I have had accounts at two banks here during my 33 years in Sevilla, both in buildings designed by famed architect Anibal Gónzalez (who also designed the Plaza de España). I mean, what are the odds? Above is the rooftop turret of the old Banco Popular, which as of last week is Sevilla’s newest 5 Star GL hotel in the Avenida de la Constitución. I was there this week with my friend Fiona enjoying lunch at their new restaurant Fismuler.

Below is my present bank, in Calle Imagen, near my house. It has just reopened after more than a year of extensive renovations and, happily for me, is still my bank! Many moons ago I got a gig teaching English classes to bank employees there and after a while I ended up switching my account. A very good move because, as it turned out, having present or previous students as bank execs seriously helped me out on more than one occasion over the years. These days I only recognise a couple of the “old timers” when I go in, which is next to never any more since most banking is done online now. But I still like that I have the prettiest bank in the city.