Visited the Cathedral, saw tomb for Cristobel Colon (ie. Christopher Colombus - though he's not actually buried there). Climbed the bell tower, which was wide enough on the way up to allow horses to the top! Great views, and lots of bells. Walked to the bullring, river and back. Ate tapas (lots of squid rings) and sat outside the Cathedral at night.
Monday - Took a horse ride through the parks and around and about. Walked through the shopping areas. Bought some shorts. Anna and Jennifer bought shoes. Found a nice garden area with a friendly cat. Had a nice dinner (great tortilla - also broad beans with egg - and paella). Fed some sparrows. Tried some new cervezas - Alhambra, and Alhambra Negra.
Went to flamenco show, in an old synagagogue adjacant to our hotel. Very abstract vocals and guiatrs. I couldn't discern a clear time signature - yet the dancer and musicians co-ordinated perfectly. Fascinating. I want to hear the Venetian Snares remix...
Tuesday - Woke early, and went to the Alcazar. Had a guided tour, very good. Apparently built during a bit of a golden age, when Muslims, Jews and Christians all got along famously. The building therefore mixes motifs from all three religions, which is pretty novel. Lots of stars and geometic patterns (arabesques).
The Alcazar also has amazing grounds, and we wandered around the orchids and ponds. Fed some enormous carp, and some ducks, with old bread I had pinched from the hotel breakfast buffet. I climbed up one of the royal lemon trees, to retrieve a lemon for my cervezas later. Got myself a splinter for my efforts.
