Seville round 2

Early-ish start to the day to try and beat the worst of the heat.

After a quick breakfast we headed into Puerta de Jerez to start a free walking tour. After being split into about 7 groups depending on languages and the amount of people we set off. The tour took us around the historical centre with the Real Alcazar, Cathedral and associated palaces and stories and then to the river with Triana, the area of the Jews, Muslims and Gypsies during the time of the Spanish Inquisition, and the Golden Tower. Here our guide, Maria, tried to teach us some flamenco! Needless to say our hips do not move as well as the Spanish...! After a break in air con it was onwards through the university (the old tabacco factory) and finishing at the Plaza de Espana. So much history in the last 1000 years in this part of the world.

Afterwards we found a park bench to relax in the shade for a while and then went to Hotel Alfonso XIII on the advice of Maria. This hotel was built in 1929 for the exhibition that wasn't the success they wished

for. It is a stunning building with mosaics everywhere and is apparently where the king stays when he is in Seville. A great spot for a couple of wines and some amazing Patatas Bravas, but not sure about the 800 euro a night price tag!

After a wander around the old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz with its winding streets, we decided to head back to the hostel. Not quite as flash as the Hotel but it was about 44 degrees at this time and our hostel has a pool! The trip took a lot longer as we hid in the shade where we could and made the most of the water fountains along the way. Glad to make it back to the pool and cool off!

Off to Madrid tomorrow. The south of Spain is an amazing place with such different history and culture to the rest of Spain. Have really loved our time here and would highly recommend as a place to visit.....just maybe not in August!