Jerez del la Frontera

We had a big day out in Jerez de la Frontera (a new town for me!). Jessica had booked us tickets for horse dancing at the Royal Equestrian School. I didn't even know horse dancing was a thing! 

Jumping, posing horses!

Doing wheelies

For lunch, we indulged in 16 courses at the Michelin-starred Mantuá. Very elegant, modern interior and excellent food and service! 

After lunch, we got a glimpse of some locals heading to the Feria, a world-renowned horse fair held annually in May. This year it was dedicated to stunning flamenco fashion.

Our after-lunch destination was Bodegas Tradicional, a historic winery specializing in Sherry. We walked along the prettiest little Jacaranda tree-lined street and found another stunning square lined with the purple beauties. 

Jessica booked us a private guided tour and tasting at the Bodega. We visited their archival room where they are sorting the winery's correspondence and orders dating back to the 1700s with the US! Then we saw the barrles and learned the process. 

They put this glass window in especially to see the Jacaranda trees (which bloom in Spring and Fall!) 

The Bodega has its own art gallery, which we got to enjoy while tasting our sherry. 

We had two hours post-winery and I was determined to see the Feria before we had to board our train back to Seville. Our attempts at taxies and ubers failed, but I hopped on a local bus marked "Feria" and hoped for the best. I'd describe the scene as Oktoberfest meets Flamenco. There were huge stalls (referred to as houses), which had bars, dance floors and open air terraces. And all were packed with revelers. At least 50% of the women were dressed in Flamenco to the nines. I just wandered around oogling at how beautiful they all were. 

I may have had to cut the taxi line to get back to the train station on time after the retun bus failed to materialize. I love the adrenaline a little adventrure adds to travel!

Birthday Celebrations with High School Friends in Seville

In early May, Jessica organized a week-long trip to Spain for our high school friends to celebrate our collective 40th birthdays. Two couples ended up coming and I joined them for their time in Seville! I'd wanted to go back after bad weather kept us from seeing a lot of the city on our trip there 5 years ago.  

This time around, the weather was perfect. Hot and sunny, just as Spain should be. 

I'd read that the Jacaranda trees would be in bloom this time of year, and wow, we were in for a treat! 

I took an early morning flight and was very grateful that I was able to check into my hotel early to freshen up. I spent some time poolside while the group finished up a museum visit. 

We explored for a while and then had a long lunch before our tour of the Cathedral and Giralda tower. 

View of my hotel pool from the tower

The day I arrived was Chris' birthday and we went to a yummy dinner at con Tenedor to celebrate. 

Day 2 we spent the morning touring the Real Alcazar palace. It was as beautiful as I'd remembered and this time I finally got to explore the gardens, which were closed due to high winds before. 

We had lunch and beer at an art cafe and then Jessica led us on a curated boutique shopping adventure. 

The crew had a reservation at the Aire Baths that Pete and I had already visited, so I passed and spent the hot afternoon by the pool with my book, dipping in to cool off. I stayed until my shade was completely gone. 

Next stop was the Plaza de Espana and I couldn't wait to see it. Gorgeous Jacaranda trees on the walk there. 

Flamenco street performers

I loved all of the tile work, depicting all 50 of the provinces of Spain. The early evening light was so pretty. 

We took a long walk along the river to the Triana neighborhood for tapas. 

The first stop had a limited menu and Jesus stuff all over the walls, but the second stop at Bar Tipico was delicious. We made it to a third spot mostly for drinks and had fun playing card games until the bar shut down (very early for Spaniards!).