Having traveled around, I can now say that if you ever visit Spain, Sevilla is a must stop. During our short 3-day stay we had plenty to keep us busy, highlighted by our evening of Flamenco dance. I don’t think anyone in our group really knew what Flamenco was all about, other than the girls wear big frilly dresses. We arrived early to secure our front row seats and were immediately wowed the moment the show started. It’s really hard to explain the dance, but you find yourself totally wrapped up in the music. And I don't mean lulled, the sound they make as they stomp across the stage is like a machine gun going off. Like jazz, most of the music and dance is improvised. The singers, guitar, and dancers spur each other on with whoops and hollers as the pace builds. The individual skill and endurance of these dancers was amazing. And this is not just a show to entertain tourists; you can tell it's a real part of the local society. Joel and I went out one night to take photos around town and stopped at a neighborhood bar on our way home. After relaxing for a few minutes all the lights in the bar went completely dark. The only light came from several candles surrounding a statue of the Virgin Mary in the center of the bar. Then a gentleman came out with his guitar, said a prayer, and started passionately singing Flamenco songs while the bar remained perfectly quiet. After a few songs the lights came back up and many of the patrons joined in. When traveling, one of the best feelings is really living amongst the locals and stumbling upon this bar was a perfect example. Below you'll find several more of our Sevilla experiences. How can you not love Sevilla?
Here's the Virgin Mary statue from our late-night stop.
The cathedral here is the largest gothic temple in the world and the 3rd largest Christian cathedral (behind St. Peter's in the Vatican and St. Paul's in London).
Included inside is the tomb of Christopher Columbus, carried here by four kings.
Among the cathedrals many treasures is Spain's most valuable crown. The Corona de la Virgen de los Reyes holds 11,000 precious stones including the world's largest pearl (found in the torso of the angel).
Sevilla is the pinnacle for any bullfighter, in fact they call the bullring here, "The Cathedral". You have to be at the top of your game to impress a Sevilla crowd as a top matador can easily earn six digits for a fight here. It's probably good for the kids sake that we missed the bullfighting season. The museum and ring itself provided plenty of interesting tid-bits.
After some evening rains, this puddle appeared outside Plaza de España.
Torre del Oro was built in the 13th century and served as the starting point for numerous voyages to the New World.
Every street and square in town is loaded with orange trees.
While strolling along one day, we became captivated with some street magic by this gentleman. Come to find out he was on a bit of adventure himself. Behind the kids you can barely make out his bicycle which he is pedaling around the world. He is literally going from country to country and is about half way through his 11 year journey. (Although you can't make it out, he's holding a world map with his route.)
Part of the culture in Spain is the Tapas Bars. Although customs vary by city, usually purchasing a drink (even Fanta for the kids) gets you a free tapa (appetizer). It's a great way to have dinner. The only problem is the locals' eating schedule. Lunch is served from 1 to 4pm and dinner starts around 8 or 9pm. It's not uncommon for locals to go out to eat at 10 or 11pm.
You can find bulls hanging in restaurants and bars all over town. Joel and I tried the "Bull's Tail" at this restaurant which was actually pretty good.
Ham is another food the Spaniards are passionate about. Some aged ham (Jamon) can go for 200 euros per kilogram.
Sevilla's most famous 17th century citizen - Señor Don Juan.
Having traveled around, I can now say that if you ever visit Spain, Sevilla is a must stop. During our short 3-day stay we had plenty to keep us busy, highlighted by our evening of Flamenco dance. I don’t think anyone in our group really knew what Flamenco was all about, other than the girls wear big frilly dresses. We arrived early to secure our front row seats and were immediately wowed the moment the show started. It’s really hard to explain the dance, but you find yourself totally wrapped up in the music. And I don't mean lulled, the sound they make as they stomp across the stage is like a machine gun going off. Like jazz, most of the music and dance is improvised. The singers, guitar, and dancers spur each other on with whoops and hollers as the pace builds. The individual skill and endurance of these dancers was amazing. And this is not just a show to entertain tourists; you can tell it's a real part of the local society. Joel and I went out one night to take photos around town and stopped at a neighborhood bar on our way home. After relaxing for a few minutes all the lights in the bar went completely dark. The only light came from several candles surrounding a statue of the Virgin Mary in the center of the bar. Then a gentleman came out with his guitar, said a prayer, and started passionately singing Flamenco songs while the bar remained perfectly quiet. After a few songs the lights came back up and many of the patrons joined in. When traveling, one of the best feelings is really living amongst the locals and stumbling upon this bar was a perfect example. Below you'll find several more of our Sevilla experiences. How can you not love Sevilla?
Here's the Virgin Mary statue from our late-night stop.
The cathedral here is the largest gothic temple in the world and the 3rd largest Christian cathedral (behind St. Peter's in the Vatican and St. Paul's in London).
Included inside is the tomb of Christopher Columbus, carried here by four kings.
Among the cathedrals many treasures is Spain's most valuable crown. The Corona de la Virgen de los Reyes holds 11,000 precious stones including the world's largest pearl (found in the torso of the angel). 
Sevilla is the pinnacle for any bullfighter, in fact they call the bullring here, "The Cathedral". You have to be at the top of your game to impress a Sevilla crowd as a top matador can easily earn six digits for a fight here. It's probably good for the kids sake that we missed the bullfighting season. The museum and ring itself provided plenty of interesting tid-bits.
After some evening rains, this puddle appeared outside Plaza de España.
Torre del Oro was built in the 13th century and served as the starting point for numerous voyages to the New World.
Every street and square in town is loaded with orange trees.
While strolling along one day, we became captivated with some street magic by this gentleman. Come to find out he was on a bit of adventure himself. Behind the kids you can barely make out his bicycle which he is pedaling around the world. He is literally going from country to country and is about half way through his 11 year journey. (Although you can't make it out, he's holding a world map with his route.)
Part of the culture in Spain is the Tapas Bars. Although customs vary by city, usually purchasing a drink (even Fanta for the kids) gets you a free tapa (appetizer). It's a great way to have dinner. The only problem is the locals' eating schedule. Lunch is served from 1 to 4pm and dinner starts around 8 or 9pm. It's not uncommon for locals to go out to eat at 10 or 11pm.
You can find bulls hanging in restaurants and bars all over town. Joel and I tried the "Bull's Tail" at this restaurant which was actually pretty good.
Ham is another food the Spaniards are passionate about. Some aged ham (Jamon) can go for 200 euros per kilogram.
Sevilla's most famous 17th century citizen - Señor Don Juan.
