Lisbon 2006

In the fall of 2006, my sister and I visited Lisbon. Portugal might not be the #1 tourist destination in Europe but it is one not to be missed. Much like Spain, Portugal is a bargain compared to the northern countries in Europe. Lisbon has an old world feel which is nicely preserved.

Santa Justa Elevator

Castelo de Sao Jorge

Love the old streetcar

Praca Dom Pedro or Rossio

Marques do Pombal

World map tile

Monument to the Discoveries

Cannon from Castelo de Sao Jorge

Santa Justa Elevator from Castelo

Narrow cobblestone street

Se Cathedral

Church on the site of St. Anthony’s birthplace

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos

Vaulted ceiling

Pasteis or Custard

Seville 2010

In September 2010, I went to Seville, Spain. The trip was mainly to go see U2 in concert. I always like to combine my two passions which are travel and U2. The city took me by surprise, I have been to Madrid and Barcelona a few times but Seville might be my favorite. The sights were magnificent and full of interesting history.

My first stop was The Seville Cathedral. It was the only church I have been to that charged an 8 Euro entrance fee. Not even St. Peter’s or Notre Dame charges an entrance fee. I thought to myself, it better be worth it.

Side view of the cathedral

Christopher Columbus was buried in the cathedral. His tomb is the best memorial I have ever seen.

The Cathedral has a museum in the premises, it boasts that it is the largest church in the world when it was finished in the 16th century. The church is massive with the main altar in gold. The cathedral was used to showcase Spain’s
riches mostly taken from the conquests. Look at that ceiling and vaulting, beautiful!

The Gold Altar

Gold Crown with gems

The ceiling of the Cathedral.

Next door to the cathedral is the Real Alcazar. An old Moorish Palace with intricate Islamic design of columns, arches and wall carvings.

Serene garden

Love the arches and designs

Just outside the Alcazar is the Cathedral and La Giralda

Another big attraction in Seville is the massive Plaza Espana. Unfortunately, the plaza was under construction when we visited. All provinces and cities are represented in tile. It was a very hot day when I visited so not many tourists in the plaza.

Check out the city tram advertising the U2 concert

Another view of The Cathedral

Other views of Seville

Tarp Between buildings to shield shoppers from the extreme heat.

No trip to Seville is complete without a visit to the Macarena Church to see the Virgin of Macarena.