Category Archives: culture

rick stein’s spain

16 Tuesday Aug 2011

Posted by in cooking, culture, sevilla, spain, video

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Remember back in May when that rascally Del sent me a surprise package containing the DVD of Rick Stein’s Mediterranean Escapes? Well, he did it again with the latest series that features Spain.

As it was recently shown on tv in the UK, I’d been hearing various opinions about it on Twitter and couldn’t wait to see it for myself. And then it arrived today, which also happens to be WeeRascal’s birthday, so after getting home from an amazing lunchtime gourmet tapas tour, I just had to sit down and watch some of it.

Against Del’s and Ian’s advice I went straight to the fourth (and final) episode, which featured Sevilla. I was told that this was the best of the four and that it would be better to watch them “in order”, but how could I resist seeing my Sevilla on film? And… hmmm. I liked it, and will watch it again, but my first impression was that it didn’t really capture Sevilla very well. Which made me wonder if everyone who sees their “home town” represented in series like these feels the same. But it’s still great fun to watch and I am now wanting to travel more around Spain, especially the north.

Who wants to come with me?

bodum frykats

20 Friday May 2011

Posted by in culture, home, summer

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Aren’t these adorable? They even have a cute name – Frykats. And Ian (devonseaglass) informs me that they can be shipped by Lakeland in the UK for a small charge. But first I’ll look around here and I also need to do some more online research. One review I read about the Frykat says the vent on top can get burny, and that  it doesn’t work well without the lid on. I certainly won’t want to use the lid all the time. Heh, all the time, she says. I’m pretty sure that BBQing will prove to be a bit of a pain what with having to lug everything upstairs. But I’m also sure that on hot summer evenings it will be lovely sitting up on the terraza after the sun goes down and maybe grilling a light snack…

Meanwhile, my 10-year-old microwave suddenly kicked the bucket the other day, so that is vying for top spot on the “things to buy for the house” list. Have to admit that I only ever use it for defrosting and reheating coffee (well okay, and for making popcorn) and I especially miss not being able to reheat my coffee in the mornings.

Which would you get first?

cathedral rooftop tour

17 Tuesday May 2011

Posted by in culture, sevilla, spain, video

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These are a few photos I took whilst trying to hold onto my sanity the other day when I went on that fabulous Cathedral rooftop tour. It truly was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences, even though I was scared shitless through a lot of it. But it also made me feel a bit amazed at myself that I managed to get through and even take that video. And a few of these photos were taken with my eyes shut – especially those where I had to lean over the railing under the vaulted Cathedral ceiling. Later when I got back down I could not believe that I’d actually been standing behind those angels. In fact, I still can’t believe it. Go me!

up on the roof

13 Friday May 2011

Posted by in culture, sevilla, video

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This afternoon I had AN EXPERIENCE … a special tour of the rooftops of the Cathedral. Yes, plural, as the Sevilla Cathedral is the third largest in Europe. Anyhoodle, not the best place for an agoraphobic to be, and at one point – with the bell tower IN MY FACE – I decided not to turn and run screaming down five miles of narrow stone spiral stairs and shot this short video instead. More later… I have tons of pics!

the mirador

10 Tuesday May 2011

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[click on image to enlarge]

So remember back when I HATED this place, but after the scaffolding was taken down I found myself quite liking “The Setas“?  Well, the other day they finally opened the Mirador on top and Nog & I went up to have a look. Amazing. I was captivated as much by the cool curvy architecture as with the panoramic views of the city. I was also scared out of my wits at one point when, despite the barrier, there was suddenly just a sheer drop in front of me and seriously wide open spaces. Not the best situation for an agoraphobe like me. So I snapped a few quick shots of that particular view – in which I could actually see my rooftop terrace, including Loki sitting in the upstairs window! – and made it back to the “safety” of curvy structure around me.

I’m also amazed to discover that the Metropol Parasol (to give its proper name) is becoming one of my favourite places in town. The market is wonderful, as is the little bar inside that makes up super-fresh and super-cheap grilled or fried fish, and I’m looking forward to the other tapas bars and restaurants opening soon, including the one on top in the Mirador. If you’d told me this six months ago I’d have said you were nuts.

So, what do you think?