TRAVEL REPORT
by Gill Moorcroft
REPORT ON THE SEVILLA TRIP - 15th April - 20th April 2005
It was decided that in order to ensure that we were in Sevilla in time to see the main parade of the Feria that we would leave Calpe a day earlier and have a stopover about 2 hours drive from Sevilla. En route we stopped at a restaurant for lunch and "enjoyed" the fastest service ever in Spain that would put even McDonalds to shame!
We arrived at the Feria at about noon on the Saturday and had time to wander about and have a leisurely lunch before the main event started. The Fair of Sevilla began in 1847 as a cattle fair and was designed originally just to boost trade and agriculture, but over the years has developed into the event that we see today. The area normally used for the market is transformed into a mini city of hundreds of casetas de feria, which are makeshift homes made of striped canvas and are erected by local families or companies. All of these are private and an outsider is unlikely to be invited in to join in the festivities. However, there are a few public casetas open to all to buy food and drink. During the course of the Feria, ladies, from the the very young to not so young, parade around in the tranditional costume of the area which makes a beautiful sight. All through the afternoon horse drawn carriages ride around the area of the Feria and it is possible to hire one of these to enjoy the experience. The whole thing is an amazing sight and there is a really buzzy atmosphere with people dancing and music playing everywhere you go.
Sunday was a "free" day which could be used to investigate further the charms of Sevilla. Interesting places to see were the huge cathedral; Christians built their own temple on the site of the main Mosque. However, they kept the Mosque's minaret which is one of the most beautiful and admired towers in the world. Los Reales Alcazares was the castle of King Peter 1 of Castile which was a Christian palace finished by Islamic or Christian craftsmen with a Muslem artistic training. Delicately engraved plasterwork is on the walls together with enamel tile panels and lobe-shaped arches. A stroll through the Jewish quarter to see the many small streets and restaurants is something not to be missed. Or maybe a ride on one of the horse drawn carriages for rent for a trip around Sevilla. So much to see and do in Sevilla!
A short trip to the Feria in the evening to soak up the last bit of atmosphere and admire the hundreds of lights which adorn the streets, before returning to the Hotel to watch the firework display from the Hotel roof.
On Monday, an excellent guided tour of the city was arranged where we were driven around to see buildings that were erected for the 1929 and 1992 Trade Exhibitions. The commentary was very informative and we were able to walk around to see various places. A river boat trip was organised for the afternoon followed by an open top tour bus of the city.
The following day, a trip to the mountains was planned, stopping firstly at Jabuga which is world famous for the production of Serrano ham. Next we arrived at the village of Aracena, which is home to the Gruta de las Maravillas, the largest and arguably the most impressive caves in Spain and certainly worth a visit. Time spent in Aracena was longer than anticipated so it was necessary to drive back to Sevilla to be in time for dinner, and to pack ready for the return to Calpe on Wednesday having enjoyed a thoroughly wonderful trip.
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