Our extended stay trip to Spain started off without a hitch. Our good friend and neighbor, Sherry, joined us for the first week, so we considered this week to be our “vacation” week.

We had the good fortune of having our bags checked all the way through to Sevilla, or so we thought. The connection in Madrid was one and a half hours and it took all of that for us to change terminals and arrive at the gate just in time for boarding. Unfortunately, our bags did not find the gate as well as we had.

Upon arrival in Sevilla, the reality that we would have to make do for at least one day set in and we adjusted. On top of that, as we exited the terminal the sky opened up. I was reminded of walking into Burgos four years ago in the rain, and trying to stay positive, l kept telling myself the city was being cleaned for our arrival. We later found out Sevilla had been washed all week and the cleaning could continue for another week or so.

Again we had good fortune as we started off on our first excursion the next morning. Overcast skies, but no rain as we headed out to Jerez de la Frontera to see the Andalusian horses. I knew the trip included a wine tasting, and what we got was a presentation on the history and importance of Sherry to the region. And best of all, the tasting.

Then the 1 1/2 hour horse show.

We then were off to Cadiz for a short lunch and then a walking tour. Our guide, Manuel, cautioned us that in Cadiz there are three speeds of service; slow, slower, and roots. Try to avoid the waiters moving so slow they appear to be growing roots.

After lunch, Manuel, an Italian who had studied history in Spain, gave us a walking tour of Cadiz emphasizing its importance in history.

The best part of the day was arriving back at Sherry’s hotel and finding our bags had arrived. All was right with the world once again.

It was now Wednesday, and the agenda called for Becky and Sherry to tour the Alcazar and the Cathedral.

I decided to skip that tour and visit the Archives General de Indias (America) which houses most of the documents of the New World dating back to 1492.

After siesta, we went back to the cathedral area for shopping and dinner.

Thursday’s forecast called for rain until 2:00 so we planned indoor activities.

First the Sevilla Museum of Fine Arts with paintings by Goya, Murillo, and El Greco to name a few. And with perfect timing, we were able to avoid the rain and walk to the Triana Market to look at all the fresh food and weird looking fish and have lunch.

Another 20 minute walk back to Sherry’s hotel and our apartment and it was time for siesta. Siestas are earned. Over the last five days our steps have averaged almost 20,000 a day. And since so much shuts down between 2-6 o’clock, it is a good use of time. With many restaurants not serving food until 8:00, you need the refresher.

Friday we filled the morning with more sightseeing.

The afternoon cleared off and gave us a great opportunity to do the walkway on top of the Setas, a large shade producing structure made off laminated plywood.

Next a quick drink at the roof top bar of Sherry’s hotel.

Then the big event of the day, Flamenco. We took Sherry to see the same show we had seen two years ago on our first trip to Sevilla. It did not disappoint. Our fifth row seats put us on eye level with the performers allowing us to experience all the passion in their facial expressions.

Saturday another excursion, this time to Rhonda and its Roman Bridge.

Being able to look 400 feet straight down from the railing in the park was just as impressive.

Rhonda is famous for Bullfighting because of its history, but now only one week in September has fights.

A side trip on the way back took us to see one of the White Cities, Setenil de las Bodegas. The street level shops and bars are built into the mountain which also supports the buildings above. The two streets made for a great 15 minute attraction. Unfortunately, we had an hour and fifteen minutes to experience it. So, we found a bar.

A few other miscellaneous pics:

Today is Sunday, one week after we started this journey. A cruise on the Guadalquivir River and dinner in the Triana neighborhood are on tap for later today.

Monday will be a final shopping day for Sherry and the beginning of morning Spanish lessons for me.

Tuesday we take Sherry to the airport and bring the “vacation” to a close as we begin the “living in Sevilla” phase. (I have already scoped out the laundromat we will need for sheets and towels).

A great trip so far, but not sure we could keep up this pace for 60 more days!