Spanish Escape - Part 1

Our family managed a little escape to warmer climes this week, we took a trip to Sevilla in Spain for 7 days, a cheap (late) flight from Gatwick and a nice AirBnB apartment in the old town. The weather was predictably glorious, around 30-35 degrees every day, and a civilised 24 every evening. I'd never been to Sevilla before so I was keen to experience the rich tapestry of cultural, historical and sensory delights that the city has to offer. After a somewhat delayed and tortured journey South from the heart of West Sussex we arrived about an hour and a half late and slightly anxious that the driver I'd hired to take us from the airport to the city wouldn't wait, luckily he did and thirty minutes after picking up our bags from the conveyer belt, we arrived into the centre of  town. 

We were dropped right outside our accommodation so there was no wandering around the maze like cobbled (pedestrian only) streets looking for our front door, it was all pretty painless. A lift up to our third floor rooms and we were able to unload our  heavy cases and head out to find some food. 

By this stage it was gone ten thirty, well past any reasonable expectation of finding a table in the UK but fortunately in this part of Spain the evening is really only getting going at this time. Having a blast furnace of a climate the scorching hot days are relatively quiet and places are generally closed up, but, the much cooler evenings are very lively and the socialising stretches late into the morning. After some much needed refreshment and some delicious tapas we retired to unpack and explore our digs for the week. The view from our balcony was quite spectacular as we were right next to the medieval cathedral, which at night is lit up beautifully (see below)

After a good nights sleep and with the cobwebs of the journey blown away we awoke to azure skies and the sounds and smells of the vibrant city centre. By 10am everyone was up and ready, and wafts of the aromas of fresh pastries and the sounds of clinking coffee cups beckoned us to the streets below.

Friday Smirk

J&M pointing out what all religions claim, i.e. circular reasoning.

Rain, rain go away

Lots of torrential rain round these here parts this week...

London Stories

 

Snapped this photo of Tower Bridge last week when out flat hunting with my Son, it was looking particularly impressive in the late afternoon sunshine and at high tide. I particularly liked the way it seems to frame the skyscrapers in the background, the old framing the new.

Dedicated to your craft

 

While sitting in Siren RG1 the other day, waiting for my train, I noticed some rather precarious graffiti on the building opposite. It's not particularly high quality, but the artist must be dedicated to her craft, I wouldn't fancy that tiny ledge as much of a foothold three stories up!

Linger longer

Popped into the new Siren bar in Reading earlier this week while waiting for a connecting train from London, I hadn't been in a while but the beer board was looking as impressive as ever. I only had time for a quick half but if you're wondering what I went for it was the White Tips, you don't see this beer much at this time of year and so it was really great to see it. This is a special beer for me (for reasons explained in the link) and I love it, just a shame I couldn't linger longer!

Surrey Canal

Went for a walk down the Wey and Arun canal last week, it was a gorgeous day and since it was a Monday there was no one around. The canal was built in 1816 and connects the Arun river at Newbridge with the Godalming Navigation near Shalford which is just South of Guildford in Surrey. It wasn't very successful and was abandoned in 1871 but has since had sections restored by enthusiasts, very pretty it looks too as it winds its way through the rural Surrey Hills. After the walk we stopped for a pint at the Onslow Arms in Loxwood, it was very pleasant sitting in the garden in the Sun overlooking the canal, thoroughly recommended!