Tag: seville

Occupy Plaza Pescadería

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[click on image to enlarge]

This morning on the way to the gym I passed through Plaza de la Pescadería and saw this colourful display – and so of course I had to find out what was going on!

Turns out it’s a one-day event being put on by Seville University architecture students, protesting the way that the four bars and restaurants in the square are taking up the public space there by continually extending their terrazas.

They are using yarn to represent “home” and homeowners occupying the public benches and the spaces between them. The students were still hard at work when I left them, so if you’re in the neighbourhood be sure to check it out.

Plaza de la Pescadería

veoapartment

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As you can imagine, I’m often asked to recommend places to stay in Sevilla. Awhile ago I came up with my top 30 hotel picks, but the truth is that when I’m staying somewhere for more than a couple of days I always prefer to rent a holiday apartment. I like having the extra space and a kitchen to make coffee and snacks in. I seldom cook full meals on holiday but it’s nice (and cheaper) to have the option of not eating every meal at a restaurant. Plus most apartments come with washing machines, which is great for longer stays. But mostly I just like being able to “come home” from being out and about and having a comfy livingroom to relax in, rather than having to sit on my hotel bed.

I’ve known the gang at Sevilla 5 for years and can vouch that their apartment selection, and especially their personal service, makes them one of the best in town. I also love their newer “sister site” veoapartment. I mean, just check it out. The apartments are gorgeous, and they are all in the best neighbourhoods (barrios). But what is really impressive is how they have gone to the trouble of not only photographing the apartments, but they’ve also made stylish videos that give you a real feel of the places (much better than those dizzy-making 360º photos). They’ve also made some terrific videos of Sevilla so if you are interested in, say, staying in the Arenal, then you can take a visual stroll through the barrio before deciding whether or not it’s for you. And if you have any questions then the team is on hand to answer them in about a gazillion languages. Which is perhaps the thing I like best about this group – that they are from everywhere and I think this gives them a better insight into what people from everywhere are looking for when they come to Sevilla.

veoapartment.com

3rd Sevilla en Boca de Todos

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The third edition of Sevilla en Boca de Todos (Seville on Everyone’s Lips) promises several new features such as a competition by area, the final where the tapas have to be prepared before a jury, and the first Ensaladilla Competition.

I’m assuming that, as with the two previous editions, the main competition will be to create the best tapa in Seville for less than 2.50€, but so far the neither the official website or Facebook page is giving out much information yet, not even the list of participants.

As I did last year, I will be posting photos of the tapas I manage to sample, though I think I’ll skip the ensaladilla competition…


[update: new dates announced for this competition]

Sevilla en Boca de Todos
2 May – 27 June 2012.

Family Life in Spain

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Family Life in Spain Newsletter

Lisa Sadleir invited me to write an article for their recent Family Life in Spain Newsletter and I was happy to contribute a piece on – what else? – tapas in Sevilla. This is a fabulous newsletter for people interested in moving to Spain, as well as for those who have already moved here. In fact, Lisa provides excellent information and services via her Family in Spain and Costa Consulting websites, helping people with all manner of situations that arise when relocating to Spain. There is also lots of general interest stuff: book reviews, recipes, cultural events, cool places to visit…

What I enjoy best about the newsletter is that you get a real sense of the community that Lisa has created, and I really like being a part of that. Check it out!

Internations Seville

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Last night I went to my second Internations monthly meet up in Sevilla. They started having them here last October. Basically it’s a way for expats (really dislike that term – but what else could we use?) to meet and share their experiences of living in a foreign land, though there are also a few Spaniards in the group.

Last night’s meet up started off early (7pm) at the Horno San Buenaventura, the idea being that people could have a coffee and snack before heading out later for a tapa. Around 9 o’clock we headed over to the Plaza Alfalfa for tapitas and more chatting at La Bodega.

I actually preferred the second location because it was easier to mingle.

But as this is still a new thing here, our fearless leader Hugo (who organises the events) has been trying out different locations, times and days of the week, which I think is great. Because you’re never going to be able to please everyone. And it’s good to mix it up a bit.

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I’m not usually much of a group person, though I was a member of the AWC for awhile. This group seems a bit more lively than the AWC. First of all, it’s not just women and there are no expensive sit-down lunches to pay for. Also the Internations meets seem more casual and fun. So we shall see. I think it’s a great way to meet new people.

If you’d like to come to the next meet up in February then go to the Internations website and request an invitation. Or get in touch with me by email and I’ll send you an invitation. The more the merrier!