Warm Winter Family Trip to Spain - Seville, Our Sunny Oranges
**Day 1: The Soul Collision of the Old Town, the Royal Palace, and Flamenco in the Rain**
At noon, our family of three took the train to Seville. The sky was drizzling, adding a touch of tenderness to this passionate city. We dragged our luggage straight to the apartment in the old town. When we opened the window, we could see the cobblestone road and the orange trees all over the street. The orange-yellow fruits were hanging on the branches. The little guy excitedly shouted, "Mom, this place is like a fairy tale town!"
We put down our luggage and rushed to find food! We went into a traditional tapas restaurant recommended by locals. The wooden tables and chairs, and the retro tiled walls, were full of fireworks. We ordered fried squid rings, Iberian ham, garlic shrimp, and potato omelet. Each dish was like opening a blind box - the squid was fresh and tender, the ham was salty and fragrant with bread, and the little guy even asked for "another bite of olives" (the old mother was moved to tears!). What was even more surprising was that there was a photo of the legendary Spanish goalkeeper Casillas and the owner on the wall of the restaurant. My husband, a senior fan, instantly became a fanboy, pulling the owner to ask questions. Although the little guy didn't understand football, he also joined in the fun: "Dad, is this uncle very powerful?"
After eating and drinking, we originally planned to visit the Royal Knights Club Bullring, but because it conflicted with the appointment time of the Real Alcazar of Seville, and we would go to the bullring in Ronda later, we decided to just walk around outside. The yellow and white arches of the bullring looked particularly soft in the rain, and the typical Baroque style made people want to take photos. Although the little guy couldn't go in, he was also full of curiosity about the building outside.
In the afternoon, we rushed into the Real Alcazar of Seville on time. This architectural treasure that combines Islamic, Gothic, and Renaissance styles was simply breathtaking! The palace was originally built in the 10th century as a Moorish fortress. After several expansions and renovations, it became what it is today. The exquisite courtyards, magnificent palaces, and intricate carvings made every step feel like being in the story of One Thousand and One Nights. Especially the Courtyard of the Maidens (Patio de las Doncellas), with its fountains, greenery, and beautiful arcades, was unforgettable. The little guy ran around the courtyard, excited like a little bird, and occasionally picked up small stones on the ground, pretending they were "Moorish gems."
At night, we went to a traditional flamenco hall to experience the soul of Spain - flamenco. The dancers' powerful steps, passionate singing, and guitar melodies intertwined, as if pouring all the passion, sadness, and joy onto the stage. Flamenco originated in the Andalusian region and is a fusion of Gypsy, Moorish, and Jewish cultures, with a deep historical background. Although the little guy couldn't understand it, he also swayed to the rhythm. At that moment, our whole family was shocked by this vibrant art form!