Last day

Oswaldo stays behind in the comfort of our new place to work on a paper and I venture out through the holiday crowds. As I pass though the square between the Real Alcázar and the Cathedral I am amazed to see huge lines of people waiting to get in. Just a week ago I could go right in.
I have an assignment today: to check out the Pronovia wedding dress shop on Calle Cuny for my 'sobrina', Karina Lassner, and like any other Sevillan I cut through the historic quarter knowing exactly where to go. I have become very familiar with the city. The store turns out to be a bit like a private bank, a lot of dark wood with a couple of glossy posters, but not an actual dress in sight. This is strictly by appointment, and the store attendants eye me doubtfully as I stand there bride-less so to speak. I explain that the bride in question is in Brazil. "When is she coming?" they insist, explaining they need time to get the dress to the store. I leave with a catalog and some prices and then saunter along, slowly returning to our apartment. I meet Oswaldo in the square below, where we settle at one of the tables of the Donaire Jacaranda

and order some delicious tapas: Bonito con tomate y la cidra - a plateful of thin slices of toast with warm grilled chunks of white tuna placed in a dab of sauce on top

and Queso balanchar gratinado com miel de azahar - like warm Brie with apricot jam (see picture) and utterly delicious with a cold beer

 

From where we sit we can see our apartment windows.

What a special trip this has been. Andalusía is a wonderful area to explore. It has everything, ancient history, wonderful nature, excellent food and drink, good infrastructure for tourism, and, of course, the courteous Spaniards with their lovely language. Oswaldo has enjoyed giving his talks and has made new academic friendships.

I have learnt a lot about Spain and Spanish and am ready for more. Maybe northern Spain next time?

We learnt a new word in Sevilla, Vale.  It is similar to OK, or, in Portuguese, neh. People use it all the time in casual conversation. 

Hasta la vista. Vale!