----- Sevilla, Spain ---------------

The capitol of Andalusia, Sevilla, is a very historic city with much to see. One can easily spend a week here enjoying the beautiful colored narrow streets, historic sites and many fine cafes. Sevilla though is definately know for Flamenco. We attended a flamenco show the night we arrived in Sevilla. The show was great! We drank sangria and watched great dancing while hearing the spanish guitar and singing. The music was just like Gypsy Kings. Sometimes I thought I was actually listening to the Gypsy Kings. Sevilla is also know as the capitol of bull fighting. We never attended a bull fight, but one was on while we were there. There was much excitement over the event while we strolled past the arena. Sevilla is situated on a river with nice walkways and various monuments to see such as the Torre del Oro. There is a large waterpark on the other side of the river with some very modern cool looking bridges connecting both sides of sevilla. Two places we found very interesting and beautiful were Alcazar Palace and the Plaza Espana.

Alcazar Palace was comparable to Alhambra in Granada, but not as magnificent. As with many palaces, there are beautiful gardens that take a lifetime to grow and beautiful southern Spain style architecture all with Moorish influence. Going in late September we were hoping to miss the crowds, but to the contrary crowds were everywhere! Finding a quiet place is very difficult. Outside the palace is a very gaudy but amazingly detailed cathedral, the Giralda.

The Plaza Espana is breathtaking. This plaza was on Star Wars II. You see the palace when Obi Wan and Amidala return to Naboo and they are walking in the palace with all the columns. Look at the pictures and you will be, "Oh yeah that is it". This palace was built as a monument to all the cities of Spain. There are little areas dedicated to the various cities like Cadiz for instance. In its section there was its seal and other various pictures and artwork. Some of the plaza was being repaired so we didn't see the full beauty like the moat that works its way through the plaza.

Gabe and I at a Flamenco show	Flamenco dancing very well done	Flamenco dancers all together
A bride getting pics at Alcazar	Courtyard in Alcazar palace	Gabe at Alcazar main courtyard
Gabe translating Islamic glyphs	Gabe and I doing Cold Steel	Reading with Alcazar Gardens behind
Cool arches in Alcazar palace	The 3 Amigos in Alcazar's Courtyard	Confession is good for the soul
The very ornate Giralda Cathedral	Archway into the cathedral	Gabe w/ Torre del Oro in back
Plaza España, this was on Star Wars II	Sweet angle shot w/ tungsten color	Plaza España with a beautiful fountain
Gabe peering into the Plaza	The Plaza through the columns	Pondering the Plaza España
Last pic before leaving Plaza España	Nice colorful street in Sevilla	Lots of architecture looking up
Tower to the Cathedral outside Alcazar	I didn't think the KKK were in Spain?	Beautiful archway in Alcazar