Beautiful Sevilla

Whew! Busy day! We had a field trip for our art and culture class, so we didn't have class until 12:30. After class Cherise and I went to Plaza de España and ate the sandwiches (bocadillos) that Inés had packed for us.

Me in front of one of the Plaza de España. Now it is used as government buildings, and houses the Seville Town Hall

My roommate Cherise in front of one of the tiled alcoves, which represent the provinces of Spain. We sat here for awhile and soaked in the beautiful sunlight and incredible architecture.

Apparently the Plaza de España was used for a scene in Star Wars Episode II: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edhLosefD0Q

After soaking up the beautiful architecture, we met our class and our teacher, Fernando, took us on a tour of the Alcázar Reales, which is a royal palace in Sevilla.

We began our tour in the garden of the palace. On one side of the wall is an intimate garden with small paths and on the other is a more public garden. Walking on the wall gives you a spectacular view of both.

A huge, detailed tapestry in the room of the tapestries.
They had a whole room dedicated to Christopher Columbus and discovery of the Americas. Apparently they are proud of that. This shows the virgin Mary giving her blessing to the explorers.


My class on the tour

After the tour Carly and I went shopping at the stores, which have huge "rebajas" or sales. Everything is 50-70% off. I bought a shirt and a scarf and a pretty necklace.

Then I met Cherise and we walked back to El Centro to have dinner with a bunch of girls from the program. We ate at Cien Montaditos, which has very cheap bocadillos. After we had delicious helado (ice cream.)

Cherise and Alice eating helado

Lots of walking-- my feet are killing me and I didn't get my siesta! Hasta luego por anoche!