Way back in early winter we were having lunch with our music history friend and neighbor “Aunt Jean Kreiling” when she mentioned she might take a trip to Spain for her 70th birthday. We suggested that since we would be living in Europe, we could meet her. Well, we all made it happen and this week we found ourselves back in Spain. Specifically, we were in Sevilla, Spain.
As many of you know, Seville is a famous Bull Fighting and Flamenco Dancing city. You really can’t go anywhere without being reminded of this. We went to famous fighting arena but did not go in as we all agreed it is really a cruel sport.
What a beautiful city with perfect weather and a much appreciate laid-back vibe. We were especially relaxed as we did not have any concerts, teacher-training, or “must-see” sights. We had of course watched a few travel documentaries, and had some ideas about what we might do, but there was no pressure to do anything.
We went to the Seville Cathedral (Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede – Sant Mary of the See) and signed up for a tour of the roof, inner walls, and building techniques. The tour was very different from the normal church-tour which we have done dozens of this trip, and we all loved it.
We also did the traditional tour around the regularly accessed part of the Cathedral where we saw the tomb of Christopher Columbus. This year (2025) a quadruple-blind research article was published that finally confirms that Christopher himself is in fact in the tomb (not his brother, son, or unknown).
Another day we took a walk down the river to the Parque de Maria Luisa and the Plaza de Espana. Some of you might know this plaza as the setting of Naboo in Star Wars Episode II. It is also a park with four-person bicycles. We rented one of the bikes (more like pedal golf cart) and had a blast pedaling around.
The park is also home to white doves and green parrots (Monk Parakeet or Quaker Parrot). These birds can also be found in Turkey, but they were still south in Africa when we were in Turkey.
On the day of Jean’s birthday, we again walked the river, spent time in the Triana district and then took a river tour in a small boat with only about twelve people and a guide. We followed up with another dinner of paella and wrapped up the night at the roof-top bar in her hotel. The air was warm, the skyline was all in lights, and we were so happy to relax and chat.
We wrapped up our unexpectedly wonderful time in Sevilla with a tour of the new (and controversial) wooden sculpture Setas de Sevilla (AKA Metropol Parasol). It is said to be the largest wooden structure in the world, but I suspect that depends upon how you define “largest”. The views from the walkways up on top, and through, the sculpture were spectacular, and it made for a perfect afternoon. We followed that with a lovely lunch of Spanish Tapas and a quiet evening playing games and getting ready to head back to work.
We are now off to the Netherlands for our next series of professional development offerings and another choral festival.
One response to “Sevilla, Spain: Happy Birthday Jean Kreiling”
What a spectacular birthday it was! I’m so honored to be included in “Two Professors Abroad,” even though I’m only a Professor Emeritus, and was abroad for only two weeks. The McQuarrie-Sherwins are having just as great a time overseas as their posts here and on Facebook suggest–they are making the most of every minute, and don’t appear at all stressed!–but I am glad they’re coming home!