This structure has been under construction since 2007 and Saturday was the grand opening of the monument. When I walked to class on Monday, I was shocked and excited to see that the project was completed! I walk through this plaza several times a day, so throughout my time in Sevilla I have enjoyed seeing the progress each day...last week they were taking down scaffolding, but I had no idea that it was almost ready for inauguration. This new monument is also very intriguing to me because it is still extremely controversial. The Metropol Parasol is gigantic with six fungal-shaped structures (although I think they look more like trees). It is made of wood (with concrete reinforcements) and it's primary purpose was to have a modern art piece that provides shade for the large plaza. The movement to bring some modern art into such a historic area is what originally polarized people, plus it cost a lot to invest in such a project. I think it is pretty neat though...the lower level is a market, and above is a restaurant and a skywalk where visitors can enjoy incredible views of the city. Also, when they were building "Las Setas," workers discovered ancient ruins! This discovery put the project on hold, but now the archeological artifacts are now on display in the plaza as well. I'm excited to the view from the top and maybe even have the chance to eat in the restaurant.
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| on the flag |
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| on a sewer cap |
NO8DO - Sevilla's motto. This motto can be found absolutely everywhere throughout the city....on the city's flag, streets, buildings, bikes, taxis, and even Christopher Colombus' tomb! In reality, the 8 is actually a picture of a skein of yarn, which is called a "madeja." Therefore the motto reads "no madeja do," but sound's like "no me ha dejado"....meaning "It [Sevilla] has not abandoned me." Pretty cool, and definitely important for the people of Sevilla. This phrase has been around since the reign of Alfonso X. This king was ruling Spain from Sevilla when his son, Sancho IV of Castile tried to usurp the throne. However, the people of Seville did not like Sancho at all so they stood by their king and in return he told them "no me ha dejado." It's significance is powerful, especially when the motto is seen everywhere you look.
I was also extremely excited on my way to class Monday to see that a new Cien Montaditos is open on Calle Alfonso XII (the street I take to CIEE)! I have also been watching the progress of this building, and it went way faster than I anticipated...Alison and I thought this restaurant wouldn't be open for a few weeks. So why am I so pumped about Cien Montaditos?? well, this restaurant offers 100 (cien) types of little sandwiches (montaditos), and everything on the menu is sold for 1 euro on Wednesdays! ...including delicious tinto de verano. So, on "Montadito Miércoles," I almost always swing by Cien with my friends during the afternoon...along with 90% of the University of Sevilla. This restaurant is a hot conversation topic for everyone during class on Wednesdays; good thing there are now 6 location that I know throughout the city! My favorites are the sandwiches with brie and chorizo (sausage) and the shrimp with cream cheese.
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