Seville, Spain

Seville is one of the southern cities, 700 000 people, where the 1992 Expo was held. Just like Montreal, you can still visit the expo pavilions and such which were built on an island right in the middle of the river that runs past the city. The city was first lived in by the Moors or the Muslims. Today we walked, slowly I might add because it was 30 degrees, into the city center and toured around the old buildings and sites. There is still a Moorish tower dated to the 1100's which we walked up 40 flights to get to the top. There, was a 360 view of the city (and a bunch of breathless people). Attached to it is the huge catholic Cathedral built after the Muslim church was torn down when the city was taken over by the Spaniards. This church is the third largest Christian church in the world. I don't know what the other two are but I'm sure I'll find out. The church is astounding, opulent, and too large. It doesn't give one the feeling of a quiet presence that you feel in many other large cathedrals. But.... it does hold some of the remains of Christopher Columbus - one of the most revered people here in Spain.
Yesterday we arrived here around 5 and headed straight to our room for a siesta. After our nap, we ate and then took the bus to our flamenco dancing show. 11/2 hours later and we don't know why those ladies and gentlemen haven't got smashed kneecaps. They can move, I'll tell you that, and they put so much passion and feeling into what they are doing. You know belly dancers and big bellies?....well, it's the same for flamenco dancers and big butts. It doesn't, however, stop them from moving and the Spanish men just love it. We had a terrific time.
Another story about Gerhard: Well, today as it was 30 and yesterday when we arrived it was between 28 and 30, Gerhard decided that he should dress as he does at home. You know, plaid shorts, t-shirt, long hairy leg with sandals. Oh, don't forget the Tilley hat and the fact that he is about 12 inches taller than inhabitants here. Well, as you know, it is still winter for these folks here in Spain and they are still (and probably always are) dressed in their European slacks, white shirts, sweaters and heavy shoes. Some of the ladies still wear coats. I am also dressed in jeans, shirt and carrying my sweater for the shadowy streets. I have never seen so many Spaniards stare and snap their heads back at one person before. He might as well have been naked. He said that he could only have been more conspicuous if he was painted neon yellow. One good thing - I could always find him in the crowd.
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