Guess where..... the artistic, historic, cultural and financial capital of souther Spain

Seville (Sevilla)

Seville is situated on the plain of the River Guadalquivir.  Yes, a river going through the middle of the city.  Along the river are more restaurants and bars that gave way for the Kramers to enjoy late night food and drinks and early morning beautiful sunrise runs.   Yes, even though the temperature hit over 100 degrees during the day, Andrew and I still alternated with our early morning runs.  Seville is more than 2,000 years old.   So there was a lot to see.   Getting lost on our runs were the best part.  The unique beautiful architecture and narrow cobble stone streets were a treat.   The passage of the various civilizations, instrumental in its growth, has left the city a distinct personality and a large and well preserved historical center.  Although it has strong medieval, renaissance and baroque heritage, the city received heavy influences from Arabic culture.

The Alcazar, the Cathedral is so massive that it can be seen from every corner of the city.  It is a World Heritage Site and has the remains of Christopher Columbus inside.  It is amongst the largest of all medieval and Gothic Cathedrals

Avenida de Constitucion

The Horse & Buggy

On our way to the Parque de Maria Luisa to take in the most amazing Plaza de Espana.

Who has seen Lawrence of Arabia or Star Wars Episode 11: Attack of the Clones?? Then you too have been to the Plaza de Espana.  As many shooting scenes took place at the Plaza.

Truly the most amazing Plaza.  This was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929.  It is truly a landmark example of Renaissance Revival style in Spanish Architecture.  This was built to showcase Spains industry and technology exhibits.  For the Kramers it showcased the perfect backdrop for our 2011 Holiday Card.

The kids just wanted to play a game of futbol in the Plaza.  Do they really realize the significance of this amazing place?  Well at least we have the photos which in 10 years when they study in History class about Spain, they can say, YES, I HAVE BEEN THERE!  I mean this half-circle with buildings continually running around the edge accessible over the moat by numerous beautiful bridges... while in the center stands a large fountain and  the walls of the plaza decorated by the many tiled alcoves, each representing a different province of Spain.  Today the plaza consists of Government buildings.

Could this be the next Holiday Card for the Kramers?

Mom can we take a row boat ride?  It is sooo hot and it would be sooo fun.  Ok, I said.  Little did I know that I would be doing all the work.  And work it was!  Did I mention that Seville in August reaches temperature highs?  Today was no exception.  What better way to spend a hot day then on water....

Mom at work... Can you see the sweat yet?

Was this really my workout for the day?  I had already taken a run around the city in the morning.

My boys just taking in the beautiful scenery

under one of the many bridges...could this be a scene out of the movie Notebook.  So may I tell you that Andrew is no Ryan Gosling - trying to pull off the rowing thing with no problem.  With the oars popping out of place and the boat bumping into the walls,  I quickly had to take over.  That was OK because it made way for good conversation on the boat about who is stronger and better at sports....Mommy or Daddy.  I obviously had the leg up since I was the one that was doing all the work on the boat.  Sorry Andrew, just had to include this!!  Despite your lack of rowing skills, I still love you Andrew!  More than ever!!!!

 

And if boating weren't enough, how about a little bike ride through the Parque of Maria de Luisa.

Backseat drivers

Zach, are you really old enough to drive?  What are the rules in Spain?  Wait, are there rules in Spain??  Obviously not for the Kramer boys...........

  How appropriate that at midnight we find ourselves in a small local bar with no name above their red doors.  This is where we find two guys playing some music.  10 minutes later, the Flamingo dancers emerge....

Yes, Flamingo dancing..... not your typical show, just some locals that get up and do what they do...

Andrew watching the dancers......  the kids were sitting in front....

Breakfast before we are off for the day...

Did I mention that we drank a lot of beer

breakfast time...

Isla Magica - a good theme park just 10 minutes from our hotel.  It recreates the great age of discoveries and Spain's adventures in South America during the 15th and 16th centuries.  Their favorite ride was the Jaquar, but I particularly wanted to keep them locked up for a few hours.  Could this be our next Holiday Card?  Oh gosh, bad parenting, huh???

the attack begins....

who will win......

Asher gets serious...

the boys have teamed up.....

The Kramer boys join forces...

of course...they find the game room

Zach's moment of glory, as he stayed on the bull for the whole time.

And so did Asher.....

Our gem, our hotel.... El Hotel Fontecruz Sevilla esta ubicado a 100 metros de la Catedral en el corazon del barrio de Santa Cruz.  Destacan, ademas de sus 39 habitaciones & Suites, su terraza dirador con vistas a La Giralda, su gran piscina exterior en el patio del hotel y la gastronomia que ofrece en su restaurante Morrison's Cafe & Bar. 

Beautiful hotel, modern & stylish located very centrally in a narrow street.  Actually so narrow that our taxi driver dropped us off 2 blocks away and we had to pull our luggage on the uneven cobbled streets.  That was OK because once we arrived Andrew turned to me and said, Where did you find this?  Upon checking out, Andrew then said, this might be the best/sleekest hotel I have ever stayed at...And we know that he has stayed at so many of the best hotels.  Did I mention we had two rooms and the kids enjoyed their autonomy as did their parents!!

bye bye Seville, we need to catch our bus to Portugal.  It is time for us to get our bathing suits on and relax at the beach....As if the Vacation had not begun.......