Soooo after a devastating two weeks apart, Carolyn and I could bear the distance between us no longer, so I journeyed to Sevilla so that we could be reunited one final time before her return to the states.
No, but seriously, Carolyn was only part of the reason I hauled my little ass all the way to Sevilla. I also went to witness a match between Sevilla FC and Real Madrid and make the acquaintance of my One True Love, Iker Casillas (who may also be referred to in this post as El Capitán or the Future Mr. Olivia DaDalt...just a heads up).
Anyway, Sevilla was great. It was originally a Roman stronghold and then was conquered by the Vandals and later by the Visigoths. In 712, the city was taken by the Muslims and served as their capital from the 8th to the 13th centuries until it was conquered by the Spanish in 1248 (thanks, Wikipedia!). The Muslim influence on the city, however, has lasted throughout the centuries and it is not unusual in Seville to see Moorish or Muslim patterns, designs, or architecture among the Spanish buildings and homes. It is this visible blending of cultures and traditions that makes Sevilla such a beautiful a city and provides it with a window into its own colorful history.
Let's have a look, shall we?
España!
He's got the worrrrrrrrld on his shoulderrrrrrrs
This lovely building is La Giralda and although it currently serves as the belltower to the Sevilla Cathedral, it was originally part of a Moorish mosque that stood in this same spot. This tower is one of the defining features of the Sevilla skyline and serves as a perfect example of the mix of Muslim and Spanish architecture that characterizes the city.
The Cathedral of Sevilla (apparently the largest Gothic cathedral in the world -- who knew?!?)
Chill out, Sevilla. You're Christian now. We get it.
And yet...
Oh hay it's Christopher Columbus's tomb. Nbd.
The two above photos are some of the great views of the city that we got as we climbed the "belltower"
Sooo this is the Royal Alcázar (or as I like to call it ala-KAZAM!, hence the title of this post). An alcázar is a Spanish-Moorish palace. This one was originally built as a Moorish fort/palace in the 10th century and was converted into a royal palace in the 14th century by King Pedro "the Cruel." Its intricate designs, elegant courtyards, and peaceful pools represent the marriage of Muslim and Iberian design and make this palace truly breathtaking. Visiting the ala-kazam! was definitely one of the highlights of my weekend in Sevilla.
Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens)
(best viewed large)
I didn't even edit the colors in this one...it was just that beautiful of a day!
Plaza d'España!
Words cannot express how passionately I love tinto.
THE GAME
Ok boys and girls, the rest of this post is going to be devoted to pictures of the magnificent Sevilla-Madrid game that Carolina and I attended. This game was seriously one of the highlights of my abroad experience mainly because I am actually obsessed with Iker Casillas and the fact that he was standing right in front of me (well, not right in front of me, more like a few hundred yards below me but whatever), was almost too much for my poor little heart to handle. I was like, giddy the whole time. Seeing the other players was really amazing too. It was just crazy that after all I'd read and heard about these guys, there they were, before my very eyes! Incredible. Anyway, if you have no interest in soccer or attractive men or whatever, then the post ends here for you, cuz seriously, there's nothing else after this.
Xabi & Cris
For Carolyn...sorry it's blurry.
Faster than a speeding bullet, fitter than a bodybuilder, more handsome than anyone you know, it's...XABI ALONSO (and Kaká...)
Stretch it out, boys.
El Capitán
So agile...
"But Mommmmmm, I was playing with the ball and he just took it from me!!! Make him give it baaaack!!"
"Can I get a what-what?!?"
