Reza Emilio Juma is a talented young author that has recently released his first book Mil Besos  (A Thousand Kisses). Born in Toronto and raised in countries around the world, he attended and graduated from the University of British Columbia. Upon graduating he came to Spain and fell in love with the country and culture, especially the diverse cultural mix that Andalusia offers. Presently living and working in Mexico as a university professor, we caught up with him on his tour of Spain promoting his work—the story of a young boy's journey from adolescence to manhood all the while following his dreams.

Read the interview here

Why did you want to learn Spanish?

I was studying international relations and I thought it would be useful for my studies and future career.

What made you want to write your book in Spanish and not your native language? What is your native language by the way?

My native language is English, but I've lived the last 13 years in Spain plus 2 more in Mexico. Now, I can speak Spanish as well as English and I've found there are more linguistic options in a Spanish novel than in an English one.

What role has don Quijote played in your book?

I write about how a decision is made to come to Spain to study Spanish and I write about the don Quijote schools in Spain and the role they play in that experience.

What was your experience like at our school and how does it appear in your book?

The experience at don Quijote was very important to me. Not only was it the key to learning Spanish, but it also opened the doors for me to want live in Spain since it's there that I decided to call home and work to make a living.

Why did you decide on Elche and Granada for the location of your story? What do these cities have that others don’t?

Granada has always been special to me. Not only for its infinite beauty, but also for its magical qualities that can captivate anyone. It was also the first city in Spain that I got to know when I began my own personal adventure.

Who does your protagonist give a "thousand kisses" to in your book?

You'll have to read the book to find out.

Have you found what you were looking for in this life adventure or are you still looking?

The novel is fiction so I can't speak for the protagonist, but I continue to dream and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. It's what keeps me alive.

Tell us the truth: What is it that Granada has that Alicante doesn't? What does Alicante have that Granada doesn't?

Granada has the Alhambra—the greatest landmark in Spain, beautiful arabesque streets, a unique Moorish feel and Spanish guitars playing for you on every corner. There isn't another city like Granada anywhere else in the world.

Are your characters based on teachers or classmates from our school?

Not one. This is a fiction novel and although some of my experiences are reflected in it, the majority of the book is not related to any of my personal experiences. My stay at don Quijote Granada appears at the start of the protagonist's adventure. Personally, coming to Spain and spending those three months in Granada was a turning point in my life.

Tell us about the creative process. Did you take notes for your story during the breaks between classes? Did you find inspiration during any of the class excursions?

I was living in the jungle on the coast of Oaxaca when I wrote the book which was an important source of inspiration and it is there where the creative part of me came to the surface—before that I didn't know I had it in me. I lived and breathed my book. Since I already had an idea as to how the book would end, I wanted to finish it as quickly as possible; I had an idea and I decided to run with it. I wrote an average of six hours a day while sometimes going to bed at two in the morning. Sometimes I would wake up from dream at five in the morning and I would start writing because I wanted to include my dreams into the story and not let the moment slip away.

Did you use any Spanish writers as an example for your writing style?

I read many historical novels about Granada and Al-Ándalus like El Mercenario de Granada, Azafrán, A la Sombra del Granado, La Profecía del Corán, La Esclava, La Perla de Al-Andalús, El Perfume de Bergamota and La Escalera del Agua. They didn't influence my writing directly because my novel isn't one of historical fiction. Instead, my book is an adventure situated in the present day and written in the first person as if it were a diary. But, I must admit that after writing the novel there is one book, Son del Mar by Manuel Vicent that shares some similarities with mine.

In what city would you like your next novel to take place? Are you looking for a change or would you prefer to continue along the same lines?

I'm already playing with the idea that my second novel will take place in the jungle of Oaxaca where I've been living the last eight months. It's where I wanted to return not only to write, but to live as well. Right now it's where I'm most comfortable and where I feel most at home…at the moment.

As more than just a language, what has Spanish taught you?

I come from Canada and, like the US, money plays a fundamental role in daily life. Spain has history, culture and a population that is more conscientious of the political situation—not just in Spain but around the world. I have been in more than 25 countries and if I want, I can sit and have a caña and enjoy a nice intellectual or cultural conversation.

What advice would you give to someone that wants to come to Spain to increase their creativity?

The first day I arrived at the don Quijote academy, I distanced myself from groups of people that were speaking English. I tried to build friendships with the locals and that was, without a doubt, the most enriching experience for me. These new acquaintances and friends opened up a new world for me that wouldn't have been possible if I conformed to making friends with people from the same culture and the same language. Spain has so much to offer and one must live the experience as if they were just another Spaniard.

Assured of nice weather, but don't feel like staying in a hotel or apartment? Then camping in Spain is the ideal solution to really get away from it all! Spain is growing in popularity every year among campers and therefore has a wide range of campsites and camping options. It is relatively cheaper than staying in a hotel or apartment and the biggest advantage of camping is that you get in direct contact with the beautiful nature of Spain. Therefore, this form of tourism is perfect for families with young children and for people who do not want to stay directly in the city. At the campsite you can enjoy a stay in a quiet environment, directly in the open air with many opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.

• Popular regions for camping in Spain are Castile and León, Catalonia and Andalusia.
• The rich variety of landscapes in Spain makes camping so unique and special.
• Glamping: a combination of glamour and camping. For the camper who wants just a little more luxury.

Campsites in Spain

Throughout Spain there are several campsites present. These are classified by category. The classification system consists of four classifications namely: luxury, first class, second class and third class. These are currently not yet recognized nationally, but by autonomous region. Because of this, the quality in class may vary somewhat from region to region, so it is recommended to look carefully at the standards per region in advance. The camping high season is in the summer months of July and August when it is also high summer in Spain. Most campsites are open from April to September. Of course, some campsites are open longer and/or throughout the year. This is therefore an excellent time to travel to Spain and spend the winter here. This way you can escape the Dutch cold.

Popular regions are Castile and León, Catalonia and Andalusia. Zones that are busy for camping are Sierra de Gredos in Castile and León, the Costa Brava in Catalonia and the Costa del Sol in Andalusia. Numerous campsites can be found here. This also makes Spain perfect for traveling around with a camper or caravan due to the wide range and rich variety of landscapes throughout Spain. From the Pyrenees to the beaches of Costa del Sol, there are countless possibilities and something for everyone.

These opportunities also manifest themselves in the types of campsites. Traditional campsites, naturist campsites and camping farms are present in the most special natural areas. These campsites often offer a variety of camping options for your tent, camper or caravan. If you prefer to rent something, mobile homes, furnished tents and bungalows are also often available for rental. Nowadays, most campsites in Spain already have wifi as standard. Other facilities often depend on the campsite, classification and location. Traditional campsites are very suitable for families with young children. These child-friendly campsites therefore offer a wide range of cultural activities. There are also several camping farms available. Those interested in the countryside and nature can get the ultimate vacation feeling here in a more personal atmosphere.

Glamping in Spain

There are also naturist campsites available and there is still the more luxurious form of camping namely: glamping. Glamping is a combination of glamour and camping. This is still a fairly new form of camping. It is suitable for anyone who would like a little more luxury, but still wants to continue to enjoy an outdoor vacation. The price you have to pay for this is a lot higher than the average campsite, but the experience you get in return is unforgettable.

“I paint myself because I am so often alone, and because I am the subject I know best.”

60 years since the death of one of the world’s most iconic, and immediately recognizable artists, Frida Kahlo’s legacy is being brought to life once more in 2014 through the medium of dance. The show makes up part of the Grec Festival; an international circus, music, theatre and dance festival in Barcelona, marking part of an effort to revive artistic heritage, a project led by Amèlia Boluda. The show is not a new phenomenon, and was performed previously some 21 years ago at the San José Arts Festival in Costa Rica, yet this contemporary interpretation sees the dancers themselves sharing the stage with the musicians, as they collectively narrate the story of one of the most talked about faces of the art world. But why should we bother celebrating the legacy left behind by the Mexican artist?

It is estimated that Kahlo completed around 140 paintings over the course of her lifetime, and 55 of these were self portraits. A bus accident in 1925 had left Frida with serious injuries, and she was haunted by relapses of intense pain her entire life. The complications associated with these injuries also left Frida unable to conceive, and this substantial physical and mental anguish is not elusive in her art. In Frida’s Self Portrait completed in 1948, Kahlo depicts her features as notably harsher, her expression is stern, and she appears trapped within the confines of the lace ruffle surrounding her face. Three tears rest upon her cheeks, and Kahlo herself described the painting as ‘an exact expression of her emotions’. Similarly frank portrayals of emotion can be found in The Two Fridas (1939) painted shortly after her divorce from husband Diego Rivera, and in The Wounded Deer (1946), in which Kahlo expresses a great sense of disappointment and frustration at her physical injuries. While it is doubtful Frida Kahlo ever set out to be a feminist, and labeling her as such seems to strip her work of its deep personal value, there is no doubting that such a candid representation of female emotion, the female form and condition to some extent gives a voice to specifically female struggles, in particular childbirth or loss, as depicted in Henry Ford Hospital (1932) or My Birth (1932).

Besides deep personal torment, Frida Kahlo also represented her heritage and perceptions of the Universe through her art; ideas which will remain pertinent for centuries to come. Most famously, in The Love Embrace of the Universe (1949) she depicts a complex arrangement of human and mythological beings and in doing so portrays a system of intricate dependencies. Central to the painting, Frida cradles Diego as a mother would cradle a child. The male in the painting, Diego, has the third eye of wisdom on his forehead, and these ideas of nurture and wisdom seem here mutually dependent. The Aztec Earth Mother cradles both Diego and Frida, who in turn is embraced by the Universal Mother. These references to ancient Mexican mythology are relevant on an international artistic landscape, and even within contemporary society, understanding other cultures or ancient traditions through the medium of art is important, and Frida certainly facilitates this.

Frida Kahlo is emblematic of strength and creativity, her expansive imagination evidenced in her array of art; often portraits, and often visual representations of her own internal conflict. It is perhaps this that sets Kahlo apart from other artists, and justifies her continued recognition. Not only is Frida’s legacy valuable for its demonstration of clear artistic talent, but there is an unquestionable rawness and honesty, particularly in her self portraits, which is unrivalled. While many artists, writers and performers use their art in order to transmit ideas and personal emotion, Frida quite literally becomes her art in her portraits, intrinsically connecting the pieces with the person behind them. Indeed, she was often quoted as saying that she did not paint dreams, but rather her ‘own reality’.

Spain is known for its long sandy beaches, sun-drenched climate and has been in the top vacation countries for years. What is often forgotten is that Spain has perfect coastal resorts for wind or kite surfing. On the Andalusian coast, close to the Strait of Gibraltar lies the province of Cadiz. The village of Tarifa is a fantastic Spanish surfing and windsurfing destination. Tarifa is located at the point where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Sea making it a very popular destination for surfing vacations.

• Tarifa, a small town located on the southern coast of Spain, is also called the European capital of (wind) surfing.
• Surfers can be found on Tarifa's beach all year round; in winter it is more popular with surfers and windsurfers, while in summer it is teeming with kitesurfers.
• Surf lessons and surf camps are very popular for youth during vacations to Andalusia.

The province of Cadiz is the southernmost province of the Autonomous Region of Andalusia and thus also the southernmost province of Spain. At the southernmost tip near the village of Tarifa, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet in the so-called Strait of Gibraltar. There the coast splits into the Costa del Sol and the Costa de la Luz. The distance to Morocco is only 14 kilometers, allowing for stunning views of the Moroccan Rif mountains.

The fact that the wind on the southern coast of Spain is extremely constant makes it the ideal place for surfing. For both as beginners and advanced surfers can surf here. Tarifa is a paradise for the kitesurfer, but surfers and windsurfers are also often found on Tarifa's coastline. Many surf schools can be found in the village offering both single lessons and surf camps. A surf camp during a vacation in Cadiz is popular among kids and teens every summer.

Besides being a popular surfing destination for young and old, Tarifa is also a paradise for nature and bird lovers, and activities such as horseback riding, diving and mountain climbing can be undertaken. The nearest major city is Cadiz, which is also called "the city that smiles" because of the cheerfulness of the Gaditanos, the city's inhabitants. The Gaditanos are cheerful and content and enjoy life to the fullest because every day is a new day. The city is also very popular among students who want to learn the Spanish language and for day trips during a vacation to Andalusia.

For surf lovers, the coast of Tarifa is definitely recommended. Tarifa is not called the European capital of (wind) surfing for nothing. Also, the coast of Tarifa is full of wildlife, dolphins and whales you will definitely spot here! In short, there is plenty to do here!

Would you prefer to do something during your vacation instead of lying on the beach all day? There are several options for this in Spain, and perhaps more than you first expected. Active vacations in Spain abound. This is due in part to the variety of landscapes, making various outdoor sports possible. Combined with the varied climate, both winter sports and nice-weather activities are enjoyed here. Do not immediately think of strenuous activities, as hiking vacations or workshops also belong to this group. For every age, the word active has a different meaning.

• Active vacations in Spain are more often outdoor than indoor, thanks to the nice weather.
• Water sports activities can be enjoyed all over Spain.
• Taking a workshop in Spain is also among the active activities during a vacation.

Active Holidays in Spain

The term "active vacation" implies active performance during the vacation. In Spain, exercising such an achievement is excellent. This can be done in various forms, namely through excursions, workshops, festivals and sports. The chance of good weather here is much greater than in the Netherlands and, as a result, activities are mostly located outdoors rather than indoors. This makes the overall experience more intense by being active while still being able to enjoy the vast surroundings. The most popular activities are also in line with the country's unique characteristics and are made the most of. Skiing, water sports activities, trekking, horseback riding and golf are very popular in Spain. Indeed, sports in Spain are hot and widely practiced. Besides real sports, visiting one of the many water parks is also an active and popular venture. This activity is also more suitable for families with children. In Tenerife there is the largest water park in all of Spain and also in all of Europe: 'Siam Park'.

The north of Spain lends itself perfectly to cycling, mountain climbing and hiking through its vast forests and verdant countryside.
Canoeing and rafting are also activities that lend themselves perfectly to this because of the many rivers, lakes and streams.By canoe, for example, you can sail on the rivers "el Mera" and "el Rato" in the region of Galicia.In addition, there are also several opportunities to spend a relaxing day fishing and activities that are also popular in the Netherlands, such as paintball, karts or quad biking.

The region of Catalonia in eastern Spain is also a popular area for sporting activities.Hiking, cycling, hang gliding, ballooning, skydiving and "Nordig Walking" are some of the activities offered here.However, this is just a small sample of the activities Catalonia offers.

In the south of Spain in the autonomous region of Andalusia, the possibilities are countless. Here in the winter months you can ski perfectly on the Sierra Nevada, the southernmost mountain in Europe. In summer, this area is wonderful for long walks and hiking. Furthermore, golf is a popular activity and Andalusian horses are the figurehead for horseback riding in Andalusia. In the area around Cadiz, Seville and Málaga there are several companies and riding stables that offer horseback riding tours in this beautiful area. For example, you can take a tour in the interior of the country or along the coastline. Besides horseback riding, the area around Cadiz lends itself perfectly to water sports activities, such as surfing, kite surfing, scuba diving and sailing. The water here is just a little rougher than in other parts of Spain and there is often a stiff wind. In addition to Cadiz, these water sports activities can also be perfectly performed in the Canary Islands.

Activities that also belong to the active vacation are attending workshops. At first that may not sound so active, but there is certainly hard work being done there. In Spain, as in the Netherlands, there are various workshops to follow. From authentic workshops to the somewhat general workshops. A very popular workshop is to take a cooking workshop, so you can learn to prepare traditional Spanish dishes properly. Who is not good with pan and spatula, but wants to be creative can also go dancing or pottery and mosaics. By attending a workshop you will get to know the influences of Spanish culture, which you can take back to your own home, garden and kitchen.

Sport in Spain has become an important part of Spanish culture. It can actually be performed anywhere, but for some exercises, of course, some places lend themselves better than others. This is also true of cycling in Spain. Of all the islands Spain possesses, Mallorca is by far the best cycling island. It is also the largest of the Balearic Islands. The mountainous landscape, good cycling facilities and infrastructure help this. You can explore the island by bike almost all year round and every season brings something special here. This completely changes the look of the island and makes cycling on Mallorca never boring. Not only in Spain itself are many cycling vacations offered, also from the Netherlands many organizations go that way every year. You do not have to be a professional cyclist if you would like to join in. Cycling on Mallorca is very accessible for young and old, as long as there is enough guidance for the little ones, of course.

• It is useful to distinguish between two levels: the sportive cyclist and the recreational cyclist.
• Sporty cyclists will cycle more inland. Here you sometimes have climbs of up to 6% that are a few kilometers long.
• For recreational cyclists, the distances are often shorter and less demanding. In addition, there are more frequent stops to enjoy the scenery and to have a drink.

Cycling in Mallorca

A wide variety of routes, with many beautiful turns, different altitudes and excellent cycling facilities. Mallorca is 70 kilometers wide and 100 kilometers long. It has an average temperature of nineteen degrees and has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters that lends itself extremely well to bicycle tours. If you decide to go with your own bike, do consider the bike case supplement. This can also just be a bike box. However, it is advisable to pack the bike well or rather leave it at home to avoid any damage to the bike during transport. Once arrived in Mallorca, there are several tourist information centers where free bike routes are available for those who like to explore the island by themselves or with and group. For a clear distinction between the different levels, there are two different groups: the recreational cyclist and the sportive cyclist.

Sporty cyclists will do real day trips between 70 and 140 km per day at a higher speed. However, there are often different levels in this as well, as some of the climbs can be quite high. This can sometimes range from 4% to 9%. The sporty cyclist will also cycle mostly inland where the mountains are highest and the turns sharper. The "Serra de Tramuntana" and the "Serra de Llevant" are also by far the most popular destinations for beautiful and challenging cycling routes.

The recreational cyclist will take it a little easier. The routes will mostly be around the island or in between the mountain ranges. This way, even the little ones can just join in. Wearing a helmet is mandatory and gives that extra bit of safety. The average speed will also be relatively lower than that of the sporty cyclists. The average will be between 15 km/h and 20 km/h. These are often not day trips, but small trips of two or three hours with several stops to enjoy the scenery with a refreshing drink.

Don't feel like biking for a while? No problem! Mallorca is pre-eminently a child-friendly island and thus also has excellent beach facilities. You can also enjoy shopping in the capital Palma de Mallorca. Every year the famous cycling event the 'Challenge Ciclista a Mallorca' is also held there. Here a series of a total of four one-day races are held. Some of the biggest names in cycling have already taken part. For those who do not feel like cycling for a while can still watch it in peace and quiet. In short, no one will be bored here.

Calling all fellow Game of Thrones fans: care to catch a coveted sneak peek at the kingdom of Dorne? Most viewers will behold, for the first time, small screen imagery of the seventh realm sometime next year when season five of HBO’s most popular show ever finally airs. But keep in mind that some filming locations for next season have already been announced; parts of Spain’s southern province and city of Seville will serve as the southron region of the mythical continent of Westeros. All this certainly means that a journey to Seville may be in order, where you’ll get an early first-hand glimpse of Dornish esthetic appeal. 

Seville’s Royal Alcázar palace, a former Moorish fortress complete with wonderful crenulated parapets and cool archways, will most fittingly depict the Water Gardens, the private residence of Dorne’s rulers House of Martell. Film crews plan to dye the waters in the Mercury fountain and pool a mysterious blue, a bold move considering the enduring, valuable, and likely fragile existence of the pool’s 16^th century Statue of Mercury. Filming is scheduled to take place here from October 14 to 22.

Excited observers have wasted no time in pointing out unmistakable similarities between Andalusia’s sunny and sportive capital Seville and Dorne’s capital Sunspear: beyond the similar arid climates, consider Seville’s celebrated copper-topped Giralda tower, an architectural masterpiece from the 12^th century, and Sunspear’s Spear Tower, an intriguing steel-topped structure that towers 150 feet into Dornish skies to dominate the city’s skyline.

Seville’s mayor has called the shoot selection a “magnificent opportunity for Seville”, adding that the show will “project the city’s image all over the world”. Indeed, these words are not wind; 13.6 million viewers around the planet tune in to watch the fantasy series. The international press has been abuzz with coverage of the story, often highlighting Seville’s rich cultural heritage.

Intense thrones drama filming will also occur in Osuna, a village of just under 18,000 located a convenient day trip away from Seville. Attractions here include sweet 16^th century mansions, scenic rock quarries and a striking sandstone bull ring. One panoramic glimpse at the ring conjures epic visions of Daznak’s Pit, where the gates of fate await!

The Song of Ice and Fire

The author of the Song of Ice and Fire novels (which the show is based on) has described Dorne as “definitely influenced a bit by Spain” going on to add that the closest real-life equivalent would be "the Moorish influence in parts of Spain”. In that context, the capital city of Andalusia makes perfect sense as a dynamic backdrop to awesome Game action. The city flourished after the Umayyad conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the 8^th century.   

While in Seville, you could use your high Valyrian or Dothraki as lingua francas when communicating with local unconditional GoT fanatics, but this is also a great chance to learn and practice Spanish, the second most spoken language in the world in terms of native speakers.

So head to Seville and prepare to check out filming locations and to immerse yourself in a city that embodies the essence of southern Spain, where the fragile fragrance of orange blossoms blends in the sun soaked air with succulent scents of tapas and impassioned rhythms of flamenco. Look forward to seeing you there!

Ibiza; the island for anyone who wants to escape the daily grind and let the magic of this special island wash over them. Around the 60s and 70s it was the place to be for the elite and sun worshippers. Luxury, party and enjoyment were the keywords of this island. Ibiza became famous because of the big rise of the hippies. This and its image as a party island lasted until the 1990s when it experienced a small decline in the number of tourists. Fortunately only short-lived, because after a few years, life on the island of Ibiza began to pick up and people returned en masse to relive that feeling of luxury, party and enjoyment. Nowadays, this Spanish island is all over again and shows it in its full glory.

• More than 160 kilometers of coastline and 50 beaches surround this Spanish island.
• Ibiza has become a spiritual island thanks to the hippie movement. Much of this can still be seen today.
• 'Playa d'en Bossa' is the most famous beach where you can be entertained day and night, thanks in part to the famous club 'Bora Bora' located nearby.

Ibiza is part of the Balearic Islands group and is popularly known as "Eivissa. Part of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands, it has a total area of 572 ^km2 and is about three times the size of Texel. The island is located in the east of the Spanish peninsula and is easily reached by boat or plane. The image that Ibiza formed thanks to the hippies in the 1960s and 1970s is still present to some extent today. The many alternative healers who have lodgings here, the hippie markets and the relaxed atmosphere here only confirms this. Besides, it doesn't matter how you are dressed, or who you are. The tourists and locals have an open attitude, because everyone comes here with the same goal: to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and have a good time. This place is also very popular with famous Dutch people.

Clubs in Ibiza

The capital of Ibiza, Ibiza Town is best known for its many bars and clubs. It is the best place on the island when it comes to going out. Here all the world-famous DJs have played the best records in one of the most famous clubs from all over the world. Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, Avicii and Calvin Harris are famous names. Surely the most famous club in Ibiza is the "Pacha. This world-famous club has five different halls where in each hall a different type of music is played. It is probably the most luxurious club on the whole island and can accommodate about 3,000 people. It is also the only club open throughout the year. After a lot of partying, you can rest during the day at the nearest beach 'Figueretas'. This beach is also perfect for families living around this area and for tourists staying in Ibiza town.

During the day, after partying, you can relax on one of the many beaches. Cala Salada is one of them. This place is surrounded by a green oasis of trees and is just outside the crowds. During the summer months, this is a busy spot among tourists and locals. Another crowded spot is "Playa d'en Bossa. Perhaps not the most beautiful, but certainly the most glamorous beach where there is something to do day and night. Several parties are held here thanks to the famous club 'Bora Bora' located nearby. In addition, this is the beach with the most services and amenities. Because the beach is almost 3,000 meters long, there are also some less crowded and child-friendly areas. For those who are really looking for the most child-friendly beach should go to "Talamanca. Here both the water and the surroundings are quiet.

With the wind through your hair and the sun in your face, feeling free and safe: that's what cycling in Seville gives you. Thanks to its many amenities and the fact that it is a relatively flat city, Seville is known as a city of cycling. While cycling, you can pass by the monuments and most special places that once seemed unreachable, but are now suddenly within reach. Long distances become short and short distances are more often covered by bicycle. Even in the heat of the day, a bike ride becomes child's play thanks to the pleasant addition of a light breeze. With the arrival of "Sevici," Seville's public bike rental service, cycling has never been easier.

• In July 2007 at the station of 'Ponce de Leon' the first public bike rental in Seville was opened.
• When using the 'Sevici' the first 30 minutes are always free.
• 'Isla de Cartuja' and 'Parque de Alamillo' are great locations to visit by bike.

Cycling in Spain

The municipality has agreed to the plan to offer an energy-efficient mode of public transportation to the public. Thus, in July 2007, the first public bicycle rental in Seville opened at the 'Ponce de Leon' station. Other major Spanish cities such as Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia have also adopted this form of public transportation. Today, the 'Sevici' is fully integrated into Sevillian life and the word is considered normal. Seville has 2,500 bicycles parked in 250 different places throughout Seville. This enormous popularity is partly due to Seville's good facilities and amenities when it comes to bicycles. The city was even ranked fourth as the most bike-friendly city by a survey by a renowned magazine in 2013.

The bike itself is fully adjustable and designed so that its sturdy appearance gives and emanates a safe feeling while still retaining its charm. On the bike's fender is the infinity symbol in the form of a piece of rope woven together. This is part of Seville's own logo. The colors also reflect this, as they are red and yellow. The slogan of the "Sevici" reads: Sevilla a tu ritmo. This means that you can discover Seville at your own pace.

The great advantage of "Sevici" is that you can effortlessly maneuver anywhere through the city. Once arrived at your destination, it is then only a matter of finding a stand to place the bike in and you have your hands free again. An annual or weekly subscription is required to use this service. You then receive a pass that you can insert into one of the vending machines at "Sevici" to access the bikes in the bike rack. It is also possible for teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18 to use this service, although parental permission is required. A nice bonus is that the first 30 minutes are always free! Because most facilities and tourist attractions are located in and around the old city center, 30 minutes is often enough for small rides.

Sightseeing in Seville

For the sights that are a bit further away, biking in Seville is also ideal. The public bicycle makes it easy to get to some less accessible destinations. An example is the site "Isla de Cartuja" where the 1992 World's Fair was held. This is about a 30-minute walk from the city center. Here stands a number of extraordinary pavilions designed especially for the world exhibition. This is the ideal starting point for a bicycle tour. In fact, you can then cycle on to city park 'Parque de Alamillo' to enjoy a quiet day in the park. During the day and in the evening, small open-air concerts or theater performances by local artists are often held here. After spending the rest of the day in the park you can bike back to the center when evening falls. The best way to do this is across the "Puente de Alamillo" bridge. This bridge was built especially for the World's Fair and was designed by the famous Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava. 

Cycling between the giant white bars of this rigged bridge illuminated by artificial light has something special about it. It is well worth stopping here to enjoy the scenery: illuminated houses and street lamps create a slight reflection and glint in the Guadalquivir River, while evening traffic quietly passes by and the moon is high in the sky. Having cycled all the way down the bridge, it only makes sense to cycle along the Guadalquivir as a conclusion.

Although they sound like two cars, in reality these are something quite different. The Mercedes, really Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes (Our Lady of Mercy) was a Spanish naval frigate transporting goods and money between the New World and Spain. In 1804, within eye shot of the coast of Spain, this ship was sunk during the battle of Cape Santa Maria.

When the Mercedes went down, it took with it 249 sailors, 36 canons, cloth made from vicuña, quinine and 500,000 gold and silver coins. This battle occurred in time of peace between the UK and Spain and was the result of a decision made by the commander of the British ships, Commodore Graham Moore. What no one knew at the time is that Spain was paying France a secret fee of 72 million Francs annually until war was declared by the Spanish on the English.

With orders to stop the four ships from reaching their destination Moore would try to take over the ships and lead them to a British-friendly port. Of course, to do this he would need the Spanish to surrender to an English convoy that they weren't even at war with. Needless to say, the Spanish refused to surrender and a Mexican standoffish scene—4 frigates from each navy facing each other down from a "pistol-shot's distance"—ensued.

In the blink of an eye canons began to go off on both sides and the Mercedes' magazine was penetrated and exploded from within. Along with that, the English debilitated the other 3 Spanish frigates and achieved their objective of capturing the bounty brought back from the New World. This would also launch a war and become the precursor to the Battle of Trafalgar.

The Odyssey Explorer

Fast forward to 2007. The Odyssey Explorer is a salvage and recovery ship that pertains to treasure hunting company Odyssey Marine Exploration. That year, Odyssey Marine announced that their ship had recovered $500 million worth of silver and gold coins from an undisclosed shipwreck somewhere off the coast of Spain. Prior to this announcement and privy to what was happening off their coast, Spain was closely observing the work the ship was carrying out.

The work of  the Odyssey Explorer had been carried out in such an opaque manner that it was not clear the precedence of the treasure. In different moments it was stated to be from an unnamed shipwreck, it was also said that it originated from another sunken ship, the Merchant Royal. What is clear is that Odyssey Marine never explicitly stated where the coins came from. After recovering the coins, they were unloaded in Gibraltar and sent immediately to the United States where the company filed to legally take possession of them.

The Spanish government, believing that the treasure uncovered by the Discovery Explorer had in fact come from the Mercedes, launched a salvo of legal proceedings in attempt to recover what they believed was rightfully theirs. After the courts found in favor of Spain, Discovery Marine appealed to the United States Supreme Court in a last ditch effort to save their loot. Unfortunately, for Discovery, the court refused to admit their appeal. The lower court ruling stood which stated that since the Mercedes was a Spanish naval vessel, the wreck and cargo were found to be covered by sovereign immunity. This meant that Odyssey Marine had to return 17 tons of coins and other plundered material back to the Spanish government. Since its return, the government has given the treasure to various museums in Spain.

Today, some of that treasure the Mercedes carried is now on display in the newly renovated National Archeology Museum in Madrid. This museum, considered one the best of its kind thanks to its pre-Columbian collection, will hold this fascinating collection of recovered treasure until the end of November. There is also a joint exhibit in the Naval Museum, also in Madrid, where the exhibit is focused more on the construction of the Mercedes, archives and its historical-military context. Admission to both museums is free.