Category Archives: spain

the rainy rain

24 Wednesday Oct 2012

Posted by in photos, spain, weather

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photo by Raúl Díaz

The word biblical comes to mind. Holy cow, it’s been raining cats and dogs all day. With intermittent torrential downpours that make it impossible to even step outside. And it looks like this isn’t going to let up until the weekend. Everyone says that this is a good thing, because Sevilla always needs rain, but I think deep down people wish it could always be sunny.

Me? I’d just like to get my laundry dried.

Isn’t this a fabulous photo by Raúl Díaz? (click to enlarge). He’s a twitter friend and “neighbour” and took this pic today in the centre of Sevilla.

You can see more of his work here:
Fotografiando

it’s raining!

26 Wednesday Sep 2012

Posted by in sevilla, spain, weather

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For the first time since May it is raining in Sevilla! Also, overnight temperatures plummeted by almost 10 degrees (I didn’t need to use the electric fan last night and seriously needed my topsheet). And so, it is suddenly not summer anymore.

Of course this could all change next week.

The good thing is that we really do need the rain. And it’s actually been a bit of a cosy feeling, spending the day indoors at home, working in my pj’s.

The other good thing is that, according to this prediction, the rain should stop by Sunday, in time for my 20th anniversary party (we’ll need the terraza!).

How’s the weather where you are?

more córdoba!

08 Saturday Sep 2012

Posted by in 20th anniversary, spain, travel, trips

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I realised today that I haven’t posted anything here about my trip to Córdoba a couple of weeks ago – the one that caused me so much worry over Azar and leaving him overnight. Well, as you all know he was fine and, as luck would have it, the damn tumour didn’t explode until two days after we got back. I still shudder to think what would have happened if it had burst while we were away…

But it didn’t and Peter and I had a wonderful time. I have to say that Córdoba is becoming one of my favourite places and already I want to go back. I used to say to friends and tapas tour clients that it was a good day trip spot, or at the most overnight, but I each time I go I discover something new and find out there is even more to discover.

And then I run out of time.

This last visit was extra special because I was invited by Hospes Hotels to spend a night in their fabulous five-star Palacio del Bailío and enjoy a flamenco-themed dinner there. So… wow. It was my first ever five-star experience and I sure hope it’s not my last. Everything at the hotel was perfect and the hotel itself has such an interesting history that you feel like you’re staying in a historical monument – which is exactly what it is. Various treasures were discovered during renovations, such as old paintings hidden under wallpaper and Roman ruins in the basement (!!). I could’ve happily not left the hotel during the entire visit, but there were things to check out in town.

Peter came with me as he was doing research for his Córdoba day trips as Seville Concierge. We went to the Mesquita again, as we hadn’t been for a few years, and also to the the Alcázar for the first time. And of course we were keen to try out a couple of restaurants that came highly recommended, only to find that they were both closed for holidays. Instead we happened upon a real find – the world’s first “salmorejería”! Anyhow, I have written and posted photos about the highlights of this fabulous trip in various places, so you can have a look at them if you like. And meanwhile I’ll keep dreaming about returning to Córdoba soon…

My blog post on azahar’s Sevilla: Dreaming in Córdoba

You can see all the hotel photos here: Córdoba | Palacio del Bailío

And other Córdoba pics: Córdoba | August 2012

And if you’re wondering what a salmorejería is… Salmorejería Umami