Family Cultural Exploration in Seville

A Day of Ancient Echoes and Modern Sunsets

Today was a day of contrasts, a beautiful blend of ancient history and serene modern beauty. We ventured beyond Seville's city walls, discovering hidden gems and creating memories that I know we'll cherish for years to come. It was one of those days where everything just seemed to fall into place, a perfect harmony of exploration, relaxation, and family time.

Our day began, as most good days do, with breakfast at Los Coloniales. It's become a bit of a tradition for us on this trip. The place was already buzzing when we arrived, a mix of locals and tourists all eager to start their day with some authentic Sevillian flavors. I opted for the *huevos de codorniz con jamón*, quail eggs with ham, while Klaus enjoyed the *solomillo al whisky*, whisky sirloin. Sofia, ever the adventurous eater, surprised us by trying the *espinacas con garbanzos*, spinach with chickpeas, and actually enjoying it! It's moments like these, seeing her embrace new experiences, that make traveling with family so rewarding.


Discover the rich flavors of Andalusian cuisine at Los Coloniales - a top-rated tapas bar in Seville's historic heart.

Bellies full, we set off for Carmona. The drive itself was lovely, the Andalusian countryside unfolding before us like a painting. Rolling hills, olive groves stretching as far as the eye could see, and the bright Spanish sun overhead – it was a feast for the eyes. As we drove, I reflected on how much this landscape reminds me of the countryside around Azrou, the town in Morocco where I grew up. The same warm sun, the same earthy tones, the same sense of timelessness. It's funny how places so far apart can evoke such similar feelings.

We arrived at the Parque Arqueológico de Carmona ready to explore. The site is truly impressive, a sprawling complex of Roman ruins that offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. Walking through the ancient streets, I couldn't help but imagine what life must have been like here centuries ago. The amphitheater, though weathered by time, still held a sense of grandeur, and the necropolis, with its intricate tombs and burial chambers, was both eerie and awe-inspiring. Sofia was particularly fascinated by the mosaics, marveling at the skill and artistry of the Roman craftsmen. Klaus, ever the history buff, was engrossed in reading every information panel, sharing interesting facts and anecdotes with us as we went along.


Discover the rich history and archaeological wonders of Parque Arqueológico de Carmona, a must-see historical site near Seville.

Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.

After a couple of hours of exploring the archeological park, we decided to embrace the Spanish tradition of a leisurely lunch. We found a small restaurant in Carmona's charming town center and indulged in some local specialties. I had the *rabo de toro*, oxtail stew, a rich and flavorful dish that's quintessential Andalusian cuisine. Klaus opted for the *salmorejo*, a cold tomato soup that's perfect for a warm day. And Sofia, of course, had the *patatas bravas*, fried potatoes with spicy sauce, which she declared were the best she'd had so far on the trip.

With our historical curiosity sated and our stomachs content, we journeyed back to Seville. We dropped off our rental car and headed back to the hotel for a quick cool off. The June heat was starting to get to us, and a few minutes in the air conditioning was very welcome. After a short rest we headed out for our final attraction for the day.

As the afternoon waned, we made our way to the Muelle del Atardecer Sevillano, Seville's sunset pier. I'd heard so much about this place, and I was eager to experience it for myself. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The pier stretches out into the Guadalquivir River, offering stunning views of the city skyline. As the sun began to set, the sky exploded in a riot of colors – oranges, pinks, purples, and golds – painting a breathtaking panorama that took my breath away. The air was filled with a sense of tranquility, a peacefulness that washed over us as we watched the day fade away.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of Muelle del atardecer sevillano, a serene pier in Seville offering stunning sunset views and a tranquil atmosphere for visitors.

We strolled along the pier, hand in hand, soaking in the magical atmosphere. Street musicians played soulful melodies, couples embraced, and families laughed and chatted. It was a scene of pure joy and contentment, a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. Sofia, of course, couldn't resist taking about a hundred photos, determined to capture every moment of this unforgettable sunset. I must admit, I did the same. We paused for a while to simply sit and observe. I thought about my family back in Morocco and felt a pang of longing, but at the same time, I felt grateful for this moment, for this experience, for the opportunity to share it with my loved ones.

Before heading to dinner, we stopped by Sevilla Shop, a local store, to pick up some souvenirs. I was on the hunt for some authentic Andalusian crafts to take back home to Bonn. I found some beautiful hand-painted ceramics, perfect for decorating our kitchen, and a few colorful scarves, reminiscent of the ones I used to wear in Morocco. Sofia, of course, wanted a flamenco dress, but I managed to convince her that a flamenco fan would be a more practical souvenir. Klaus, ever the pragmatist, bought a bottle of local olive oil, declaring it to be the perfect ingredient for his famous Sunday roast.


Discover authentic souvenirs and local crafts at Sevilla Shop in the heart of Seville's historic Casco Antiguo, a perfect stop for unique mementos.

For dinner, we had reservations at Petit Comité, a restaurant that had been recommended to me by several of my blog readers. It was a small, intimate space, with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The menu was a fusion of traditional Spanish cuisine and modern culinary techniques, and everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. We started with the *croquetas*, creamy and flavorful, and the *ensaladilla rusa*, a classic Spanish potato salad. For our main courses, I had the *pulpo a la gallega*, Galician-style octopus, tender and succulent, while Klaus opted for the *solomillo de ternera*, beef sirloin, perfectly cooked and seasoned. Sofia, surprisingly, chose the *arroz negro*, black rice with seafood, and devoured every last grain.


Experience authentic Spanish cuisine at Petit Comité in Seville's historic Casco Antiguo district, where every dish tells a story.

As we savored our meal, we talked about our favorite moments of the day. Sofia loved the mosaics in Carmona, Klaus was fascinated by the history of the ruins, and I was captivated by the sunset over the Guadalquivir. It was a day filled with discovery, beauty, and connection, a day that reminded us of the importance of slowing down, appreciating the moment, and cherishing the time we have together.

Tomorrow is our last day in Seville. I can’t believe how quickly this week has flown by! We’re planning to explore the Alameda de Hércules and the Mosaico Guadalquivir and do some last-minute souvenir shopping at Artesanías Medina Sevilla. We'll have breakfast at Vuela Tapas & Cocktail, lunch at Restaurante El Giraldillo Sevilla, and a farewell dinner at Restaurante Tribeca. I’m already feeling a little sad about leaving, but I’m also excited to share our final Seville adventures with you all. Until then, *besos desde Sevilla*!