15 FEB – Today I arrived at Seville. The plan was to leave La Linea (near Gibraltar) and head for Cadiz – which is a place I’ve always wanted to visit – and then head for Seville. Unfortunately, heavy rain was going to move into the region in the afternoon so I decided to get on the road early, miss Cadiz and head straight for Seville. The journey to Seville was by the fastest and easiest route possible – which meant straightforward highway riding with no scenic route and no frills, which is why I decided NOT to shoot any video. A straight A to B journey, which went well although there was a bit or light rain on the way.
I got to Camping Villsom in the early afternoon, which is about 7 miles south of Seville Centro and with a ride of around 115 miles. I got there just in time as soon after I had the tent up and while I was relaxing with a mug of tea – about 3.30pm the rain did indeed start and it was heavy and prolonged rain. There was also thunder and some hailstones the size of marbles for good measure. My groundsheet soon got wet, but I hadn’t unpacked my bags yet and I was lay on my mattress so at least I was dry. The rain went away around 5, leaving the ground wet and very soggy.
The campsite is really big, and having large pitches, as its mostly for campervans and motorhomes, but there are smaller areas for tents. There was only one other tent, which was two German guys on bicycles who were travelling around Spain. There was also a German woman, who was also touring Europe on her BMW 650 but it had broken down and she was waiting for recovery to a BMW dealer. It sounded like the rectifier had blown, which apparently is a common fault on these bikes.
The campsite is really quite good. With a large ablutions block and hot showers, they even have washing machines and dryers – which I put to good use. After the rain finished I bought two tokens from reception for the washing machine and tumble dryer, and when you buy the washing machine token they even give you one of those small sachet’s with soap to put in with your washing. I washed ALL my clothes, and although I washed all my clothes last week, a few days ago there is still a very fine desert sand is still appearing when I hand-wash them. Also, my clothes still have a mustiness about them so I thought another wash wouldn’t go amiss – leaving me stood in my flip flops, a pair of boxers and my cleanest tee shirt. Once they had been through the tumble drier, they all smelt clean and fresh, which has put my mind at ease.
16 FEB – Today I caught the bus into Seville. The bus stops near the campsite and it only costs 1.75 euros, which means I don’t have to ride into Seville and worry about finding a secure car park – which would undoubtedly have cost me much more.
My first stop was the Plaza Espania, which is a large park with ornamental gardens and several large buildings. It’s free to access, and I really don’t know how to describe the sheer scale and insurmountable beauty of these gardens and the buildings. I was simply amazed by every inch of the plaza. It’s a huge park and there are small grotto’s and some magnificent buildings. The centre-piece is a huge semi-circular building with a small boating canal and lots of people bobbing about in small boats.
On the steps of the main building there was a troupe of artists performing Flamenco, and for 20 minutes I was completely spellbound by the sheer artistry of this troupe. I have seen Flamenco on TV but never live and at such closeness and I was spellbound by the emotion and the raw energy of the dancers. I now want to see more Flamenco as it was truly wonderful.
After that I went for a bimble around the city and ended up visiting the main Cathedral, which cost 12eu. Again, I was speechless at the sheer scale and size of this 12th century building, as well as the ornate beauty. They even have the tomb of Christopher Columbus in one area, with his casket held aloft by four statues. Wonderful. I have never seen such craftsmanship in a building and I really can’t find the words to describe the Cathedral. Beyond my meagre words.
The city centre is huge, and I would really like to come back again as there are so many things to see. At one point and stopped at a sandwich shop and bought a baguette – with the most wonderful smoky ham and local cheese. It was sublime. It was so good I went and bought another one…
As you walk around Seville and the parks there are orange trees everywhere. Whilst I was in the park enjoying the view, and as I love oranges, I decided pick one that had just fallen from a tree – and eat it. I peeled the thick peel and took a slice – and yuk..! It was so bitter. Later I found out that the type of Oranges grown around Seville are mostly for Marmalade. Serves me right…
By the late afternoon my ankles were telling me to call it a day so I caught the bus back to Dos Hermanas and the campsite. I was only going to spend two nights here, with one day of sightseeing, but I am so impressed with Seville that I have decided to stay another night so I can go back into the city tomorrow. If you are ever near Seville – don’t pass it by. It’s well worth the visit.
Once I get on the road again I will be Portugal bound, seeking the sunshine and hopefully some nice beaches and some Portuguese food.
