Oh Butter Where Art Thou

Monday was beautiful - 80 and abundant sunshine. We strolled to the Cathedral early to beat the crowds. There was already a line at 10 am but figured either wait now or wait later. They shuffle you through gift shop #1 in case you want to purchase something in advance like rosary beads or whatnot. The Cathedral is massive. Every room and alcove more beautiful and ornate then the next.  Jud climbed the bell tower while I chilled in one of the shrine benches - 330 feet up and a 360 view of the city. I had already done it and remember the miserable climb so I opted to sit this one out.  
Then we walked across the bridge to a neighborhood called Triana.  The river side of the street is lined with checkered table cloths and chalkboard menus of the days eats and the other side of the street holds the kitchen.  Servers run back and forth across the street between table and kitchen avoiding the cars, scooters and bikes.  We sat outside going from place to place tasting and soaking the local neighborhood flavor. We were entertained by an impromptu break out of flamingo dancing and Spanish guitar strumming.  All for a donation of course but certainly worth dropping some change into their bag. We came upon the couple again when we got kinda sideways on one of the back streets. They were divvying up the days money take. Funny.
We returned to the other side of the bridge, stopped for some coffee and pastry (of course) and then headed to the shopping district. Came upon an open market and open stands filled with chorizo, cheese, ham, bread and more pastries. Temping but we passed and opted to head deep into another corn maze of narrow streets and shops. It was about 2 pm and guess what?!  Siesta time!  Closed!  Had to laugh - it was the first time we've bumped into the tradition of the siesta closing.  
After our seista we headed out for dinner around 9 pm, prime time!  Another amazing meal and wine. I had lamb- Jud had pasta and we shared a super old bottle of Rioja to celebrate Jud's birthday.
Tonight the streets were full of people and street singers playing spanish guitar, tambourines  and singing Spanish songs. Even back in our room we were serenaded for hours listening to the singing and music. I think they finally wore themselves out about 2:30 am.....
One of the coolest things I think about traveling is emerging yourself as a local. The beer might be warm, no ice and there is not a pad or stick of butter to be found in Seville and I won't even go into the bathroom situation here in the south.....  But the point is to step inside their world and take it all in.
Today (Tuesday) is All Saints Day.  The church bells have been ringing constantly all morning.  Can't wait to see what today brings.

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