only by charis: September 2011

Sevilla was the eighth and final city that I visited. One thing I can say about this place, is that IT IS HOT. I live in the Valley now, but it is nothing compared to this... so I guess I have no grounds for complaint, right?

Things I remember about this city:

1) Sevilla is a great little city that is totally walkable and very charming in its architecture and culture.

2) Everyone greets each other with a kiss. Which I wish I knew about before someone came up really close to me and I freaked out. HAHA.

3) I had done some research online before I came, and found a solid Protestant church that was planted by an American missionary many years ago. I got to speak with him, and he told me the condition of the church there and how the Gospel never permeated the area, especially since it was so far south. The Inquisition laid the smack down on believers in the area, martyring them at any signs of rebellion against Catholicism. So, this small church of about 10-15 was one of a handful in all of Sevilla. You'd think that in Europe, they would've all heard about the Reformation, but I guess not.

4) Our tour guide's name was Concepcion, that is, Conthepthion. So most of us just called her "Connie."

5) Did I mention that it was HOT? So hot, that that residents justify a 6-hour siesta everyday. SIX HOURS. Europeans just don't work, I guess.

Guadalquivir River, where the original ships that sailed from the New World landed to drop off their goods. Now yachts filled with alcohol "sail" in it.

The Cathedral. I was so tired of looking at churches at this time, so I just took a picture of the outside.

The Spainiards love their jamon. This guy was cutting the meat, then eating it with his fingers, then dealing with our euros -- all with his non-sterile hands. Lovely.