BLOG: Our daily adventures,
Week 7: El Palmar de Troya to Villanueva del Lariscal
February 19th-25th
- Day 43: February 19th:
21 km done for a total of 434 + 21 km = 455 km
-Meanwhile in Sevilla Celine...
A very impressive marching band, starts playing when I was about to set up a first busking station. People like magnetised by the energetic drums, are instantaneously following the musicians and their swiffer-shaped hats...flocking behind them like a herd of sheeps follows its shepherd.
Second busking session, this time, on the plaza Gavidia. A few enthusiastic people come to talk to me, pleased by the soft atmosphere I am creating. Some want to demonstrate their guitar and singing skills while being drunk. I have to decline several invitations to have a copa in the bar behind me: another way for people to reward my singing performance.
- Day 44: February 20th:
Alcala de Guadaira: A part-troglodyte town crowned by a Castle on its top. The village is actually known for its high rate of criminal activity... luckily Casey is just walking through in daylight.
22 km done for a total of 455 + 22 km = 477 km
-Meanwhile in Sevilla Celine...
I am resting my leg at the hostel until early afternoon. I then leave to find a chinese bazar where I could buy a bottle of gas for our stove: failed attempt in both of the ones I find...they have gas but not the type we need.
I then meet Sarah next to the river at Mercado Lonja del Barranco..again lively conversations.
We next walk to a small plaza close to the museo del bellas Artes and get ourselves delicious tapas at the bar/restaurant Barrabas Museo...we chat until late at night.
I then meet Sarah next to the river at Mercado Lonja del Barranco..again lively conversations.
We next walk to a small plaza close to the museo del bellas Artes and get ourselves delicious tapas at the bar/restaurant Barrabas Museo...we chat until late at night.
- Day 45: February 21st:
10 km done for a total of 477 + 10 km = 487 km
- Day 46-48: February 22nd - February 24th : Both in Sevilla.
Training for la semana santa, at 1am, these men walk around the narrow streets of Sevilla carrying a heavy load of steel. At the end of April, for one week, they will transport an effigy of the virgin Mary.
- Day 49: February 25th : Sevilla to Villanueva del Ariscal - 20 km
Today, we lace our hiking shoes back and we ready ourselves to leave the city. But, before we start, we have a few errands to do.
First, we get ourselves a vitamine boost in a small cafe : an orange juice which tastes very acidic. Yesterday, they've just harvested a majority of the orange trees which line the streets and plaza of Sevilla: the owner of the cafe must have chosen to collect a few of these to mix their juice. We were told by our friend Steve that the "street oranges" are too acid to be eaten...Back in the days, they were the only ones accessible to the lower class whereas the fruity and sweet ones were only found in the garden of the privileged people.
First, we get ourselves a vitamine boost in a small cafe : an orange juice which tastes very acidic. Yesterday, they've just harvested a majority of the orange trees which line the streets and plaza of Sevilla: the owner of the cafe must have chosen to collect a few of these to mix their juice. We were told by our friend Steve that the "street oranges" are too acid to be eaten...Back in the days, they were the only ones accessible to the lower class whereas the fruity and sweet ones were only found in the garden of the privileged people.
Before we leave Sevilla, we get ourselves the first stamp in our camino de Santiago credential (we did not find the place or the time to start the "stamping" earlier). For our first "sello", what's better than the cathedral of Sevilla!
At the feet of the edifice, and of mine: the jacob's shell has its own hall of fame embedded in the pavement.
At the feet of the edifice, and of mine: the jacob's shell has its own hall of fame embedded in the pavement.
Another place to meet the other pilgrims.
The arena which used to be the theater of the cruel tauromaquia tradition. Below, the statue glorifying one of the most famous toreador, expert in administrating a slow and painful death to an innocent and perplexed bull: elegant torturer.
Another historical figure seems to reluctantly harvest what he deserves: a pigeon decoration.
Offering instant poetry with his typewriting machine.
We are relieved to know that these costumes are used for the semana santa and not designed for an hypothetical Spanish version of the dreadful KKK.
After buying ourselves some gas bottles for our stove at the decathlon store on our way, we walk through the streets of a gypsy camp. On both side run down houses, wild cats and a group of people having their afternoon beers. They are cheering us while we climb up the narrow path between their homes, giving us a sip of their beers and providing directions as for the trail to follow to the next village. One of them run after us to give us some pastries for the way: one of the most cheerful and generous people we've met on our path so far!
We cross the city of Gines and admire its long walks covered by colorful graffiti :muralHomenaje BECE
Time is the silent master of life. Under Its branches emerge, dreams and memories.
At first, we have some trouble to find a suitable campsite, left and right there are only private properties protected by fences or/and dogs. Finally, we see the first open olive trees plantation, we have our spot!
20 km done for a total of 487 + 20 km = 507 km