My Neighborhood

I like my little neighborhood here in Sevilla. I hope the apartments I chose in Madrid and Barcelona are as convenient as this one.

My neighborhood is called Macarena. It's on the northern edge of Sevilla. There is a big medieval wall not too far from here, which makes me think that even though this is not the center of Sevilla, it was a part of the old city.

Two blocks south of my apartment is my gym. It's a small gym. There are machines and free weights crammed into one side and on the other side are eliptical trainers, treadmills and bikes - lots of bikes, because they have a spinning class. There is also another room where I guess they have pilates, tai chi and who knows what else. It's nothing fancy, but it works, and for 40 euros for the month, it was not too much of a stretch on my budget.

One and half blocks west of here is the Alameda de Hercules, a very large plaza, maybe stretching 4-5 blocks. It's kind of shabby looking, but I guess no one cares. In the evening people go out for walks and then later in the evening, around 9 or so, the restaurants and cafes surrounding the Alameda put out tables and chairs and the place fills up with people eating, drinking and smoking.

Two blocks to the east is my favorite thing about the neighborhood and the reason I am here - Calle Feria. There is a wonderful produce market that has many stalls with fresh produce, butchers, a few restaurants and a place that sells soaps and candles. It's next to a big old church. Today I noticed the door of the church was open so I stuck my head in. It was really beautiful. A big golden alter, lots of statues, candles burning and it smelled like a church should smell, not dank and musty like that big monstrous cathedral in the center. People were praying and there was no entrance fee. This is what churches should be. Things that are used and not "monuments" that charge tourists to visit. I guess they don't get a lot of tourists because I don't think this is on the tourist trail, but there was a sign saying not to take pictures during mass, so I am assuming I am not the only tourist to visit this church. It makes me want to wander around this neighborhood and visit more of the old churches around here - there are many.

Calle Feria has lots of other stuff two. Within one block there are two bakeries, several banks, a hair salon (which I just noticed today). Further down, there is a supermarket. There is a book store and there are lots of bars (places that also serve tapas). And of course there is Doña Aceituna, the olive shop.

And of course, I can't not mention the ladies. Apparently there is a bit of sex work going on here as well. There are three sex workers who stand outside of my window during the day. Ralph told me it is because of the construction workers, but I've noticed that there are more up the street and there seem to be several houses around here with women hanging outside. So, I don't think it is a temporary thing only while there is construction going on. I think they are fairly permanent.

I also noticed on the edge of the Alameda that there is a marijuana seed shop. I was reading somewhere on the net that pot is legal here as well. I had no idea. Possession under a certain amount is legal for personal use. Along with the city bikes and the great train system, I'm actually amazed that Spain has so many things in common with Amsterdam. I wonder what the rest of Europe is like in regards to drugs (I know they have trains and many have public bikes as well as bike routes). America is the country that is seeming so old now in terms of our public policies. If a country as old as Spain, that is so steeped in tradition and religion can legalize marijuana (or at least decriminalize it) and legalize same sex marriage, why can't we?

Well, that's all not really about my neighborhood, but it was a worthwhile tangent.