From Granada we set off for Seville! Mara was VERY excited about this, since she spent her junior semester abroad in Seville in college. At the time, it was her first time visiting Europe, her first time leaving North America and living in another culture. She couldn't wait to talk to Kenning & Ryan about the experience.
Our first day was the only day without rain, so we set off on foot to explore the city. We walked from the Triana bridge (near our apartment) to the Cathedral & Giralda. Then we walked through the Barrio Santa Cruz to the University ,and then on to the Plaza de Espana in the Parque Maria Luisa. This iconic building was part of the 1920 world's fair (not to mention the Theed palace on Naboo for you StarWars fans).
Of course, Ryan's favorite part was the koi fish in the lagoon.
That evening we met up with one of Mara's best friends from her time in Seville, Silvia! Silvia is famous in the Holian family because, during their visit in 2000, she took Mara & her parents out eating, drinking, and clapping along to flamenco style music...until 2am! The girls were very excited to see if they would get to do the same.
Silvia brought her husband, Manuel, and son, Elio, along to meet us near our apartment for a rainy walk & visit to the Seita, a new addition to the city. Luckily, Silvia and her family speak English *much* better than the Lowrys speak Spanish! And Ryan and Elio found that they immediately had lots to discuss about Nintendo games.
When they finally made it to dinner, at a typical Sevillian hour of 9:30, Silvia had a surprise for Mara... Her other two friends from Seville, Maria Jesus and Eduardo! There was lots of hugging (and maybe a little blubbering by Mara) to be back with all her closest friends from so many years ago. The food was amazing, the restaurant - in a former ceramics factory - was gorgeous, but the company was the BEST. Definitely a highlight for Mara!!!
The following day was the marathon tour of Seville highlights with our fearless guides, Silvia, Manuel, and Elio! We even added our friend from Mill Valley, Gunther, to the party. Triana market. Cathedral of Seville. The Giralda. The Alcazar. So many beautiful sights!
After a "muy tipico" siesta, we had a last wander around Triana and more delicious tapas in the very *not* typical rain. The end of dinner brought tearful goodbyes and promises for more visits! Hasta proximo, Sevilla!
Here are just a few more highlights from Sevilla:
what a cool reunion ❤️!