Spain

The Mushrooms of Sevilla

We went exploring throughout the old quarter of Sevilla. We came across a very unique structure, called the Metropol Parasol. It is also known as “Las Setas de Sevilla” which translates as the mushrooms of Sevilla.

Las setas de Sevilla in the center of Sevilla, Spain
View from the base of the Metropol Parasol

We walked along the base of the Metropol Parasol exploring the large structure.

The Metropol Parasol in Sevilla Spain

This project to create the Metropol Parasol was by the german architect Jürgen Mayer, and is the largest wooden structure in the world.

Shelley at the base of the Metropol Parasol, in Sevilla Spain

The Metropol Parasol has different levels, each one with interesting things to see. On the underground level we came across the Antiquarium Museum. It was created to allow people to visit the archaeological remains that were found during the early excavations for the Metropol Parasol.

Shelley in front of the museum in the lowest level of the Metropol Parasol in Sevilla

The Roman ruins on display are behind a large glass, which gives the appearance of an aquarium.

Roman ruins on display at the Antiquarium museum in the Metropol Parasol in Sevilla.

After checking out the Roman ruins we took the Elevator to the third level. On that level there is a restaurant with seating which provided great views of the city.

View from the sitting area of the restaurant

We walked around the restaurant and came to the 26-meter-high walkway which crossed over the top of the parasol.

Walkways on the top of the Metropol Parasol in Sevilla, Spain
We walked along the walkway enjoying the views of the skyline.
Ray and Shelley on the 26-meter high walkway of the Metropol Parasol in Sevilla
Shelley on the 28-meter high walkway of the Metropol Parasol
The parasol is quite interesting and you were able to look down through the structure to the ground below.
View of the people below through the structure of the parasol
We walked around the parasol enjoying the different views of the skyline. It is an impressive size 150 by 70 metres (490 by 230 ft) and an approximate height of 26 metres (85 ft).
Image of the Metropol parasol from the sky
The Metropol Parasol was a very unique wooded structure and we enjoyed exploring the different levels of it.  It was one of the highlights of our trip to Sevilla.
“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”
Spain

Flamenco show in Sevilla

When we were Sevilla we decided to go to a traditional flamenco show. After doing some research we decided to go to the “Casa De Flamenco” which is the only show in Sevilla that is totally acoustical.

We had excellent seats and had a great view of the stage.

View of the stage from our seats.

The performance began with the guitarists “El Perla” and the singer “Emilio Florido”  coming out on stage. They began with a guitar solo and then Emilio doing a song before the dancers joined the performance.

Flamenco dancers in the Casa de Flamenco in Sevilla.
The flamenco performers of the Casa de Flamenco.

The four performers were spectacular and entertained us for two hours. The acoustical performance was very intense and was set in an intimate environment. The limited amount of spectators and the small venue made the atmosphere almost magical. Everyone was mesmerized by the spirit and emotion of the traditional Flamenco. It was a very enjoyable and a unique experience.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”

Spain

Plaza del Ángel de Torres

We were in the city of Cordoba in Spain and came across a small plaza called “Plaza de Ángel de Torres”.  The plaza was located in a quiet area in the old jewish quarter.

One of the ways into the Plaza de Ángel de Torres

The small plaza was secluded and was very pretty with orange trees, benches, and a fountain. We walked through the plaza admiring the ornate building which was one of the main features of the plaza.

The ornate building which was located at the plaza de Ángel de Torres.

We then noticed that the plaza floor was made to represent tiles using small individual stone. Upon a closer look each “tile” was actually a symbol or image. They were made using small smooth stones of different colours.

Some of the “tiles” were very interesting and creative. We saw religious images, creative designs, words and images of ordinary daily items.

Small stones used to made represent a tile with the word “PAZ” which means peace in Spanish.
A bike “tile” in the Plaza e Ángel de Torres.
A dove with an olive branch, which signifies peace.
A bottle of wine in the Plaza de Ángel de Torres
A key with heart shaped handle in the plaza

We spent time looking at the different “tiles” and admiring the creative work that was done in the plaza.

Ray looking at the different tiles in the plaza

The plaza also had some large orange trees which were full of oranges.

Orange trees in the plaza de Ángel de Torres

The plaza was very quaint and a very inviting spot to spend some relaxing time. We enjoyed finding this secluded plaza in the old quarter of Cordoba.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”

Spain

Los baños de fortuna

We went to the “Baños de Fortuna” which is spa resort located near the town of Fortuna. The spa complex has multiple pools with natural thermal springs which were popular with the Romans and used as Romans baths. Today these thermal baths have been transformed into a large spa complex with numerous thermal pools.

We settled into our “cabin” at the Baños de Fortuna before exploring the thermal pools.

Rows of Cabins for rent at the Banos de Fortuna Spa

We went into the thermal pools and relaxed for hours enjoying the hot termal pools.

Marcelo, Sonja and Shelley enjoying the thermal pool
Thermal pools at the Baños de Fortuna

In the evening we walked around the complex exploring the resort. There was some beautiful architectural buildings, hotels and gardens

Main building of the Baños de Fortuna
water feature at the baño de Fortuna
One of the buildings at the Baño de Fortuna
Outdoor patio area of the coffee bar in the spa
Inside area of the hotel at the spa
One of the buildings with ornate features at the Baño de Fortuna

We stayed at the spa for two days enjoying the hot thermal pools and exploring the spa complex.

“Adios y que tengas un gran dia”

Spain

Almond trees in Spain

There are a lot of Almond trees in Spain, we come across them almost every day when we are out in the country side. Almond are very common and are part of the Mediterranean culture. Almonds have been around for centuries and is mentioned in the bible. That is why it is not surprising that Spain is the second largest producer of almonds in the world.

An almond tree grove in Murcia

At this time of year (January-February) the almond trees are in full bloom. We were out for a walk with friends in the Murcia countryside and there were a lot of almond trees in bloom.  The smell of the almond flowers which are pink or white were wonderful and it gave us the sense that spring was just around the corner. The white flowering almond tree has the sweet almonds while the pink flowering tree has bitter almonds.

Almond tree flowers in bloom

We walked along the mountain trail admiring the almond blooms and taking in the wonderful smell of the flowers.

We stopped at one of the trees and took an almond off the tree. and broke the shell. The almond tasted sweet and was quite enjoyable.

Almonds on the tree
Almond and flowers on an almond tree

Almond trees are just one of the many enjoyable features of living in the south of Spain.

“Adios y que tengas un gran dia”

Life is too short to wait for adventure!