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Sitting on the train in Sintra and waiting to travel into Lisbon for the day. Since leaving Toledo we have had wifi issues so it has been a pain keep the blog going.
Seville was marvellous and our accommodation was in the middle of the old Jewish quarter with narrow alleyways backing onto the Alcazar and the Cathedral. This was wonderful once we were in the apartment but finding it and the four of us dragging our bags around and around in the 37 degrees temperature was a bit trying.
The Alcazar was incredible and like all palaces has been added, modified etc etc since it was first built in 1400's on the site of the old Moor palace. We took the tour of the upper palace rooms which is the King's home in Seville and it was very interesting. Many many Islamic influences in the mosaic and timber ceilings.
The cathedral was big with the purported remains of Christopher Columbus entombed. Apparently it is generally accepted that his remains are in Honduras but as with many historical issues, the mists of time have clouded the facts. There were great views over Seville from the top of the church tower which was 1/3rds the remains of the Islamic Mezzcita that the church built on top of. Food once again great with lots of Tapas and paella. Must say that I still prefer mine.
Overall Seville had a very tropical feel with lots of cool gardens near the city centre and canvas type awnings between the buildings in the shopping areas.
One if the good things about travel is meeting people. We were sitting on terrace of our apartment having a refreshing ale and on the opposite terrace was a fellow watering his very large pot garden. We got to talking and he worked in Brisbane for several years on the 1988 Expo and was the Director of the 1992 Expo in Seville. An interesting man (Joseph) who gave us a business card for his apartments. Matt and Lyn for you in 2014.
As I write this we have been in Portugal for a bit over 24 hours overnight in Sintra and today in Lisbon. Sintra is a tourist Mecca with a castle, palaces and mansions built into the surrounding hills with magnificent gardens but nightmare narrow twisting roads. Arriving on a Saturday we discovered just how popular it is at weekends being only a short drive or train ride from Lisbon. A decision was made very early to spend Sunday in Lisbon and wait for Monday to enjoy Sintra.
Lisbon has some spectacular old buildings and monuments and is built on 7 hills. Not the place to walk everywhere. Bob and Annette we did the Tram 28 ride which was great and whilst it highlighted Lisbon it also showed up how run down it is in places. Reminded Rob and I of Turkey in that there is obviously not the money to keep the maintenance up, even on many of there important monuments. Lots of graffiti (Ros) which certainly does not create a good impression. Still, the people have been friendly and genuine and the city as a whole has a spectacular setting with the harbour and a huge bridge reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge spanning the harbour.
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Meg Seems like what a wonderful time you are having. I hope you take heaps of photos when you go Versailles, as that is one of my fav place in the whole world.