Seville is the capital city of Andalusia, a region of Spain. Actually it would be better to call it an autonomous community rather than a region. There are 17 of these communities in Spain. The River Guadalquivr runs through Seville and in some ways divides the city.

Seville is the warmest city in Spain with average temperatures of no less than 65 degrees centigrade. It can get very hot during the summer months, which it was the day we visited.

It may, or may not, surprise you to read that I have never actually holidayed in Spain. I say this as most UK citizens, especially of my age group, have visited Spain many times. At one time Spanish resorts had a bad reputation mainly due to British lager louts. The whole scene of Spain being almost England with sun did not appeal to me. Who wants to abroad and eat and drink just as you would back home? Not me. I like to explore a world that seems a little different and is new to me otherwise I may as well holiday in the UK.

I have only visited Spain twice and that has been for day trips, when we were holidaying in the Algarve. One was to Gibraltar which many would say is British anyway and the other was to Seville. Both of these day trips involved long tiring journeys. So much so that it can be hard to feel enthusiastic when you arrive at your destination. We travelled on coach from Albufeira and most of the journey was uninspiring, as we used motorways for much of this journey.

So was Seville worth the effort?

You bet it was.

As we approached Spain we saw the first sign of Spain's national sport, come pastime. A large sign which is a Black Bull, is displayed where bull fighting is close by. However this sign is merly advertising for Jerez sherry and nothing more. Spain may still adore bull fighting as a pastime but I for one can't wait to see it cast aside with all the other cruel sports the world has known such as fox hunting, bear baiting, cock fighting, dog fights and more. If bull fighting this is your sort of thing you will no doubt be able to watch a bull fight whilst you are visiting Seville, if your stay is long enough.

Approaching Seville we saw a huge sprawling city. At first sight it looks like any urban mass and has tower blocks, rows of house, some factories and other day to day signs of normal life.

However in the heart of the city, once we had crossed the river, there is a little gem. I say little but actually the heart of Seville is large.

EXPO 1929

We only had four or five hours, or so, to explore this wondrous place so where to start and what to do was a problem. However as we had driven into Seville our coach had travelled through the old 1929 exposition site of Seville and so we had already viewed some beautiful buildings.

As our tour guide told us each building was built by a different country. Each one is quirky and different and there are some lovely buildings. The largest and most magnificent is Spain's own expo building. However it had nothing inside and was designed to be enjoyed for its exterior beauty alone.

It has a huge forecourt to the front which Hubby stated was large enough for a dance, as he promptly grabbed hold of me and twirled me around. It must have been the heat. By now it was about 11.30am and the sun was hot. As we were travelling on an air conditioned coach we had not realised quite how hot.

Around the area here, where the coach passengers disembark you will find young "gypsy" women who will harass you if you let them. They will press you to have your palm read and will charge you a fortune for the privilege. Our driver had already warned us and told us to firmly say no and mean it. We did and they left us alone but others were not so lucky.

THE HEART OF SEVILLE

Our coach travelled the short journey, to Seville's heart, through an area where fine buildings and green open spaces combined. As we arrived in the centre of Seville it was even hotter.

There are shops galore, Starbuck's cafes. local cafes and bars and many shops. Bear in mind that the locals here enjoy siesta in the afternoon and so opening times vary accordingly. We found that by the time we tried to snack at a local cafe it was too late to eat a light snack. They have lunch periods, and others when you can just order drinks, for example.

One thing we did note was that most people spoke Spanish and little English. With what I have read recently it is possible than many Spanish understand English but will not speak it. I can understand that. We British assume that everyone will speak our language. We do not usually make an effort to speak a foreign languag to our overseas visitors, do we?

THE ALCAZAR PALACE AND GARDENS

Our guide was leaving us for the afternoon but briefly explained what was close at hand. There were trams close by for those wanting a tour around this city without much effort.

However, all close to one another there were, lovely buildings, a huge Cathedral and the Alcazar Palace and Gardens. With limited time we choose to just look at the Cathedral from the outside. We did wander into its gift shop though and peeked through. There is an entrance fee to the main body of this Cathedral but it is large and will take you ages to appreciate.

In the end we plumped for the nearby Alcazar as it also had gardens where we could get some welcome air. It was just a few euros to enter. For an additional small payment you can hire telephone type handsets with you which will give you a wealth of information about this palace.

As you enter this find old building you really get a feel for its grandeur and its history. Wandering from one huge cool room to another there are displays and art works to see as well as the magnificent architecture to admire.

There all small gardens linking parts of the palace which you seem to wander in and out of. These have small and large ponds and the scale of the whole place starts to become clear.

When we finally entered the main gardens we were in for a shock. They are massive.We came across a tea room and toilet facilities. Despite the heat the gardens were lush and full of greenery with some flowers. Interesting statues and water features surprise you as you weave your way through this veritable maze of garden.

As you can tell I loved it. We could have easily spent a full day just in the Palace and Gardens. Next time we visit, assuming it is at least a weekend stay, that is what we shall do. However our Seville time was to be brief and hubby wanted to take a horse drawn carriage ride. This must have been the heat again, or the Spanish air, as it most unlike him.

HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE EXCURSIONS

Outside of the cathedral and the Alcazar there are rows of well kept carriages with nicely groomed horses just wanting for you to hire. I can't quite remeber if it was 20 or 40 euros to hire a driver. I seem to think it was 40 which at that time was about £28. The excursion was to last 40 minutes and I know we were Ok with the price. I guuess we could have haggled.

Of we went in a typical "surrey with a fringe on top" The shade was nice but I was concerned for the horse. Our driver was a very old guy who could speak no English and this time I think that was the case. As we passed each site to see he would slow down and make sure that we understood words such as OPERA HOUSE and the like. Our trip took us back through the old exposition site and its accompanying park.

I have to say that I have never done this sort of horsey trip before but that I loved it. The old chap was courteous throughout and did his best to make us understand. The journey did take in the busy main streets of Seville and so was a bit hair raising at times. The carriages do have special lanes but our driver chanced his luck more than once.

At the end of our journey we noticed that the horse was drawn up in a shady street for a little rest and some water.

IN GENERAL

We finished our visit with a little mooch around the nearby shopping streets and enjoyed a drink at a cafe. A little along from this area there is a huge shopping area for those who want to shop till they drop.

The cafe was bustling and noisy. As we sat outside, a little tired but happy from our day out, we could hear many different tongues all speaking at break neck speed in many different languages.

RECOMMENDED?

Well, what do you think? Of course it is recommended. We loved Seville and would love to go back. I do not think it is the sort of destination which would suit Hubby and I for a two week vacation. However, as a long weekend break it would be perfect. For those that drive, and want a base for touring Spain, it would be perfect.

SEVILLE HUBPAGES

For further information regarding Seville check out the guide or hotel Hub Pages that members have already created.

HINTS AND TIPS.

Especially if you visit for just a day or two:-

• Take plenty of bottled water with you. You will need to keep drinking throughout the day.
• Avoid too much alcohol as this will dehydrate you further in the heat of the day.
• Take a phrase book unless you can speak a little Spanish.
• Take a map of the central area of Seville.
• Seville can be a little pricey so take plenty of Euros.
• Make sure that you wear a strong factor sunscreen and hat.
• Pack a small snack in case you cannot get easily served in the cafes and bars.

Above all enjoy.