We learned from our walking tour yesterday and from online reading that going to the Church of the Divine Salvador first and buying a combination ticket for it and the Seville Cathedral will enable you skip the line at the much busier cathedral. The key, though, was to go to Salvador first. It worked for us. We got our tickets, toured Salvador and then walked right over to Seville Cathedral and got in the much shorter, faster line. Tips like this, especially when it's hot in Southern Spain, make a big difference. I would advise you to study all your options. There's even a ticket that includes Real Alcazar.
First recorded tapas in the world: head on a platter.
Jesus took the Uber of his day.
Now inside the Seville Cathedral.
Tomb of Christopher Columbus
We then climbed the Giralda Tower, the bell tower of the Seville Cathedral.
See the Sevilla Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza?
(bullfighting arena)
Take note of this tree-covered courtyard.
back down in the courtyard
The tower is on the left.
For lunch, we went for tapas at Bodega Marchena Paca Gongora. It was packed. And there was a line yesterday, which made us think we needed to return. We got up to the bar and started ordering. It was simple. We did have some questions about a couple of tapas, and luckily there was a local lady next to us who explained some things. Food was good. The experience was excellent. I am loving the tapas scene in Sevilla. Lunch in Spain is typically 2-4 PM. Dinner is usually 8-11 PM.
Looks like fried oysters, but was something else. And yep, that is a packet of Wet Ones. You gotta carry those when you travel!
where we had our morning coffee and breakfast
On our way to dinner, we stopped inside this local church and ended up getting a personal tour. Little things like this can happen when you travel independently. But you have to also be curious enough. We saw an impressive door, noticed a person exiting and we "seized the day."
We discovered a modern tapas restaurant that specialized in seafood. I ordered Vermouth, which came with some green olives. We also ordered a single tapas that we enjoyed sharing. That was that. After a bit of talking, the decision was made to move along to another tapas bar - a more traditional one. My cousin keyed in the address, and his phone led the way.
On our walk to the "legendary" tapas bar, I saw this bird mural inside a cafe, and thought of my mother.
Jeff almost got accosted on a dimly lit lane!
We arrived at Bodega Mateo Ruiz, and stood at the bar. It turned into a very fun evening.
They are known for their fried fish, so we ordered a full plate. I thought it was pretty good, but not nearly the best I have ever had.
I walked outside for these photos, then returned to join my cousin for more nibbles. Our tally was marked on the bar counter, which just added to the mystique of the place.
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