Friday, 23 May

Dolora and I enjoyed the early shift breakfast and then went for a walk to a park and back to the New Bridge. We left Ronda for Sevilla with a coffee stop along the way.

Arriving in Sevilla, we carried our bags to Hotel Doña María. Our hotel is next to the cathedral and in the middle of all the historic sites. Dolora and I are on the fourth floor, which also hosts the rooftop bar and pool. Our hotel in Barcelona had a rooftop pool but it was too cool and windy to consider taking a dip. It is sunny and eighty plus here so maybe tomorrow’s siesta will involve water. The room is large and comfortable.

Luis gave us our orientation to Sevilla showing us the entrances to the cathedral and the Royal Alcazar. Also, where to get gelato and Iberian acorn fed ham. Other little things like ATMs, groceries and pharmacies were pointed out. Dolora and I headed over to Mercado El Postigo which had a nice selection of locally made handicrafts. Dolora picked out a few souvenirs.

Luis had recommended Bar la Teresas for Iberian acorn fed ham. Dolora and I were seated inside where it was a little cooler with the hams hanging from the ceiling. Iberian ham is not smoked but is cured with salt, sometimes for years. We had ham, cheese, peppers and olives for a very late lunch but we did leave a little room for gelato at Helados La Abuela. I always try to find some new variation of chocolate, sometimes it is a little surprise. I think today’s was chocolate with marshmallow and some chocolate syrup streaks, very good. We enjoyed our gelato sitting on a bench in the shade watching people go by in the square.

Back to the hotel for a little siesta before heading to the optional group flamenco show tonight. The flamenco show was at Casa de la Memoria. The show was fantastic. It was held in a space seating an audience of about one hundred. I never thought feet could move so fast. The little bit of the songs I understood seemed to have bluesy lyrics. A short video is here. No photos or recording were allowed until this last song.

Since it was getting close to nine, Dolora and I were looking for a smaller dinner. Restaurante Donaire Azabache was on the way back and turned out to be a good choice. Great food and servings that were perfect. Off to bed and we can sleep in tomorrow. No bus and our tour of the Royal Alcázar is scheduled at noon.

Today was warm and sunny, eighties. The next couple of days are supposed to get to ninety with no chance of rain. That may mean short excursions from the hotel instead of being outside in the heat all day. I cannot imagine how warm it will be in June or July.