We arrived in one of the most amazing ports we’ll probably see throughout this trip. The sun was rising over the mountains as the ship was escorted in by the pilot boat. Everyone gathered as a group on the bow of the ship so it was almost as if it was a full circle. We started the journey across the Atlantic together and we finished together.
After a quick shower, my roommate, Tyler, and I ran off the ship to go exploring. It was perfect timing as it was still early, maybe 9am, and nothing was open. It was calm, peaceful, and relaxing. One of the first things we did was walk through the city Cathedral which was absolutely astonishing. As soon as we walked in our breath was taken away. The intricate architecture was everywhere and the domes were so high that there was netting so if something fell from the ceiling it wouldn’t kill anyone. There were graves in the basement but another dome, oddly enough. Every step you took echoed and we were told that if you were alone in the center, you could hear it echo back at least 10 times.
We stumbled upon an enormous market with fresh fruits and seafood which was probably the only bustling place in the city that early. The smells were almost overwhelming but still enjoyable. We met up with other people to continue exploring in the afternoon. We went back to the Cathedral (which was even better the 2nd time). After, we hoofed it up the tallest dome tower in the city which provided breathtaking views over the port city. We had lunch at a street café (I ate jamon y queso) while a wedding was taking place behind us. Gelato has been our main meal for a while, but if you tasted it you’d know why. After, we went to the beach for only an hour just to get it out of our system early. The water was so warm! It was like bath water.
We strolled on over to a café for some tapas and sangria, but before the tapas came I had to run back to the ship to go experience my authentic flamenco night! The club was tiny, but full of locals. At first, Simone gave us a lecture on the history and components that make up the music. Guitar, vocals, percussion, and dancing. Soon after, the dancer and musicians came out to put on a show. It’s amazing how passionate and how many emotions one voice can let out into an entire room. As the song progressed, locals would shout out cheers such as “ole!” or “mucho gusto!” The footwork technique is something that I’ve never seen before. From a percussionists’ point of view, they would basically be playing drums with their feet. For all of you musicians out there, imagine playing 32nd notes with your heels… insane! I think we’re all going back there on the last night because the experience was so incredible. I’ll try to post videos on facebook.
Later that night a couple of us explored some more. There are a lot of stray cats in Cadiz… I kind of wanted to take another one home :p, but I figured my parents would kill me, haha. Cadiz is basically walking streets with amazing architecture. We took alleys everywhere and it was exactly like the movies. Tall apartments with courtyards in the middle and clothes hanging over the railings with people conversing on the steps.
Time to wrap up this blog post, so today 5 of us took at 2 hour train ride into Seville (or Sevilla in Spanish). The hostel we’re staying at is incredibly nice with a terrace overlooking the city. It’s crazy. We thought the cathedral back in Cadiz was huge but the one here is easily 2 or 3 times the size. We met a couple of people from the UK in the hostel that informed us of a bullfight this evening so we decided to tag along. The beginning was very neat. All the matadors came out with a band playing in the background and the fight began. It was entertaining until the horses came out with riders carrying spears. I understand that this is part of their culture, but to me it’s absolutely morbid. They would spear the bull so blood would be pouring out, all the while continuing to taunt it. I could only watch so long before I had to get up and exit the stadium. I’m glad I went for the experience but it is something I would never go to again.
The group of us stopped at a bar for some food and sangria. Tonight I ate fried baby squid and eggs, fish, peppers, and ham. All of it was delicious. Right now we’re chilling in the hostel preparing for a full day in Sevilla tomorrow!
Adios!
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