Sevilla

    Monday was a long day with a range of activities.  All interesting but very different.  Started the day out with a visit to a private preK thru 12 school outside Madrid.  It was a fascinating experience.  The principal and English department head greeted us and were our hosts throughout the morning and at lunch.  They take studying English very seriously.  The school alternates language days between Spainish and English.  Lucky for us, Monday was an English Day.  I got to observe preK and 2nd  grade.  It was so much fun.  The students are adorable, dress in uniforms, write in cursive and speak English very well.  The 2nd graders were in front of their class talking about their weekend - all in English.  The faculty all speak English as well.  We also spent some time out at recess and got to talk with the students individually.  The students were polite, enthusiastic and well spoken.
    After lunch we headed to Sevilla.  Sevilla is flamboyant and known best for its bullfighting and flamenco dancing.  The city boomed in the 16th century and many explorers such as Vespucci and  Magellan sailed from its harbor.  Now tourism is its main industry.
    We visited the Plaza de Toros and got a tour of the bullring.  The season runs fromApril thru October so no Bulls were present.  It is a beautiful arena along with an informative museum.  Many of us cringed at the thought of 6 bulls being killed at every bull fight but it is an extremely popular sport here.  The fights take place on Sundays and last about 2 hours.  From there we went to the Cathedral.  What is a European city without a cathedral?  Seville's Santa Maria cathedral is huge.  It is built on a site that had been a mosque which was destroyed in 1401 to build the cathedral.  The Giralda Bell Tower was not destroyed and is incorporated into the Church. It is 330 feet up ( 35 ramps and 17 steps ) and offers an incredible view of the city.
     Next was a walking tour of the city and an hour long boat cruise on the Guadalquivir River.  From here we had some free time for shopping or whatever.  I joined the group who went for tapas and wine.  With the help of heat lamps we were able to sit outside and enjoy the sights of this beautiful city.  We ended the evening with a Flamenco dance performance.  Most enjoyable entertainment.