La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés.
I had a nearly full 1.5-liter bottle of water sitting at the edge of my desk. No, I did not knock it to the floor. My reflexes were impeccable and I caught the bottle firmly, mid-air. However, I hadn’t screwed on the cap. When I grabbed, I squeezed the bottle and created a majestic geyser. There was less than half a bottle of water when I was done and the floor got a good washing. I wish I had video. I considered a reenactment.
I managed to get out for a walk Sunday afternoon in the more than 40˚C/104F heat. I decided to visit the three parks that run north-south through the city, one after the other. Although they are different in design and plantings, most people would think they’re all the same park. The northernmost, immediately south of the train station, is called Jardines de la Agricultura (Agriculture Gardens), next come Jardines del Duque de Rivas (Duke of Rivas Gardens), and the third is Jardines de la Victoria (Victory Gardens). I walked them all yesterday.
Today’s photos are from Jardines de la Agricultura. The air was fresh, the sky was clear, the humidity was low, and the heat was a bit much. Still, I persisted.
Tenía una botella de agua de 1,5 litros casi llena en el borde de mi escritorio. No, no la tiré al suelo. Mis reflejos fueron impecables y la atrapé con firmeza en el aire. Sin embargo, no había enroscado el tapón. Al agarrarla, la apreté y creé un géiser majestuoso. Quedaba menos de media botella de agua cuando terminé y el suelo quedó completamente cubierto. Ojalá tuviera un vídeo. Consideré una recreación.
Salí a dar un paseo el domingo por la tarde con un calor de más de 40°C/104˚F. Decidí visitar los tres parques que recorren la ciudad de norte a sur, uno tras otro. Aunque difieren en diseño y vegetación, la mayoría de la gente pensaría que son el mismo parque. El más septentrional, justo al sur de la estación de tren, se llama Jardines de la Agricultura; a continuación, los Jardines del Duque de Rivas; y el tercero, los Jardines de la Victoria. Los recorrí todos ayer.
Las fotos de hoy son de los Jardines de la Agricultura. El aire era fresco, el cielo estaba despejado, la humedad era baja y el calor era un poco intenso. Aun así, perseveré.
• Click the map to actually read it. I turned it to fit. North is at right (I hate when people do that.)
• Haz clic en el mapa para leerlo. Lo giré para que encajara. El norte está a la derecha (odio cuando la gente haga eso).
• Noreste. Se llama Estación Sanitaria Victoria y se construyó a finales del siglo XVIII como parada y báscula municipal, una de varias en diferentes entradas de la ciudad. Servían para recaudar impuestos sobre el tráfico de mercancías y mantener el control sanitario de los alimentos que entraban a la ciudad. Esta es la única que queda y necesita cuidados.
• Norte. Biblioteca pública principal.
Click the thumbnails to enlarge.
Haz clic en las miniaturas para ampliar.
A beautiful spot for a stroll or to sit and contemplate life.
Debra:
Lots of nice shady spaces. I didn’t sit… this time.
The air is so clear. That must be good for walking, even in heat. Beautiful views everywhere. Boud
Boud:
The heat did get to me this time, but it was late in the day for a walk. Still the air was fresh and clear.
I envy the green and vegetation and the shade.
Frank D:
Yes, I’m surprised by the green and shade in such a famously hot city. Great city planning.
A marvelous place for a leisurely stroll.
David:
Leisurely being the operative word!
That sky is so blue! I guess because of the low humidity.
Michael:
I never knew that about low humidity making the sky appear bluer. It tends to be brilliantly blue here.
What a beautiful spot. And those steps that looks like woven baskets in the ground are stunning. I look forward to the rest!
It has been so hot here my walking has been to the car, then from the car into work; back out to the car, then from the car into the house.
Bob:
Isn’t that stonework incredible. Placed by hand one stone at a time. And, yeah, not the best weather for walks.
Every scene a new delight. I love the horizontal palms, the tile benches, the rock work steps. You see that sort of work in Mexico too which is not a big surprise. You live in such a beautiful place and it is so obvious that the city cares deeply about making and keeping it so.
And good for you for getting out in that heat! I could not do it.
I’ve done that geyser thing myself before. Ah well, half a spilt bottle of water is better than a whole one, I suppose.
Maria Luna
Maria Luna:
The pebbled pavement amazes me. I watched artisans in Seville repair a plaza, placing the stones one at a time. Maybe not the brightest idea to get out in the heat. I have some things to do today. It’s only expected to get up into the low 100s. I plan to keep my time outside to a minimum.
What a beautiful garden! I LOVE the ‘stone mosaic’ steps!?
Good to ‘see’ you are back there! Thanks for sharing too.
Jim:
The stone mosaics are phenomenal. They still maintain them and they still do it all by hand.
WOW!
Jim:
That’s still regularly my reaction.
Good Lord, Mitchell. Beautiful gardens, but take it easy in this heat! We don’t want you getting heat stroke!
Steve:
You’re right about the heat. I need to keep it to a minimum (like everyone else here).
Shoot…that happens to me at least once a day when I grab and squeeze and create a majestic geyser. !!!!!!
I love those parks. Well at least the first one. But to be out walking and 104° weather!!! I think I’d wait till evening. Unless of course I have my really big wide brim hat.
Mistress Borghese:
Ah, your mind! I hadn’t even considered that. Now THAT wouldn’t be so bad — except not as easy to wipe up.
I love those gardens – they remind me of the Parque de Málaga (a place we have always enjoyed). We must have walked through them when we visited Cordoba, as that’s the obvious route from the train station to the Mesquite and the old town – but it was (gulp) twenty-one years ago! We are well overdue another visit, methinks… Jx
PS I adore that ancient palm tree being supported in its dotage.
Jon:
I think that’s a European fan palm. There are two growing near each other in that park and they’re both doing the same thing. I’ve never seen them like that. I wonder how old they are. From the train station you probably would have walked down one of the parallel main streets further east. But if you cross at the southeast end of Jardines de la Victoria, you’ll come to the puerta de Almodóvar and the wall of the Jewish quarter.
I can’t believe you were out walking in that heat! But thank you for sharing the sights you encountered. Olivia
Olivia:
I know. I was pushing myself to get out and walk, but probably not the best climate to do it.
I wish you’d gotten a video of the geyser. It sounds spectacular!
Kelly:
I might just have to set up cameras all around the house.
Ohhh love!
The Moorish influence is totally clear. That blue mosaic is on brand. It’s a beautiful park. I can understand the walking in that weather.
XOXO
Sixpence Notthewiser:
The city is getting more and more quiet as August quickly approaches. It’s fun to be out and about with hardly anyone around. But the weather is a bit extreme for long walks.
So, if according to that map, north is to the right, then south must be to the left, and the top is west and the bottom east.
Did I get that right?
Kirk:
Yes! You should be a cartographer!