May 13th

Today we travel again – I've decided to call them transition days. But first we go to airport by bus to get a car. Jeff had booked a car rental for one week, so we can get into the country and explore. Our car is a SEAT Ateca. It is like a small cross-over type, Spanish made vehicle. 

Anyway, we drive back to the Cathedral de Sevilla. We have a timed entry for 1:40. Also Jeff bought us an audio guide, which in hind sight was a blessing. This Cathedral is actually named The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See (Cathedral de Santa Maria de la Sede). It is the largest Gothic church, and 2nd or 3rd largest in Europe (depending on how you measure). Overwhelming! It is so huge and grandiose. So many gold guided pieces/alters, but because it is so open and large inside it is not too over the top. The main alter is so enormous, it's difficult to get in pictures (and the fact that all areas are behind rod iron enclosures). There are many, many art pieces, artworks and paintings displayed throughout the cathedral, at times it feels like a museum! Also displayed are Catholic bishops robes, headpieces, and vestment pieces. There is an ornamental headpiece that is said to have the 2nd largest pearl in the world. Another fact, Christopher Columbus remains are interned and prominently displayed. I almost forgot our ticket also included climbing up the bell tower. It was actually a relatively easy ascent, due to ramps not stairs, most of the way up. The views outside were great. One last thing to mention was there had just been a wedding, probably in the royal chapel. But this chapel is completely blocked off to tourists (even to view inside). When I left I was just stunned and still processing all the beauty!!

We bought a “take away” sandwich for lunch and ate it in shadow of the cathedral. 

Back to our car, we left Seville and went South to Gibraltar. Our hostel, Hostal Paris is actually in La Linea de la Concepcion. We unloaded our stuff and decided to get kebabs and frites for dinner. Then walked across the border, so to speak. Because Gibraltar is still British, we literally enter into another 'sovereignty'. We took in the enormity of the Rock of Gibraltar and sunset at 9:19. Then hiked back to our place.