What a scorcher! (Seville)

Member Name: buttonman

Product:	Seville
Date:	14/09/00 (120 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Weather,people,cerveza!

Disadvantages: Mystery meat

I'm just back from a week in Seville and would heartily recommend it.It was something as a culture shock though to one such as I who only knew the egg and chips and happy hour Spain.

Firstly no one we met spoke English and even staples such as beer and coffee had to be ordered via the phrasebook.It was also very hot, somedays 40 degrees in the open with only the tourists daft enough to venture out.

The city itself is gorgeous and very old.So old many of the central steets could barely accomodate our rented Clio.Parking is also at a premium with the hotel charging 2000pts (£8)a night.Locals do help out for small change with one man shoving his beat up van over to let us park!

The food was usually a challange with us often decanting to McDonalds when the local fare was too surprising.The guidebook recommended the Tapas which are small dishes of various items.The idea is that you have a small sample of each bar's wares as you crawl about the pubs.The reality is that often the dishes are a bowl of olives or things with tentacles and you therefore wander around seeking the nearest fast food emporium.

The shopping was good with street markets springing up on a regular basis.British High street staples such as M&S and the soon to be lost C&A in attendance.The prices are comparable to the UK but the choice greater and more stylish.

The city could accomodate several weeks of sightseeing with the new Star Wars having just finished shooting at the impressive Plaza de Espania being just one attractions.The parks are also great and well maintained and the feeding of the white doves is a must.

The river cruise isnt recommended though as it only covers a small strech of river and the highlight is the now derelict Expo'92 site.The buildings are fantastic and the streets clean apart from the oranges which drip off every tree.

Other recommendations would be the pet fair which sprung up with one chap selling pi
geons that looked similar to those in the squares for 500pts and the alfresco bars which cover most main squares.The tap beer is always less than a pound and despite the lack of frills the atmosphere and all night opening add up to a great night out.

On the whole a wonderful cosmopolitan city which offers excellent late season breaks with a guaranteed climate.

Summary: