Meme: Seville
Undoubtedly, Seville is one of the most appealing cities in the world. Visitors from overseas are attracted by its breathtaking monuments, excellent museums, an unbelievably cheerful atmosphere and outstanding festivals.
Mainly in spring, Seville shows off its powerful charms to enthral everyone who is lucky enough to be there. By this time, the countless orange trees, which are scattered all over the city, are in bloom and their white flowers give off a spellbinding scent.
At sunset, after having explored “El barrio de Santa Cruz”, admired the impressive beauty of the Cathedral - whose tower, “the Giralda,” is a former Arab minaret - and realized that Seville´s churches are innumerable, the best way of finishing the day is crossing Triana bridge and reaching Betis street. From there, you can enjoy one of the best views of Seville while having a drink are available and one feel that you are falling in love with this wonderful city.
Thanks, dear Meme, and congrats on a fantastic post. Now, to illustrate what you say above, I've chosen a few YouTube clips.
Starting with one by Rick Steves, a famous American travel writer and TV personality, who visits the Andalusian capital to tell us a little bit of the city's history...
... and then relishes the ultimate party, Seville's famous "April Fair":
Interesting, don't you think? So, how do visitors from overseas like Seville? Well, let me just show a funny example. Watch this American tourist discuss at length five things he loves and another five he sort of "hates" about the city with a special colour:
Now this is Rick Steves again, this time on public radio in the USA talking about our country. He is helped by Madrid-based tourist guide Federico Garcia Barroso, who takes Americans all over Spain, to explain about the different places (including Salamanca!), customs, languages, gastronomy, you name it, we have in Spain. Listen to part one of the show:
Blanca Mateos: Cairo
Since I was a child I´ve been a big fan of exotic destinations, so when I went on a trip to Cairo I fell in love immediately with Egypt's capital.
The place I loved the most was the bustling huge bazaar called ´Khan - el Khalili´, a charming labyrinth of narrow alleys which is famous for its great variety of products: from antiques and oriental souvenirs to perfumes, jewelry or colourful silk fabrics.
Because of its medieval atmosphere, a pungent scent of spices and, above all, the hustle and bustle of traders calling you to their stalls, you will be transported back in time to an old Arab souk where people are bantering and quibbling about prices, whereas others are smoking a water pipe and playing board games outside coffee-houses.
I strongly recommend visiting Cairo, in particular its chaotic bazaar because it´s a harmonious, remarkable experience. However, remember that the prices are not fixed and your haggling skills are incredibly important to get the best bargain.
Sara Sáez: Santander
In Santander you will feel relaxed wherever you go: from El Sardinero beach to the city centre, walking along the promenade. The streets are crowded even if the day is rainy. But if you want to go sightseeing and feel the peace and quiet all around you, just go for a walk near The Magdalena Peninsula and don’t forget to see its marvelous Royal Palace.
It’s a city that makes you feel alive as soon as you get there.
Well, absolutely agree Meme, I love Seville too, and I would like to give all of you some advice, don't miss out on the "tapas", since Seville is credited with the invention, did you know it? Actually, the city has more than a thousand bars where the Sevillians go to try one "pintxo" at a time, moving from bar to bar, since you can find an unlimited choice of them.
ReplyDeleteEgypt has been something I’ve dreamed about since I was a child and watched excitedly on television some documentaries on National Geographic.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of visiting Egypt, exploring the Nile, climbing the great pyramids looking for the famous mummies, or walking through the souks and bazaars attracted me, so I decided to discover the country some years ago, and I must say it totally exceeded my expectations!
I spent five days on a heart-melting cruise down the Nile, visiting different tombs and temple sites: Luxor and Karnak, Philae, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Hatshepsut, Valley of the Kings, …, each one more incredibly moving than the last. While sailing along the banks of the Nile we had the chance to see the real Egypt. Watching the river banks with its cultivated land and the farmer working in it, and seeing the contrast between the Desert and the Nile.
And what can I say about Cairo? I’ll never forget the captivating hustle and bustle of that big city, with 20 million people, where locals try to sell you any bargain you couldn´t imagine, specially if you are a woman, calling you Habibie, which means my dear. If you are told by a local that it will take a minute, this could mean half an hour, an hour, a week, next month, who knows! Cairo is the chaotic place where the ancient and modern are juxtaposed seamlessly!
Finally, this is what I came to Egypt for: The Pyramids! These impressive pieces of architecture that are the final resting places for the kings and queens. It’s worth visiting! I earnestly recommend you to go to there!