SEVILLE (AND CADIZ), SPAIN—IMPRESSIONS

∙ WHAT WE DID/SAW/EXPERIENCED
          ∙ Our day began with a drive from the port at Cadiz to Seville, about 1.5 to 2 hours through the beautiful Spanish countryside once again
                    ∙ Once in Seville, we explored Plaza de America – a tribute to Spain’s connection to (South and North) America.

 
                    ∙ We visited Spanish Square, a stunning plaza celebrating the culture of Spain.

 
                    ∙ We perused the Bario Santa Cruz, the oldest Jewish quarter of Seville, and Seville's 15th century Gothic cathedral and its famous bell tower La Giralda.


                    ∙ Across the square, we found the entrance to the Real Alcazar palace (aka “Real Alcazar De Sevilla”) – the oldest Royal Palace of Europe still in use today.  Since no royalty was in town, we got to tour inside and all around the Palace grounds.

 
                    ∙ Some other images from Seville . . .


          ∙ We had until 10:30 p.m. to reboard the ship, so we spent the evening walking around the quaint port town of Cadiz, itself worthy of a visit, along with Sam and Sally from the ship.  We found our way to a neat little restaurant on the beach and watched the sun set from there – gorgeous!  The waitress poured me a drink with the entire bottle of Bacardi in hand, pouring and pouring!  Oh my!  I had two – along with a great steak and potato dinner!  Then we returned to the ship for some cocktails in the Crow’s Nest.  They were playing great music, even if it was from the 70’s and 80’s, so we stayed and let loose.  Fun!
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∙ THOUGHTS/IMPRESSIONS
          ∙ We finally experienced a warm, sunny Spring day in Europe, and we loved it!  The sites in Seville were incredibly crowded, but it didn’t ruin anything but some of our pictures.  Seville was full of fountains and structures, dating from the Roman times to modern day.  Quite beautiful and interesting.
          ∙ We even managed to have some fun in town and onboard ship.  The day ended perfectly, when I (finally) received some funds I’d been waiting for a long time!