And my Virtual Adventure (based on Frances Mayes: A Year in the World) Continues...
A fast train from Madrid to Seville (pronounced See-vee-ya locally)...the Capital of Andalusia.
https://youtu.be/uFphe7D5U14
And who could have ever imagined that many orange groves even existed.
And Rick Steve's Andalusia (an hour journey you won't want to miss)
https://youtu.be/eP93PQMmXsc
Beginning with a quick tour of what once was The Royal (Carmen) Tobacco Factory until 1950. It is now used as the Seat for the University of Seville.
Mosaic tiles belie a time when young señoritas hand rolled cigars from wide tobacco leaves over generous thighs...adding to the mystic.
Having experienced a smaller version of a flavored cigar compliments of a lover who took them up for a while...I can safely say a "cigar dinner" or trying one again is something that will not be in my future. Not even the Cuban version...and no matter how many tanned thighs they have been rolled across. The things we try for love, eh?
But I digress...
Onward to the Orange Groves.
Seville Oranges do grow in bunches. Like grapes...only bigger.
And in Seville the orange is KING. Used from oils and perfumes, to being squeezed in a pitcher of cold water with a bit of sugar for a refreshing cold drink in the heat. Winter in Andalusia (now) is nearly a perfect 70 degrees. The nights only drop to 55 or 60.
Over the next couple of days (being a foodie) I am going to try some of the recipes the oranges are used for...including the orange water to sip.
I also want to try
Seville Citrus Chicken.
And Candied Orange Peel...maybe even dipped in Dark Chocolate!
But for now...I'm enjoying the mash-up of architecture that is Spain. Influences include a bit of France
Traces of Arabic...
And even a remaining Aquaduct from Roman times...
Residing side by side comfortably with the cities most modern structure, The Parasol.
The architecture alone- a photographer's wet dream.
I will be sharing recipes soon.
More Anon...
