The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Posted: 29 Mar 2012 08:17 AM PDT

Today we are featuring Jessica Benavides Canepa, a travel and luxury lifestyle writer currently preparing for her new adventures in Shanghai, China this fall. Learn more about her travels at: www.jbcanepa.com

First time visitors to Spain often hope to see the country they’ve seen in movies; colorful mosaic architecture, flamenco dancers commanding center stage, movie star matadors, regal white horses and tapas bars featuring sangria being poured from bottomless pitchers. The good news for these traveling dreamers is that should they visit Seville, that wouldn't be too far off from the truth. Indeed, this enchanting Andalusian capital offers plenty in terms of entertaining tourist attractions and rich history. But once you have had your fill of monuments and bought enough souvenirs for everyone back home, why not get a new perspective (and some interesting photos) by taking a detour into the authentic lives of the natives. Here are a few ways to make that happen:

Learn Their Customs

Culture shock is inevitable when visiting a new city, but taking the time to study a few of the local customs can go a long way towards helping to make your experience a bit more memorable. In Seville, the best times to visit are between March and May when the weather is at its mildest. If you can't avoid coming during the much hotter summer months, join the residents in their traditional afternoon nap (siesta) between 1pm to 4pm and escape the sweltering heat. Another bonus for participating in this practice (regardless of the season you visit) is waking up refreshed and ready for their late suppertime (around 10pm) and other nighttime activities.

There is a tremendous amount of fanfare in Seville during the Easter holidays: religious processions, parades and the like, but the good news is that as one of the most devout Catholic countries in Europe, these types of once-in-a-lifetime celebrations can be witnessed –albeit to a lesser degree- pretty much any time of the year.

Talk with the Locals

The residents of Seville are known for their warm and inviting demeanor. They are very proud of their rich heritage and love to promote their city to visitors. Many of the younger generation speak a little English and are easy to strike up a conversation with at bars and cafés. That being said, it wouldn't hurt to learn a few of the native Spanish conversational phrases, as the effort would be most appreciated and enrich your indigenous experience. If all else fails: gesture, point and smile – Sevillanos will do their best to understand you.

A great opportunity to see the locals at play is by securing a table at any of the bars surrounding the town's famous bullring, Real Maestranza, following a seasonal corrida (bullfight). Regardless of your personal opinion on this cultural activity, it is something of a revered pastime in this city and many use its popularity as the perfect excuse to catch up on the weeks activities afterwards.

Foodie Favorites

As with many Latin countries, Spain takes its cuisine very seriously. Typical dishes vary from region to region in terms of preparation and taste. In Seville, breakfast is usually some coffée and a pastry while lunch is meant to be enjoyed at leisure. To fight the overbearing heat, order a chilled tomato-based soup (salmorejo) and impress the locals by accompanying that with a tinto de verano (cheap wine, lemon soda and fruit). If you are not much of a drinker, no problem, the water from the tap is safe – and tasty too.

In the evening, popular menus at tapas bars include choco ( fried squid) and ortiguillas (anemone) plus additional orders of jamón Ibérico (Iberic ham) – all washed down with refreshing pitchers of cerveza (beer). Picture this in a boisterous environment so casual that your waiters keep track of your order by counting off the food on a chalkboard by your table.

For the ultimate cuisine AND cultural experience, try a Seville cooking class at A Taste of Spain, where a charming bilingual chef will take you on a discovery visit to a local food market to select ingredients for an informative cooking class followed by a three-course lunch with regional wine. Olé!

Off the Beaten Path

Seville is a city best visited on foot. Most of the main tourist attractions are found in and around the center, but part of the charm of discovering this lovely city is getting lost in its small winding streets and unexpected patio gardens. If you are a couple or a small group and prefer to learn a little history as you explore, opt to hire a private guide who will organize a custom 2-3 hour daytrip for you. The advantages here are no language barriers and a local happy to answer any questions about his people’s ancestry. Try Antonio Doblas, an official city guide and native resident with over 17 years of guiding experience.

When you are ready for some evening fun, head over the bridge (Puente de Triana) to the Triana district for some authentic tapas and, if lucky, experience your first duende ( the heart-stomping soul of flamenco) as an impromtu danser and guitar accompanist delight you with a passionate performance. Another area frequented by the locals is in and around the pedestrian Plaza Alfama, a "real" Andalusian neighborhood with little boutiques, restaurants, bars and not one fan (abanico) souvenir shop in sight.

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Friday, March 30, 2012