February 24

The birds of Maria Luisa park. The birds flock here and are totally fearless of people, especially people with breadcrumbs. They land on people's heads and arms, and children love to try to pick them up. We started the day at the beautiful Alcazar Gardens--a compound built in 711 by Muslim royalty for entertaining. Imagine the most beautiful blue and yellow tiles, open floor plans, baths, and lush gardens roamed by peacocks. Un. Real. We had a hilarious time dodging runners in Seville's annual marathon. It seemed like their course ran right through every part of the city we wanted to walk. We had lunch outdoors on the river. I had an awesome gazpacho, tapas of traditional chickpeas and spinach, and dessert of a juicy pear. Did ya hear that Florence?! I ate outside in the sunshine--take note, please. Kelsey and I had to leave too early. I could have stayed for weeks longer. Any room in that tiny bedroom of yours, Mags, for one more person?