I traveled to Seville in October for a few nights before beginning an Andalucia bike trip with Trek Travel. My friend, Philippe, had to cancel so my trip began as a solo traveler. I chose to stay in the ancient Santa Cruz area which was once the old Jewish Quarter of this medieval city. I woke up very early, jet-lagged and a little disoriented but excited to begin my adventure. I started wandering near my hotel at 5 AM, excited and energized. The area is a confusing labyrinth of tiny lanes and very easy to become lost. There was no one about but me.

After a nice breakfast at Hotel Rey Alfonso X, I set out to explore the cobbled lanes in daylight. Each turn presented new decisions, should I turn left, right or go straight?

Looking up I noticed beautiful and colorful tiled balconies.

I found myself in an area of fascinating shops. Since I spent my entire career in the decorative fabric area I was intrigued by a number of tiny stores selling fabrics and embellishments primarily for religious uses.

This shop displayed cloaks in the window.

The Andalucian part of southern Spain is famous for tapas bars. This place has some real heritage.

Vintage posters lined the walls of this small restaurant.

When you want to have a flamenco dress made, “Lina” is your trusted resource!

I walked through “Plaza del Pan” which was once the center for the Bakers Guild. The official name is “Plaza of Jesus of the Passion” though locals still call it by its original name. The stunning 1925 “Pedro Roldan” building features beautiful blue tiles and a dome.

Even with “Google Maps” I had to ask twice for directions for “Real Alcazar” and the Cathedral. After making a few left turns and right turns, and a little backtracking I came upon the majestic “Giralda Tower”, originally a minaret of a mosque built in the 12th century. Seville was conquered by the Moors in the 8th century and the era lasted until the army of the Castilian King Fernando III ousted them in 1248. It was converted into a bell tower for the Christian church.

The Seville Cathedral is listed as the largest gothic church in the world.

Activity inside the Cathedral.

The Plaza Virgen de los Reyes in front of the Cathedral.

Carriage rides would be a fun way to see the city.

I joined a group of English speakers for a tour of the “Real Alcazar.” The upstairs of the buildings are still used by the Spanish royal family as part-time residences. It is the oldest royal palace in Spain. The Real Alcazar was used as a backdrop for the film, “Lawrence of Arabia” and most recently “The Game of Thrones.”

The “Real Alcazar” is one of the finest examples of Mudejar architecture in Spain. It is a beautifully unique blending of Moorish and European styles. The “Alhambra” is another breathtaking example of this style of architecture.

A peaceful “courtyard of the Maidens.“

The interiors were spellbinding in their detail.

The wall carvings are something to behold!

The “Hall of the Ambassadors” is incredible!

Intricate carvings and tile work throughout!

The “Mercury Pool” in the Alcazar gardens.

Gardens of Las Damas and the “Del Marques.”

I connected with longtime Dallas friends, Kerri Green and Russ Ingram for a drink at the Plaza de Santa Cruz. They were on a wonderful three week tour to Spain.

The Plaza is very popular for wedding photography.

I’m relaxing with a delicious “Cruzcampo” beer and olives. I would be connecting with our Trek Travel cycling group the next day. So many thoughts and questions whirled around my head. “How would my knee hold up?” “Did I train hard enough.” “What would the group be like.” I’ll share more of my Andalucia adventure soon.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be shared without permission.