Metropol Parasol

The world's largest wooden structure is right here in Sevilla! This amazing piece of architecture was recently completed earlier this year.

The parasol is located in one of the oldest plazas in the city. This is the original floor of the plaza. The construction of this structure has caused some controversy with residents of Sevilla because it is a huge modern structure in a historic site and each resident was taxed a significant amount for the construction.

Beautiful view of the cathedral and tower.



Site of the World Expo '92.

Corrida del Toro

One Sunday, we went to a bullfight in the Plaza de Toros. I was a little skeptical about seeing 6 bulls being killed, but the strong traditional background drew me in. The bullfight or corrida del toro was really an art form and Sevilla is famous for this antique form of entertainment.

Julia and I at the Plaza de Toros.
Mounted toreros that help the matador. The horse and the toreros have armor on to protect them from the bull.
Toro waiting for action. Also, I should mention that this was a novice bullfight, so the toros are only 1 or 2 years old and the matadors are not experts yet.
Matador.

I love the extravagant outfits (called trajes de luz or "suits of lights").
A toro trying to fight the horse. Luckily, the armor protects the horse and torero and the horse is blinded so it isn't spooked.

Running away.
A very successful matador who received a standing ovation.

Cordoba

On Friday, our group took a trip to Cordoba, which has a large Jewish and Muslim background.



We visited the Cathedral of Cordoba which was originally the Great Mosque, it's referred to as the Mosque-Cathedral. The arches were beautiful and every inch of the cathedral is covered in exquisite detail.

Calle de los flores.
Cordoba is a candidate to be the cultural capital of Europe.
In the gardens of the Royal Alcazar, once home to Ferdinand and Isabel.

Columbus talking to Ferdinand and Isabel.

Granada and Nerja

This weekend, we took an excursion to Granada and Nerja. They are about 3 hours east of Sevilla and near the coast of Spain.

First, we visited the Alhambra, a which is a huge area containing palaces, forts, and gardens. It was used by the Muslim leaders before the Christians ruled Spain.

A view of Granada.

The Alhambra is known for having beautiful tiles covering many of the walls.

After visiting the Alhambra, we had time to walk around the city of Granada. We ate tapas for dinner at a small restaurant, where you get a free tapa with your drink!
In Spain, there is gelato on basically every corner and it's delicious!

Later that night, we went to one of the highest points in the city to take pictures. It was a very exhausting walk. There was literally snow on top of the mountains in the distance.Julia, me, and Colleen.
Next, we went to a popular flamenco show. The dancers were incredible.
The next day, we went to Nerja which is on the coast. We visited caves there, but weren't allowed to take pictures with flash so I don't have many good ones. Occasionally, they have concerts in the caves, but they're very expensive to attend. The acoustics must be amazing there!

This is the beach in Nerja where we spent most of the day laying out and swimming. Instead of sand, the beach is covered in small rocks. We found some really beautiful pieces of sea glass there.

First Days in Sevilla

Our first full day in Sevilla. Our first stop was the royal palace.
Getting lost in a labyrinth.
Gardens of the palace.

There are tons of horse and carriages around the cathedral and all of Sevilla.
The Cathedral of Sevilla, which is the 3rd largest church in the world. I pass this everyday on my way to class.

The tomb of Christopher Columbus.
View from the tower of the cathedral.

A bullring.