Day 168
6 hrs*, 4 .2 kms
Day Totals: 16 hrs, 29.7 kms

I get off the bus before I reach downtown Sevilla, to explore the westside neighborhoods across the artificial river running through the center. Here there's another beautiful lesser known historical district, Triana... very nice are to stroll and get some supper at a much more reasonable price--a "combinado" a combined platter in a bar for a mere 4 euros!

Next Morning

Next morning, I have one more place to explore: Plaza de Espana, perhaps the most beautiful plaza in the world. Last time I was here it was under repair--by now it should be fully restored.

Yep. A new circular canal has been built with beautiful bridges decorated in Andalusian style--with the grand palace like buildings behind--it's a breathtakingly beautiful view. Even though this plaza is less than 100 years old, it rivals any of Sevilla's historic structures for beauty and grandeur .

All around the semi-circular palace are little alcoves with a tile mural dedicated to each Spanish province. I slowly make my way around to see what symbol is chosen for each province of this great country. There's a picture of Columbus coming back from the New World... an image from the Napoleanic War... even an image of Don Quixote.

But the image I see over and over again is that of an Spanish lord or king being given the key to the city by the departing Moorish lord. The message is clear: Spanish historians want to give the impression that Christians taking over the country, province by province from Muslim rule is the central event in this country's history. Nevermind this began perhaps one of the darkest periods in the history of religion: the Inquisition. Somehow I find it disquieting to see this repeated not so subtle message: before Christians took over: things were bad. After they took over: things were good.

Anyways. On the other hand, in recent years Spain has gone to great efforts to preserve and restore monuments and ruins from the Muslim era--actually doing a better job in preserving their Muslim history than most Muslim countries are! So I guess I shouldn't complain at a couple of rather one sided murals...