big fan of the sport, and since he spent a good deal of time in Seville, I simply had to visit the Plaza de Los Toros (I'd also been to the bullfighting ring in Malaga, another of his haunts). Again, by luck, I caught it almost deserted, near closing time. In that great space, one or two other people hardly counted. Though in this gigantic arena, being without a crowd felt almost profane.
Another noble residence in Seville, literally translating as Pilate's House, as a mark of the former owner's religious devotion, Casa de Pilatos was for me another flower haven. I never understood how much flowers and trees could make a difference before Spain. Seeing everything there so green and floral, even in the heart of winter, was a change of perspective for me.
I had a wonderful, vibrant winter, but that's no doubt because I was out and about every day thanks to the greenery and warmth.
Finally, the royal residence of Seville. I normally avoid palaces, and anything with too long a line, and typically don't regret that. It's always excessively touristy, crowded, and overrated. Not the Alcazar of Seville, though. This one was very last-minute, I was next to it, and decided to hop in on my birthday. And didn't regret it.
When I got out, I called my mom and then my best friend to tell them this was the one place they had to see in Seville.
Being here, I had such a profound, overwhelming sensation of gratitude rush over me. To be in such a wonderful place, to be alive, to feel the breeze. It doesn't happen a lot, because we probably couldn't function in such a state of deep awe. Which makes when it happens all the more magical.
Basically what I'm trying to say with this post is, I miss Seville. And Spain, in general. I'll probably go back soon, before 2023 is over, definitely. See, I started learning Spanish when I got there, last autumn. And normally, knowing myself, I should've abandoned that, after returning to Romania. I lose interest, I change priorities, etc. But I didn't. I learn everyday, because I think a part of me knows we're destined to go back there. Anyway, that's my experience of Seville. Thanks for traveling with me. :)
The rewards earned on this comment will go directly to the people ( thetimetravelerz ) sharing the post on LeoThreads,LikeTu,dBuzz.https://leofinance.io/threads/@thetimetravelerz/re-leothreads-2tcgynmxn
That looks absolutely gorgeous! I have a new destination to add to my bucket list. : )
Those are very cool architecture,
I wish I could visit spain one day and take some pictures in front of all of those wonderful building
Upvoted 100%
I hope you do make it out there -- it's the city I loved best in Spain! Thank you for the support <3
Omg, your blog makes me want to visit Seville. Hoping I can visit this particular place on our next trip to Spain. :D
It's a must see. It's also great because it's very close to Granada, Cordoba, Malaga, and the Spanish coast, so you can really have a longer trip through Andalucia.
I've never been to these areas. We stayed in Calp. Hopefully, we can visit these places.
Seville is one of the best places to visit for sure. Thank you for sharing this to us! It makes me feel I have travelled here too.☺️
Definitely. Thanks so much for the support, glad you liked it! :)
You're much welcome!
What a way to celebrate your birthday! Happy birthday to you!
Those are so wonderful pictures of a day so well spent on your Big day.
On that note ...
I invite you to join the $10000 Leo threads quest that is a big opportunity for all hive users .
You can join it here
Once you join think about what all you could be doing with the extra $10000Hello @honeydue
You can read about the steps involved to join the quest here
Do let me know in case you need any assistance in this regard
Thank you. Yes, it was a great day. That sounds interesting, I'll definitely check it out. Cheers! :)
The main even starts on the 30th so we have limited time
I think I loved this trip. That room full of books was so cool.
thanks my friend.
It sounds like you had an incredible time in Seville, honeydue! Your post is full of vivid descriptions and gorgeous photos that really capture the essence of the city. It's clear that you have a deep appreciation for the history, art, and culture of Seville, and your willingness to explore the city on foot and seek out hidden gems is truly inspiring. Keep on traveling and experiencing new places, and keep sharing your adventures with others. Your post is a reminder that travel is not just about checking off tourist attractions, but about creating personal connections with the places we visit. Cheers to many more adventures!
Thank you! I'm back home for a bit now, but plan on hitting the road again sometime soon. Cheers for stopping by, and for the kind words -- I appreciate them!
I totally agree with not having strict itineraries as one misses little hidden gems and don't want to feel pressurized with timetables etc. There's always a tomorrow, leaving much to be discovered still!
I'm sure this was a very happy birthday indeed - happy 24th❤️I just love the Spanish architecture, and the detail that went into the finishes, what a lovely way to have spent your birthday @honeydue🎉
Yeah, I'm crazy about the architecture, too, it feels like a different place altogether, so I guess all those years of tensions between the Spaniards and the Moors paid off somehow xD
Thank you very much <3
It sounds like you had an incredible time in Seville, and I couldn't agree more with your philosophy on travel. It's not about checking off a list of tourist spots, but rather building a personal connection with a city through the experiences you have there. The Palacio de las Dueñas sounds like an absolute dream, with its lush gardens and beautiful artwork. And the Plaza de España at night? Absolutely breathtaking. Thanks for sharing your journey with us, it's truly inspiring!