Flamenco recommendation in Seville...
Dec 9th, 2008, 01:23 PM
#21
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vibhav,
Here's another reason to stick with the morning slot-warmth. In Granada in winter, in late morning it begins to warm up, and mid-day can actually be quite pleasant. Then at sunset it will start to become chilly again, at least that's what we found during our trip the first week of Feb.
At twilight, you can snap some really beautiful shots of the entire Alhambra complex from the Mirador de San Miguel view point in the Albaicín. Just watch your belongings carefully there on the square, as sunset attracts throngs of tourists and the accompanying pickpockets. You could get great pictures from the terrace of the Huerto de Juan Ranas restaurant right below for just the price of a drink, avoiding the Mirador de San Miguel crowd. Same breathtaking views.
Here's another reason to stick with the morning slot-warmth. In Granada in winter, in late morning it begins to warm up, and mid-day can actually be quite pleasant. Then at sunset it will start to become chilly again, at least that's what we found during our trip the first week of Feb.
At twilight, you can snap some really beautiful shots of the entire Alhambra complex from the Mirador de San Miguel view point in the Albaicín. Just watch your belongings carefully there on the square, as sunset attracts throngs of tourists and the accompanying pickpockets. You could get great pictures from the terrace of the Huerto de Juan Ranas restaurant right below for just the price of a drink, avoiding the Mirador de San Miguel crowd. Same breathtaking views.
Dec 9th, 2008, 01:31 PM
#22
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Ok .. I am sold 
... will stick with the morning slot and take your wonderful advice for catching the sunset views from the Albaicin ...
Now for the morning slot, which is the best slot to take for Nasrid Palace?? .. Should go to the Nasrid Palace first thing, so take the 8:30 - 9 AM slot ?? .. Or should go sometime in the middle at 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM ?? or plan for end of the Alhambra tour at about 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM ??
... will stick with the morning slot and take your wonderful advice for catching the sunset views from the Albaicin ...Now for the morning slot, which is the best slot to take for Nasrid Palace?? .. Should go to the Nasrid Palace first thing, so take the 8:30 - 9 AM slot ?? .. Or should go sometime in the middle at 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM ?? or plan for end of the Alhambra tour at about 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM ??
Dec 9th, 2008, 02:12 PM
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Hi vibhav,
You should take the first slot for the Nasrid Palace because there will be fewer visitors at this hour. Not everyone wants to get up and tour so early!
At this hour you *may* even have a chance to take good pictures without other visitors blocking all your shots. Be there a bit early to stand in line at the door, and then be one of the first visitors inside and snap away! You won't get that opportunity, believe me!!, if you take a slot at 10 or after because of the increased numbers in those crowded rooms. (Only 300 visitors are allowed in every 30 minutes, but once inside, folks can stay as long as they like).
So do the Nasrid Palace first, then the Palace of Charles V for the Alhambra museum (which opens at 9 and is free), then the Alcazaba fortress, then up to the Generalife, where it's always cooler (thanks to the effect of the vegetation, fountains, pools and "water staircase"
at the end.
You should take the first slot for the Nasrid Palace because there will be fewer visitors at this hour. Not everyone wants to get up and tour so early!
At this hour you *may* even have a chance to take good pictures without other visitors blocking all your shots. Be there a bit early to stand in line at the door, and then be one of the first visitors inside and snap away! You won't get that opportunity, believe me!!, if you take a slot at 10 or after because of the increased numbers in those crowded rooms. (Only 300 visitors are allowed in every 30 minutes, but once inside, folks can stay as long as they like).
So do the Nasrid Palace first, then the Palace of Charles V for the Alhambra museum (which opens at 9 and is free), then the Alcazaba fortress, then up to the Generalife, where it's always cooler (thanks to the effect of the vegetation, fountains, pools and "water staircase"
at the end.
Dec 9th, 2008, 04:11 PM
#24
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Ok .. Thanks a lot Maribel ... I plan to follow your plan listed above to the tee ...
I was trying to book the tickets online using the instructions in your guide .. Just like you say in there, you have to keep re-trying to get the slot of choice for Nasrid Palace .. But gosh .. How many tries does one have to do .. I am already on try number 12 ... I keep hitting the back button and then reselect the number of people and then click "select" ... But still have not gotten the 8:30 slot ... Guess, I will keep at it ...
Also, interestingly, on the website, it is showing 800+ total tickets for morning and same number of available tickets for morning.. and it is showing 500+ tickets for afternoon and same number of available tickets .. seems like no one has made a reservation for 24th ??? thts is something ?? might not have to worry about crowds or do people book at last minute a lot??
I was trying to book the tickets online using the instructions in your guide .. Just like you say in there, you have to keep re-trying to get the slot of choice for Nasrid Palace .. But gosh .. How many tries does one have to do .. I am already on try number 12 ... I keep hitting the back button and then reselect the number of people and then click "select" ... But still have not gotten the 8:30 slot ... Guess, I will keep at it ...
Also, interestingly, on the website, it is showing 800+ total tickets for morning and same number of available tickets for morning.. and it is showing 500+ tickets for afternoon and same number of available tickets .. seems like no one has made a reservation for 24th ??? thts is something ?? might not have to worry about crowds or do people book at last minute a lot??
Dec 9th, 2008, 10:31 PM
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vibhav,
I actually can't tell you how many times you have to try to get the 8:30 slot, because on our last trip I (foolishly) didn't try for it. It would help if you and your wife had two computers to work on it-might go more successfully and quickly. When one gets that highly desired 8:30 slot, he/she just grabs 2 tickets for it.
In winter the total number of visitors allowed in each day is 6,050 (morning & afternoon sessions). Lots of people actually don't know that one can purchase tickets online and wait until the day of the visit to purchase them at the box office (they don't read the Fodors Europe forum!!).
Regarding your other thread on shopping, in my Granada file I have a list starting on p. 33-basically two local handicrafts: "taracea" (the local wood marquetry work in small jewelry boxes and such) and the blue, green and white pottery called "fajalauza"-I've listed reputable shops where you can purchase items of quality.
I actually can't tell you how many times you have to try to get the 8:30 slot, because on our last trip I (foolishly) didn't try for it. It would help if you and your wife had two computers to work on it-might go more successfully and quickly. When one gets that highly desired 8:30 slot, he/she just grabs 2 tickets for it.
In winter the total number of visitors allowed in each day is 6,050 (morning & afternoon sessions). Lots of people actually don't know that one can purchase tickets online and wait until the day of the visit to purchase them at the box office (they don't read the Fodors Europe forum!!).
Regarding your other thread on shopping, in my Granada file I have a list starting on p. 33-basically two local handicrafts: "taracea" (the local wood marquetry work in small jewelry boxes and such) and the blue, green and white pottery called "fajalauza"-I've listed reputable shops where you can purchase items of quality.
Dec 10th, 2008, 05:47 AM
#26
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We witnessed flamenco at 3 different locations in Seville, and all were great. One of course was Casa de la Memoria, which has received kudos from everyone above. The one that we enjoyed more was at La Carboneria on C.Levies, where the flamenco show is free; it is a bar with a lot of character, reasonably priced drinks, and great atmosphere plus flamenco. The third was at Lo Nuestro in Triana area, a bar which opens after 11:30 pm, you take your drinks, and the patrons (locals) dance the flamenco, including pulling you up and and asking you to dance - great fun. Enjoy all !
Dec 10th, 2008, 07:48 AM
#27
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Thanks a lot Maribel for your wonderful suggestions as always ... I am on try number 30 now and the earliest slot that it has offered to me is 9:30 .. 
... jeez ... not a very smart way of doing things at that website .. but oh well .. I am going to Spain in 3 days .. I am not complaining ...
Indiancouple, thanks for your suggestions as well ... I have to commend you on your trip report which we are utilizing to the tee as I am vegetarian too (my wife can eat chicken/ fish sometimes; so sort of the reverse case from you both) ... We have learnt so much from your report .. thanks a lot for the effort you put into it ...
I have been wondering how I can contribute back to the Fodors forum .. My wife is a good scribe but with a 3 year old in tow and her coming back to an extremely stressful job, she might or might not get the chance for a trip report .. But what I will commit is to share a lot of my photos with the fodorites, which is not very common to find on these forums .. So hopefully that will be useful to future trip planners ... I know I am a very visual person and seeing soem good photos can always help with my decision ...
... jeez ... not a very smart way of doing things at that website .. but oh well .. I am going to Spain in 3 days .. I am not complaining ...Indiancouple, thanks for your suggestions as well ... I have to commend you on your trip report which we are utilizing to the tee as I am vegetarian too (my wife can eat chicken/ fish sometimes; so sort of the reverse case from you both) ... We have learnt so much from your report .. thanks a lot for the effort you put into it ...
I have been wondering how I can contribute back to the Fodors forum .. My wife is a good scribe but with a 3 year old in tow and her coming back to an extremely stressful job, she might or might not get the chance for a trip report .. But what I will commit is to share a lot of my photos with the fodorites, which is not very common to find on these forums .. So hopefully that will be useful to future trip planners ... I know I am a very visual person and seeing soem good photos can always help with my decision ...
Dec 10th, 2008, 08:21 AM
#28
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VIBHAV:
Three days! Wow lucky you. Have a fantastic time & please at least let us know when you get back.
I noticed on the flamenco site there are references to a "zambombas". A zambomba is actually an instrument used to accompany the singing of
villancicos (Christmas carols)
during in formal gatherings during the holidays. (It looks like someone is churning butter)
IN this case the name zambomba also refers to the gathering or party.
I hope you get to attend or see one. I never have yet.
In case you see one announced while you are in Sevilla..or you can ask about them.
Buen Viaje!
http://www.flamenco-world.com/magazi...a/zambomba.htm
Three days! Wow lucky you. Have a fantastic time & please at least let us know when you get back.
I noticed on the flamenco site there are references to a "zambombas". A zambomba is actually an instrument used to accompany the singing of
villancicos (Christmas carols)
during in formal gatherings during the holidays. (It looks like someone is churning butter)
IN this case the name zambomba also refers to the gathering or party.
I hope you get to attend or see one. I never have yet.
In case you see one announced while you are in Sevilla..or you can ask about them.
Buen Viaje!
http://www.flamenco-world.com/magazi...a/zambomba.htm
Dec 10th, 2008, 10:26 AM
#29
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vibhav,
I'm afraid that the tickets for the coveted 8:30 am slot may have just been sold out by now, since one can purchase tickets online 3 months in advance-"the early bird gets the worm"-sorry!
Just a note about vegetarian food and Madrid:
I just remembered a place that's a vegetarian market/café that would be handy for you and your wife. It's "Viva la Vida", on Costanilla de San Andrés 16, facing the Plaza de la Paja, a very pretty square that you'll want to see in Old Madrid. Its facade is made of pieces of glass, and inside it's painted a riot of colors-can't miss it! It has good hours, sells vegetarian products (soy milk) and savory dishes to go from a handy buffet. You're charged by the weight. (price used to be 1.80 euros for 100 grams-don't know about now). On the second floor you can also dine in. There's another branch in Old Madrid not far from your hotel, at Huertas 57.
Have a wonderful time!
I'm afraid that the tickets for the coveted 8:30 am slot may have just been sold out by now, since one can purchase tickets online 3 months in advance-"the early bird gets the worm"-sorry!
Just a note about vegetarian food and Madrid:
I just remembered a place that's a vegetarian market/café that would be handy for you and your wife. It's "Viva la Vida", on Costanilla de San Andrés 16, facing the Plaza de la Paja, a very pretty square that you'll want to see in Old Madrid. Its facade is made of pieces of glass, and inside it's painted a riot of colors-can't miss it! It has good hours, sells vegetarian products (soy milk) and savory dishes to go from a handy buffet. You're charged by the weight. (price used to be 1.80 euros for 100 grams-don't know about now). On the second floor you can also dine in. There's another branch in Old Madrid not far from your hotel, at Huertas 57.
Have a wonderful time!
Dec 10th, 2008, 01:36 PM
#30
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Thanks a lot to Amsdon for the detailed info on a zambomba - I learnt one more thing new ... And thanks for Maribel for veggie friendly advice ... will definitely look up the place ...
Finally booked our Alhambra tickets with Nasrid palace entry at 9 :30 AM .. Not the best ... but what can one do ?!?! We will still have a blast !! so excited !!
Finally booked our Alhambra tickets with Nasrid palace entry at 9 :30 AM .. Not the best
... but what can one do ?!?! We will still have a blast !! so excited !!
Dec 10th, 2008, 03:16 PM
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hi vibhav,
Yes, you definitely will have a blast!
Just one more thing...you might like to read a bit about the Xmas season in Seville on Jeff's terrific web site-I never tire of recommending it because it's so complete and really invaluable to anyone Seville bound. Maybe you can catch a Xmas concert somewhere and hear that zambomba!
www.exploreseville.com/events/chris-holiday.htm
Wishing you, your wife and your 3 yr. old a wonderful, magical time!
Yes, you definitely will have a blast!
Just one more thing...you might like to read a bit about the Xmas season in Seville on Jeff's terrific web site-I never tire of recommending it because it's so complete and really invaluable to anyone Seville bound. Maybe you can catch a Xmas concert somewhere and hear that zambomba!
www.exploreseville.com/events/chris-holiday.htm
Wishing you, your wife and your 3 yr. old a wonderful, magical time!
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