Day 3 in Seville: “Sweating Elegantly Through Parks and Plazas” 🌳🐂

Woke up in Plaza San Marcos, once again defying both the heat and my body’s cries for a “beach day instead.” But Seville wasn’t done with me yet — oh no. Today was about parks, passion, and places where people once fought bulls for fun.

Out I marched, with my water bottle, fan, and hope. Mostly the fan.

🌴 Stop 1: Parque de María Luisa
If Seville had a lungs emoji, this would be it. This massive, romantic park is all shady paths, exotic plants, and tiled fountains straight out of a Disney movie. I got lost and wasn’t even mad — it’s like wandering through a botanical soap opera. Somewhere between the palm trees and swan ponds, I briefly forgot the sidewalk was hot enough to fry tapas.

🌲 Stop 2: Parque de los Príncipes
A little further across the river in the Los Remedios area, this park felt more local — fewer tourists, more ducks, and slightly less risk of photobombing someone’s engagement shoot. Quiet, leafy, and ideal for pretending you’re in a 90s Spanish telenovela. Also ideal for sitting very, very still in the shade.

🎭 Stop 3: Triana District
Crossed the Puente de Isabel II into Triana, and instantly felt 23% cooler. Triana is Seville’s sassy, artsy twin — home to flamenco legends, ceramic shops, and the kind of tapas bars that make you say, “Well… one more can’t hurt.” The energy is different here: less cathedral-tourist, more "let’s open a pottery studio and fall in love with a guitarist."

I briefly considered becoming a flamenco dancer. Then I remembered my coordination level.

🏛️ Stop 4: Plaza de España
Back over the river and into architectural heaven. If a city could flirt, this plaza would be swiping right on everyone. The half-moon shaped palace, tiled alcoves for every Spanish province, and an actual moat (yes, with rowboats!) make this one of the most extra things I’ve ever seen — in the best way.

I posed dramatically on a bridge. It felt necessary.

🐂 Stop 5: Real Plaza de Toros
Next up, Seville’s famous bullring. Whether you’re into bullfighting or not (I’m firmly in the “nope” camp), the architecture and history here are fascinating. It’s elegant, dramatic, and slightly intimidating — like the matador version of the Colosseum. No bulls were harmed in this visit. Just my pride when I tripped on a cobblestone.

🌉 Stop 6: Torre del Oro
Final stop before heading home — this golden watchtower used to guard the Guadalquivir River. Now it guards you from boredom with a small naval museum and views that make you say “wow” out loud without meaning to. I stared at boats. I imagined being a 16th-century explorer. I sweated through my shirt.

🏠 Back to Plaza San Marcos
By sunset, I limped back to our apartment like a dusty gladiator returning from a very picturesque battle. My feet? Gone. My memory card? Full. My heart? Soft from all the tiles, tapas, and charming riverside moments.

Day 3 Recap:

• Nature: Touched it.

• Culture: Absorbed it.

• Hydration: Attempted.

Seville, you theatrical beauty — never stop showing off.

Ready for a spam of photos of the Plaza de España? Tough luck, here goes 😉

Last one for today, cheers see you all tomorrow 

Day 2 in Seville: “I Came for the Art, Stayed for the Mushrooms” 🎨🌅🍄

Woke up at Plaza San Marcos feeling like a seasoned Andalusian explorer. My legs, however, politely asked me to reconsider. But this was no time for weakness — we had convents, palaces, and giant waffle-shaped architecture to conquer.

Armed with caffeine and a stubborn sense of cultural FOMO, I stepped out into the furnace once again.

👻 Stop 1: Convento de Santa Paula
First stop? Nuns.
Hidden behind a very “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” door, this convent was a peaceful start — a silent oasis with beautiful cloisters and actual nuns selling handmade sweets through a turnstile like divine vending machines. 10/10 for wholesome vibes and spiritual calories.

💚 Stop 2: Basilica de la Macarena
A little off the tourist path and very worth it. This basilica houses La Macarena, the Virgin of Hope, aka the Beyoncé of Seville’s Holy Week. She’s decked out in gold, tears, and so much emotion I almost cried and I hadn’t even had a snack yet. Also — macarena. You’re welcome for having the song stuck in your head now.

🏛️ Stop 3: Palacio de las Dueñas
Next up, the House of Alba’s fancy estate — complete with orange trees, antique furniture, and the kind of casual luxury that whispers, “We’ve had money since Columbus asked for directions.” There were peacocks. I tried not to relate too hard. It’s elegant, peaceful, and full of history. Also, lots of tiles I now want for my future imaginary palace bathroom.

🎨 Stop 4: Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija
This one’s for the mosaic lovers. The Countess apparently collected Roman floors like most people collect fridge magnets. Every room is basically an archaeological flex, and I’m here for it. It’s giving “Indiana Jones meets Real Housewives of Seville.”

🖼️ Stop 5: Museo de Bellas Artes
By now I was questioning reality (and my hydration levels), but the Museum of Fine Arts reeled me back in. It’s housed in a former convent (Seville loves its nuns), and packed with Spanish masterpieces — Murillo, Zurbarán, and plenty of dramatic saints doing dramatic things. Bonus: blissfully cool rooms with benches for “art appreciation naps.”

🍄 Stop 6: Las Setas (Metropol Parasol)
Just when I thought I’d seen all the vibes Seville had to offer — boom. Futuristic giant wooden mushrooms in the middle of the old city. AKA “Las Setas.” Perfect for people-watching, architectural whiplash, and accidentally buying overpriced gelato. And at sunset? Pure magic.

🌅 Sunset Vibes
We climbed to the top of Las Setas for panoramic views of the city — golden rooftops, church domes, distant mountains, and a light breeze that felt like a personal miracle. It was the kind of sunset that makes you forget your feet are plotting revenge.

🏠 Back to Plaza San Marcos
I dragged myself back home with a phone full of photos, a bag full of souvenirs, and a heart full of architectural drama and nun-made cookies.

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Day 2 Summary:

• Total steps: Probably walked to Portugal.

• Favorite quote: “Is that a real Roman mosaic or just fancy tile?”

• Regrets: Still none.

Seville, you’re showing off. And I’m not mad.

And now for that much awaited spam of photos!

Sleep tight and come back tomorrow for more 😉