A Sojourn In Seville
Architecture porn, mind-blowing dancing, worshipping the gods of booze in a church bar and more
Hi everyone,
Recharging is a hell of a thing, especially when you’ve not been abroad in three years.
I love travelling. It’s how I find new creative inspiration, expose myself to new ideas and learn from different cultures. Travelling to Seville in Spain definitely helped me do that.
I drank a lot. Ate a lot. Saw a lot and here’s something of a quick travel guide if you’re ever in the area.
Best,
Jamie
Seville. What a city. I reminded myself of that again and again as I walked around the birthplace of Flamenco dancing, soaking up new ideas and inspiration. Seville is a city of creativity, history, acceptance, spirituality and so much more and here are my highlights from the trip.
Being enraptured by a traditional Flamenco show
I’d never paid much attention to flamenco. I knew it came from Spain and that it had important cultural significance. But it wasn’t until I saw it that I could truly appreciate the beauty of the art form.
My better half and I went off the beaten track, away from the touristy parts of the city, to see a flamenco show in a venue that can only be described as a church of flamenco. The place felt steeped in lore, with faces of dancers past and present on the wall, tourists rubbing shoulders with locals and a dance stage that looked more like an altar.
The performers sang and danced their hearts out. I wondered if I was witnessing duende, the transcendental state flamenco performers aspire to in the perfect moment of connecting with the audience and something greater than themselves.
Exploring the Plaza De Espana
On the trip, I was spoiled for architecture porn and one of the best places for getting my fix was the Plaza De Espana in Maria Luisa Park. Built in 1928 to celebrate the Ibero-American Exposition World’s Fair, the plaza has art deco, baroque and renaissance elements.
There was an energy in the place, an aura that seeped from the bricks. I felt it as I sat in front of a mural of Cordoba, the home of one of my favourite philosophers Seneca.
Watching the sunset on top of Las Setas
Part eye sore, part art piece, part monument, Las Setas, aka The Mushrooms, is a modern monument in the heart of Seville. There’s a hell of a view from the top and on a night that celebrated Pride Month, I watched the sun set over Seville.
Drinking in a church bar
Having felt spiritual for the entire holiday, I fancied worshipping the gods of booze and Garlochi felt like the ideal place to do it. Stepping inside felt like being in a church. The walls are decked out in religious iconography, there’s a statue of Jesus by the bar and the bartender looked like he was ready to hear a confession of everybody’s sins.
I gave thanks to the gods with the house cocktail called Saint’s Blood. It’s a potent mixture, an acquired taste that not everyone will acquire, but feels appropriate in the moment.
Other key places to check out in Seville
Sights
The Museum of Fine Arts
Triana Market
Seville Cathedral (Go up to the top. The view is worth it).
The Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions
The Golden Tower
Alameda de Hercules (Think of it is as the hipster quarter of Seville)
Bars and restaurants
The Second Room (Awesome cocktail bar)
Yamazaki (Great Japanese food)
Biryani House (Amazing curry)
The Corner House (Rooftop bars FTW)
P.S: I’ve got an exciting announcement coming in July that will set the stage for the next step for Drink To That. Stay tuned!