There is a saying that one can choose their friends but not their family. Philip is Jim’s younger brother by five years and Phyllis is his wife of 43 years. We could not choose any better friends than these two. We invited them to spend time with us in Seville and were thrilled when they accepted. Philip has spent some time in Europe, but mostly prior to age five. Phyllis has never been to Europe so this was a first for her. They arrived in Seville at 2:30pm on January 30 after traveling for 20 hours from Asheville, NC. They hit the ground running and never stopped. They walked over 50 miles in 8.5 days, averaging almost six miles per day. Phyllis grew up a Southern Baptist and is now a Seventh Day Adventist and had never been in a Catholic Church. She has now been in more Catholic Churches than most good Catholics. Philip who is a multi-talented, meticulous artisan, craftsman, artist and blacksmith could not get his jaw off of the ground and took pictures of every little detail that wowed him. His phone was running out of power every two hours and he had to use Jim’s or stop at a cafe for a recharge. We also had perfect 70℉ weather every day which was a welcome change for them from a Western North Carolina winter.
While wandering we came across this magical little bar where we were serenaded by “The Maestros at the bar.” It’s worth watching the video with sound turned up.
Day 2, we took a very nice run while Philip and Phyllis wandered old town, getting lost but finding their way back. They say that it is a rite of passage for tourists to get lost in the maze of winding alleyways in the old town. We went out together in the afternoon.
Our plan was to visit the Basilica of the Macarena after this but Jim found out that it was closed until 5:30 so we returned home for siesta and went out again at 5:30.
Day 5 we took a train to Córdoba for the day and will write about that in a separate post. Day 6 Philip and Phyllis went to see Iglesia Colegial del Divino Salvador or Church of the Divine Savior which is an over the top baroque church which we have visited but not yet written about, more about that later from us but here are a couple of their pictures.
Day 7, their last full day in Seville we walk to Mercadillo Historico del Jueves which interprets as the historical Thursday flea market, on Calle Feria in the San Lorenzo district.
Philip and Phyllis spent their last afternoon doing a self guided audio tour of Real Alcazar. Here are a few of their pictures.
What a great week we had together. We so enjoy having family and friends visit us in each place that we decide to settle for a few months. We are houseless, but we always have a home. We are alone in foreign cities all over the globe but we are always making new friends and having old friends come to visit. We are very blessed and very happy doing what we are doing in our golden years. We are especially happy to have each other, best friends, lovers and partners in such a great adventure.
[…] three children and seven grandchildren. Phyllis had never been to Europe prior to visiting us in Seville in 2020. She and Philip just thoroughly embraced Spain and all it had to offer. As Philip says they […]
[…] in this blog from time to time. The youngest brother Philip and his wife Phyllis last visited us in Seville. They were scheduled to visit us again in Madrid this spring but were unable make the trip due to […]
Wonderful to see two of my brothers and their ladies enjoying Seville together! Genuine family fun! Donna and I enjoyed Seville together about 15 years ago even though we were serving as chaperones for a group of high school kids with whom we visited several cities in Spain. I also had the privilege of playing tour guide with Philip and his son and daughter-in-law, Aaron and Summer in Ethiopia, Kenya and Italy. Philip & Phyllis are some of our favorite people even if Philip IS my youngest brother!
I really enjoyed reading how these two were finally lured away from their wonderful cove in NC and ventured out into the wonders of this part of Europe. I hope they go exploring…time and time again.
Just as you can’t put in a picture, the beauty of Seville, We can’t put in words the gratefulness we feel toward you, for the fulfillment of a dream, turned into reality, You have always been there for me brother, despite the miles and years between us, I do always feel close to you. You both have been so generous and giving of the greatest treasure, your time, your care and concern for others, there is more gold and grace in your hearts , than in all the cathedrals of Europe!
We love you both so much, Philip & Phyllis
Wow, what a beautifully written reflection. Thank you so much for your kind words. We so much enjoyed every second of time spent with you. It was decidedly our pleasure being able to host you for the week.
This looks like it was amazing! Phillip and Phyllis look the happiest I’ve ever seen.
We hope you enjoyed their stay and we look forward to seeing you in April.
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