And I did need to replace my boots…despite having them re-soled just a few months ago, both left and right sported holes! What’s a girl to do? Lucky for me, post-Christmas sales are in full swing and I’m very happy with my choice…practical yet stylish. The old ones will be left in the bin in my room.
Camper, Zara and Mango are all Spanish in origin. And while I popped into all – just because – I loved best the unexpected discoveries in the Barrio Gottic and La Ribera districts. Medieval to the core – complete with remnants of Roman walls – these were distinct villages that grew into one another. Inevitably, every narrow street (some outstretched-arms width) leads to a square. Barrio Gottic is anchored by La Catedral, a massive place, built over centuries, starting in the 11th. In this area, I found locally-owned shops of local clothing designers, of candles, hats, shoes, books and wine and specialty foods (cheese, bread, chocolate).
Wearing from my wanderings, and drawn by the artful display of pastries in the window, I stopped into a wedge-shaped shop and tearoom called Caelum (corner of Carrer de la Palla and Carrer dels Banys Nous). Choc full of sweets made by nuns in convents all over Spain, it also had a beautiful ceiling to floor cupboard full of beautiful hard soaps, as well as bottles of liquid soaps, infused with vanilla and other scents. Once inside, I pointed to a morsel dusted with icing sugar. Like soft shortbread, folded into a half moon, a bite released sweet, pale green jelly. Washed down with an infusione Manzanilla (chamomile tea), I was ready for round two.
While looking for a vintage clothing store I’d read about, I got lost but found the most amazing jewelry store I’ve ever seen. Owned by Antonio Rossini and his partner, La Basilica Galeria, is one of two locations, which has been open for three years, and features the work of about 50 designers. In the vast array of unique pieces, displayed in graceful antique cases were pieces made of silk injected with latex and rose leaves dusted with gold. Mind blowing creativity and craftsmanship. Anchoring the floor space were mannequins studded with Swarovski crystals wearing dresses of leaves and petals…one pink, one red, one black, one ivory…just incredible. They are at c/Sant Sever 7, if anyone is interested.
I wish I had more time here…perhaps it’s the new boots, perhaps the graceful, timeless quality of this city is soaking in. I find myself wishing for a few more days but Sevilla beckons.