Alcazar Palace was my favorite attraction in Seville. Originally built as a Moorish fort, it is the oldest royal palace in Europe still in use. The palace’s roots are traced to the Almohades, a Berber tribe from Morocco in the 1100s and is a supreme example of Mudejar architecture. It was registered as a UNESCO site in 1987. The sprawling palace is spread over many acres and has magnificent gardens with tile benches and small pavilions with Moroccan tile work and fountains. At one point I saw a peacock on top of one of the structures and got a photo just as it was spreading its mighty feathers.
I loved the reflecting pools and took some unique overhead shots of the reflection of the garden in one of the pools. (They are the last shots on the bottom of this post). Some of the shrubs in the garden were manicured similar to those you see in formal French gardens. Orange trees were blooming all over Seville and were present in the garden. I kept on seeing oranges falling from the trees on the streets and was tempted to pick one up and eat it. I am glad I refrained, as I later learned they were the bitter oranges that are used only to make marmalade.
Real Alacazar
Patio de Banderas, s/n, 41004
http://www.alcazarsevilla.org
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
Tours cost 195 euros for up to 3 people, and 65 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale
I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos. I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.
Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.
