[youtube=”http://youtu.be/XXWZ3uAEKsw”]
Apparently this video made the rounds last year. Somehow I missed it – thanks to Mike at Lanzarote Information for reposting it on FB this morning. All of us who have had to deal with the Spanish paperwork system have been here…
Some images from this year’s Semana Santa
[click on pics to enlarge]
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.
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!
carrillada – aka stewed pig’s cheeksCarrillada is one of those very traditional dishes that can range from rustic homestyle comfort food to exquisite gourmet delicacy. The pig’s cheeks are slow-cooked on low heat for several hours (chef Claudia at the now-defunct Bar Jano used to cook hers for nine hours!) and the result is tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. The best of the best is made from the acorn-fed Iberian black foot pig, and five of the best that keep me going back for more can be found at these restaurants:
La Azotea, Bodeguita Romero, Eslava, Las Golondrinas and Albarama.
Or you could try making them yourself.
Where is your favourite spot for carrillada ibérica?