Lizzie and I took an early train to Seville, where we stayed at La Banda Rooftop Hostel for a few nights. They had huge communal meals, performers visit, and a great view of the cathedral in Seville. Seville is a historic city, and is where Flamenco, a traditional dance, originated from (although many cities in Spain claim to be the origin). I had my first Paella in Seville, a Spanish rice dish, from a little hidden restaurant hidden near our hostel. It was unforgettable. And gelato, of course.
Seville was really special in the evening. I loved wandering around the old cobblestone walkways, finding secret little fountains and gardens.
Then the hostel made a GIANT paella for us!
Our next stop in Spain was Madrid, a 4 hour train ride north. I had a minor cold in Seville but it started to get worse when we got to Madrid. The constant traveling had started to get to me and I knew I just needed to give in a rest. If you know me you know how difficult it was for me to stay inside while being in such a beautiful place... but I slept most of Madrid. We stayed at the 2060 Newton Hostel. A very unique place that had a spa attached to the hostel! When I wasn't fighting off this annoying cold I would walk around and explore with Lizzie. We found a way to get into the Reina Sofía for free to see some of Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso's works in person! I totally geeked out. We also got churros from the first ever churro shop in the world, the churrería of San Gines.
I felt much better after a few days of rest. The next stop after Madrid was
Barcelona for me, and home for Lizzie. We were so sad to say goodbye, but I know our paths will cross again in the future. Lizzie made my first few weeks of traveling so fun. We have enough inside jokes to last a lifetime. She also showed me how to be tough and stand up for myself as as a solo-female traveler. Traveling through Portugal and Spain together was, as Lizzie would say, "heaps good".
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