We left Spain yesterday after 6.5 weeks.  And we loved our experience.  One of the things we loved about Spain is the kindness of the people.  A good example is in Cordoba – we went to the bus stop a day early to make certain it would take us to train station.  When there – a gentleman aged about 70 was waiting for his bus.  I asked him in my broken Spanish – if #6 went to train station.  He immediately stood up and summoned another to help me with the answer. He could not have been kinder nor more helpful and was a gentleman personified.

Earlier, we had a fabulous lunch and I told the manager the food was wonderful – omg – he was ecstatic and we were rewarded with wonderful dessert wine- gratis.

Day after day we found the people of Spain kind, friendly, and warm. And very patient with my broken Spanish.  

Two weird photos of Madtid.

First we loved Prado – and you know that story…..beautiful gallery- amazing art.

Sometimes, I cannot help myself with weird photos.   The first is s enormous and beautiful doorway in s rather ordinary building halfway between Prado & train station.  The beauty and enormity are wonderful,

And this bike might be the cutest ever.  Zoom in and take s look … Covered with flowers – it brings s smile .

We found Cordoba a welcome respite between Seville & Madrid.  

Our Airbnb host recommended local bodegas & entrees – authentic & fun. Cold tomato & bread soup. Artichoke appetizers. Pork roll/up- extraordinaire.  We enjoyed their Alcazar.  And we had to document their funky wall of art objects.  

Greg got s fabulous night photo of the Mezquita- their mosque turned cathedral.  Which has a fascinating history.  Built as a mosque. Conquered by Catholic Church – converted into a cathedral with red & white double arches everywhere inside. History is amazing and fact continues to be stranger than fiction.

This tile work is above the entrance to the Alcazar and it puzzles me.  It is the royal symbol and to me the lion looks like he is sticking out his tongue or smoking a cigar.   This is in s significant location .  …..hmmm!

The Plaza de Espsna was built for the World’s fair in 1929.

This plaza is still magnificent- lively and the colors of the tiles still vibrant.  It is free and a real gathering spot for tourists and locals.  The gardens around plaza are magnificent.

The Cathedral of Seville defies description.

Magnificent architecture, artwork, finishes, size.

This post only attempts to provide a glimpse.

This Post is a potpourri of Favorite Seville images.

The archive of India is a beautiful building which housed a favorite Murillo paintings.

The gardens – a sneak peak into a fabulous courtyard.

The twilight photos of Seville Cathedral Steeple from a rooftop terrace.

Seville was a last minute addition to our travel plans and we loved it. The weather was was a warm welcome and discovering the city is a blast.

The architecture is amazing. The ‘mushroom’ was enjoyable. Our Airbnb host recommended this traditional bodega with amazing Seville specialties of fresh fish and tapas and a healthy dose of attitude of the servers – fun!

Sections of the arched wall remain right next to the sidewalk & roadway & lights up beautifully.

We stayed in a Airbnb in a very typical neighborhood. Loved people watching at morning breakfast and at night the neighborhood bars were filled with locals – every night.

Porto train station is of Harry

Potter fame as the train station to Hogwarts – track 9 3/4 is based upon the fact that the side train tunnel is

.75 of the primary tunnel. We took the train to Douro Valley -soaking up the scenery & enjoying a wine & port tasting. The view over the tiled roof is of the vineyards from our room. Loved this place!