The Baltic, Eastern Europe and Spain 2017: Arriving in Seville, Spain

Deciding to visit Seville from Cadiz was not hard at all.

Only one and a half hours by train....about 32 euros for tickets....for two....easy.

I knew there were at least three Christmas Markets in Seville to visit....it is that time of year.

But of course Seville is also very famous for Flamenco Dancing (apparently it originated here), Bull fighting, and the huge Seville Cathedral.

Seville in a nut shell.....

Seville is over 2200 years old and is the fourth largest city in Spain with over 3/4 of a million Sevillanos calling it home.

The walls surrounding parts of the city were built during Julius Caesars time as Emperor.

There is too much for us to see, with only an overnight visit....we already know we will return.

As we make our way from the train station to the Old Quarter, we find the Christmas Markets.....and so it begins.

One tradition in Spain that is believed to have originated over seven centuries ago was for the Spanish people to 'create a nativity scene' in their homes, churches, main plazas, etc.

Many of the stores specifically carry only items (often handmade) for nativity scenes.

They are incredible.

Below is an example of an elaborate 'nativity scene.'

Now where would I fit that in our trailer???

Mercado Navideno Sevilla Capital Christmas Market has been here near the Nervion Metro Stop since 2011.

Mostly artisans with jewelry, scarves, leather items, yummy nuts, baking goods, etc.

Many with an original topper that is a 'secret' until the Market actually opens.

Freshly roasted chestnuts....oh yeah.

We are quite aways from the city centre but we continue walking as it is a brand new city to us.

Always something neat and fun to see as we stroll the streets.

There be storks in Seville!!!

I am immediately struck by the architecture here in Seville. Moorish....Roman....Spanish....influences to be sure.

As we get closer to the city centre...or the Old Quarter of the city, things begin to change in terms of going back in time. I love it.

"We're here...."

Flamenco dress wear can be bought everywhere.

Poinsettias planted like seasonal flowers are blooming all over the Old Quarter of Seville.

The city is ready for Christmas.....the decorations are elaborate and super sized.

Can't wait to see them lit up.

All glistening in gold colours.

Booking our hostel online is always a surprise when we get there. Hoping for a good surprise....but we aren't far now.

Metropol Parasol is an incredible sight to behold. Just two blocks from where we are staying, it is quite something.

Approximately 150 x 70 meters across and over 26 meters high....'Las Setas de la Encarnacion' is what the people refer to it as or 'Incarnation's Mushrooms,' which is definitely what it looks like. Very unique.