Nov 28, Saturday, 2015:
We had booked Iberia
airlines flight at 7.40 pm from Seville
reaching Madrid in an hour at 8.40 pm .
We had an early morning flight at 6.15am on Sunday back
home from Madrid airport.
In the
light of the early morning flight the next day it would have been prudent to
take the morning flight at 10.30 am out
of Seville and reach Madrid
at 11.30 am . If there was some
problem with that flight, we’ll have wiggle room to leave Seville
later in the day. But by choosing the late evening flight we were putting
ourselves at risk in case the flight did not take off for some reason. We
preferred to have that day in Seville
for sight seeing, so decided to take the risk. Anyways, let me describe the
day’s events in sequence!
Here's a map of Seville:
Cathedral square
We had an early start at usual and enjoyed the town
cathedral square before the alcazar opened.
Real Alcázar of Seville
Real Alcázar of Seville was originally the medieval
fortress of Moorish rulers and later of the Christian kings.
The palace was
built in the 10th century for Moorish rulers.
We enter the palace through
the Puerta Principal
That leads to the Patio de las Doncellas.
This elegant courtyard was built between 1369 and 1379 and
exemplifies Islamic architecture with magnificent arches featuring open
arabesque work above 52 marble columns.
The oldest of the rooms, the Sala de los Embajadores (Hall
of the Ambassadors) has a splendid stalactitic dome ceiling with decorative
friezes and inscriptions in Arabic script.
Off the Patio del Leon (Patio of the Lion) is the Sala de Audiencias, one of the most ornately decorated rooms in the palace, featuring a lavish artesonado (intricately carved wood) ceiling.
GARDENS
The beautifully manicured grounds are filled with leafy
palms, sweet orange trees, and colorful roses. In traditional Andalusian style,
courtyards, decorative pools, and refreshing fountains are the centerpieces of
the landscaping.
Again a jaw dropping experience!
Hotel Convento la Gloria
We went back to the hotel, had our lunch, and again roamed around enjoying the lovely decor of the former convent.
We checked out, kept
our bags with the reception.
We walked out to enjoy the neighborhood.
Barrio de Santa Cruz
Barrio de Santa Cruz was
the Judería (Jewish quarter) during the medieval era under Moorish
rule. Many of the quarter's churches were originally synagogues. The Barrio
Santa Cruz is found in between the cathedral and the Alcazar.
This medieval neighborhood is characterized by its labyrinth of cobblestone pedestrian lanes (too narrow for cars), whitewashed houses with attractive patios, and picturesque shaded plazas with outdoor cafés.
Many of the quiet courtyards, such as the Plaza Doña
Elvira, are planted with fragrant orange trees.
These tiles are so beautiful...such exquisite detailing...
The Plaza
Santa Cruz (on the way from plaza dona Elvira to plaza refinadores) features
rose beds and a 17th-century wrought-iron cross in the center. At the Plaza
Refinadores, we find a statue of Don Juan Tenorio, a famous local literary
character.
We strolled through the Jardines de Murillo,
gardens filled with palm trees, fountains, and beautifully tiled benches.
Had an excellent view of the cathedral, from
the Plaza del
There were excellent markets with miniatures.
Our flight was at 7.40 pm .
By 5 pm , we
left in a taxi and reached the airport. Boarding was on time but as we were
standing in the tube, we were asked to wait. No info, no announcement, after
some ½ hour, they made an announcement in Spanish that a previous flight
passenger had taken ill and they were awaiting wheel chair for him. After some
10 minutes, a tired looking guy was wheeled out with a worried companion.
We wished him well! We were surprised by the way this was
handled. Our flight took off and landed some 40 minutes late.
We had booked Air Rooms
Madrid Airport
We arrived at 10.30 pm
on Nov 28th and had to catch 6.15 am
flight. One would think it's hard to be disappointed with room amenities for
such a short stay, but the negatives were too many...
Our room was near the front desk and the bed rattled badly with the frequent loud landings. I'm a sound sleeper but could not sleep a wink.
The bed was too small for 2.
The bathroom has a sliding transparent glass door... with gap into the room. Horrible design. Don't want to elaborate ...
The chair near the desk has no wheels... so heavy to pull it out/push it in. Surprised such broken stuff is left in a room.
The hairdryer did not work... again surprised.
Breakfast was included when we booked our room, but when we inquired if we can collect something just late at night or early, the reception guy said a flat no.
Proximity to terminal is the only plus...sad that we had a bad experience when all other reviews are glowing!
Our room was near the front desk and the bed rattled badly with the frequent loud landings. I'm a sound sleeper but could not sleep a wink.
The bed was too small for 2.
The bathroom has a sliding transparent glass door... with gap into the room. Horrible design. Don't want to elaborate ...
The chair near the desk has no wheels... so heavy to pull it out/push it in. Surprised such broken stuff is left in a room.
The hairdryer did not work... again surprised.
Breakfast was included when we booked our room, but when we inquired if we can collect something just late at night or early, the reception guy said a flat no.
Proximity to terminal is the only plus...sad that we had a bad experience when all other reviews are glowing!
Anyways we got up at 4am ,
walked out and reached our boarding counter and took our flight back home.
It had been a very short but wonderful holiday and we hope
to go back to Spain
to cover what we have missed!
http://adventuretrav.blogspot.com/2016/08/denmark-trip-report-day-1-copenhagen.html
http://adventuretrav.blogspot.com/2016/08/denmark-trip-report-day-1-copenhagen.html
covers the report of our trip to Denmark
Our videos:
Alcazar, Seville
Mezquita, Cordoba
bus, train rides
miniatures, souvenirs
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