La terraza

Today is my final day in Sevilla and as is often the case I find that I am really enjoying the pace and lifestyle - and I can even find my way around - and am kind of sad to get back on the road. 

After the rain yesterday it is a bright day today with big puffy clouds. I am on a terrace with a much better view than the apartment - across the street from the cathedral. Above the hords and Visigoths it is remarkably quiet and relaxing. And the view isn't bad

Thursday was a fun little day exploring the countryside and visiting some if the white towns. They are painted white to keep them cool and many of them are built into the rocky hilltops. 

Generally speaking they are more interesting from a distance but are worth a wander around. The first stop Arcos de la Frontera was on the front side of a national park that I guess would rival Yosemite. (I had a rental car this day). It was interesting enough but I found the drive more exciting. Outside the city it is all farmlands - cereals (I am guessing) and orange and olive trees. After a quick bite of lunch I headed upwards through the park and confronted many bikers along the way. All I know is I'm glad my little car was deisel and that this wasn't part of the PMC!  

The next town was my favorite and to my mind quinticental Spain (unless you are thinking matadors and señoritas in fancy dress with fans) Grazalema is a tiny little village tucked into the craggy gray rocks. Completely untouristed it took 15 mintues to walk around and then style in for a beer and some ham. I could say in the sun with an ancient church - that the sign said they know little about - looking over my shoulder all day. And perhaps I should have....

Thankfully the distances were not terribly  long so when the largest of the towns, Ronda, was a total bust I had a crazy idea to head to Cadiz for a nice fish dinner and a look at the Mediterranean. Well I saw the sea but I only paid .40€ to park as I only got out to see it decide it was pretty horrible as well and headed for home. Yes those things happen and perhaps on another day it would be different. All in all I wasted a few hours but got see a lot of beautiful countryside. 

And I sure I will see other white villages in Morrocco and hopefully someday in Greece. 

Bopped around the neighborhood after the terrace. Lots if people around and lots of preparations underway for the big Semanta Santa/Easter celebration and processions. Went back to our bar in the square and had a beer and an anchoa queso sandwich which is anchovies and a soft cheese and was quite good. 

Packing is mostly done along with laundry. Off to see a flamenco show tonight.