Sunday 3 April

14 - 20C

Cloudy, rain

This morning was very misty which didn't lift until around 10.15 and the sun started to shine around midday.The landscape changed to cork trees, Seville orange trees, pigs and bulls.There are only 3 countries in the world that grow cork trees.Once the bark is stripped for the cork it takes 9 years for it to regenerate.They breed special pigs around this area for eating.The pigs have black hoofs and are smoked as part of the preparation process for eating. There is a motorbike race on today at Jerez de la Frontera.We heard later on that Lorenzo came first and Pedrosa second, so the Spanish will be happy.We stopped in Caceres , whichmeans City of Towers.It's listed as a world heritage site for it's blend of Roman, Islamic, northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance styles.It's a nice little town with lots of old churches, walls, a nunnery and lots of other interesting sites.All these little towns are beginning to blend into one.It started to rain around 3pm but as we were in the bus on the way to Seville it didn't affect us.We crossed the Tagus river and reached Seville around 5pm where we stay for 2 nights.After checking into the hotel Mum decided she'd go and have a look at one of the gardens.We were due to leave for dinner at 7pm and Mum still wasn't back yet.While Paul, our tour leader, was leaving a note for Mum at reception she arrived so we hopped on the bus and were taken to Plaza de Espana which is tiled from top to bottom.It looked really beautiful.Then it was onto dinner where we were greeted with a glass of Sangria.It was very nice and not too strong.Then we were taken into a lovely room with one long table where we were served dinner.To start we had tapas….lots of seafood but they did me plate of meats and cheese, next was a choice of veal, beef or seafood.Mum and l had the beef and it was great, we even got some veges.Dessert was next and it was an icecream gateau with a chocolate ball on the side…..pretty yummy.Back at the hotel and l'm feeling very tired.I've decided notdo the sightseeing tour tomorrow morning as l don't feel real well.