My favorite Sevilla site :)

A man strums the strings of his Spanish guitar and belts out passionate Spanish melodies as a woman, adorned in traditional flamenco apparel claps to the beat of his guitar. The couple is seated at the steps of the most beautiful site in Seville-La Plaza de Espana. When I visited this site 2 summers ago, I was amazed by this grandiose structure nestled quietly in the middle of town. You turn a corner and all of a sudden, a breathtaking fountain and semi-circle of brick and painted tiles stretch 500 feet across. The fountain shoots up 30 foot streams of water in the center of the Plaza and horse-drawn carriages trot weary, sun burnt tourists around the fountain before disappearing behind the Plaza onto the streets of Seville. This is the view that surrounds me as I write this entry.

Today is our first full day in Seville. This morning I got my bearings when we discovered that our hostel is only a couple streets away from the hotel I stayed in two summers ago. The Seville Picasso Hostel has quite a different feel than Black and White Hostel in Lisbon. The owner is an older man who doesn’t speak a lick of English. My Spanish has definitely come in handy.

The entrance to the hostel is adorned with hanging potted plants and bright blue ceramic pots. To the right of the entry way is the notorious “common room” with a single computer and a small kitchen with a wooden picnic table. I could tell when we walked in that the vibe of this hostel was very different from our previous stays when I read the sign over the sink: “Everyone MUST wash all dishes and each cutlery”. There were also several signs with boldface type that enumerated the hostel rules which seemed to be posted on every wall. In the middle of the night, Brent and the others in the room awoke (not me…I was sound asleep!) to a group of guys literally banging their fists on the walls and doors as they sprinted up and down the stairs—obviously trying their best to disturb everyone. They far out did the immaturity that happens in freshman dorms. Nonetheless, we have a bed to sleep in and a beautiful city to wander in, day and night. Besides, the 3 other people in our room and are very pleasant and welcoming.

On top of Brent’s bunk is a guy named Nicholas from Australia who came off as quite conceited until we got to know him—he even offered us some of the pasta he had cooked up for dinner that night. Beside my bed are two girls from Slovenia—Tina and Spela (SHPAE-luh). I’ve really hit it off with these two. Tina and I chatted for a while last night about Slovenia and Los Angeles. She gave Brent and I advice on places to go if we can squeeze it into our itinerary. Sounds like a beautiful country. And, of course, Tina wanted to know if I had been to any TV shows or met any actors so I told her about my recent trip to the Comedy and Magic Club, where Wendy and I met Jay Leno. After more e-cited chatter and each other’s homes, Tina’s jaw dropped when I offered to let her stay with me when she visits Los Angeles next year. All 4 of us e-changed contact information and kind words before Tina and Spela left for their next destination.

After trekking around Plaza de Espana that afternoon, Brent and I enjoyed yet another kebab de ternera and meandered through the town toward the bridge over the Guadalquivir River. We passed by La Plaza de Toros and El Torre de Oro, which we later found out were even more beautiful at night. Strolling back inland from the river, we made our way through narrow streets and quiet alleys before stumbling upon the bustling shopping area of downtown Seville. Stopping briefly for a bit of delectable chocolate from a local pastelerias, we headed back towards our hostel. Another evening of cheap pasta and canned peaches. :)