Plan B

We are staying in the quarter known as Santa Cruz. It is a maze of narrow winding streets that look as if they were planned by someone with a ball of knotted wool. They zig and zag, cross and join.

Supper last night was taken at a Tapas bar. Nothing special, but quite adequate after the travelling.

We rose early surprising the girl at breakfast who was still setting up. By nine we were on our way - striding purposefully away from the hotel in precisely the wrong direction. A few minutes later this became clear and we retraced our steps. Continuing south were pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was.

We arrived at the square bounded by the cathedral and the Alcazar. After a few photos we headed for the Alcazar. This is where Plan B came in useful. The guide books and internet had failed to mention that it is closed on Monday. (Even the sign on the door failed to mention it).

Plan B kicked in and we headed on for Plaza de Espana and the gardens. Then we walked back, crossed the Guadalquivir and stopped for some lunch along the riverside.

We crossed back and walked on through the the old streets, looping round to the Cathedral. We went in and stood in awe at its size. It was vast, with soaring columns supporting an intricately latticed roof. In the corner was the entrance to the spectacular bell tower... So we took the tour and at the top of the climb were rewarded with a birdseye view across the city.

After a beer at a nearby hostelry we headed for the hotel and a brief siesta before heading out for the evening.