Adventures in Seville #1 - Plaza de España, Parque Maria Luisa and a vegan restaurant

I haven't been able to do as much tourism as I'd like, not so much for lack of time but for lack of organization. However, this Saturday we decided to get to know a little more of the city we're in, and I couldn't be happier with my decision: it ended up being the best day I've spent here so far, even considering my sore legs and feet.

Our plan was to wake up early, do a little bit of cleaning around the house and then go out and spend the rest of the day out. Well... we woke up around midday, so we didn't do the cleaning part, but we managed to fit in the rest of our plan, so I'd say it was a success.

Our first stop was Veganitessen: a vegan restaurant and bakery which is honestly, my favorite restaurant here so far.

[Check here their facebook page,     their website     and their Happy Cow listing]

First, we decided to try their vegan spanish tortilla. To be honest, I was reluctant: I had tried a non vegan one a long, long time ago, way before I was even vegetarian. Not only I didn't like it at all, I also got so sick afterwards just the thought of eating it again would get me nauseated. But my boyfriend convinced me to try it, and I'm so glad he did. It was SO GOOD! I can't put into words how much I loved it. And as if that wasn't enough, I don't know what "Sevillanos" do to their salads, but they are so tasty!

Then we asked for the "Gourmet Burguer" (at least I think that's what they called it). It had a patty, vegan cheese and vegan bacon (I've had better, but it was still pretty good). We also got the meatballs with this creamy sauce that was also quite good.

To finish off our meal in the best way possible, we obviously had to ask for dessert. I asked for this cute pastry with strawberries and cream, and my boyfriend asked for the banana and chocolate crumble. We ended up switching though!

Since we would spend the whole afternoon as tourists, and I didn't think I would find a lot of vegan options, I also bought a snack for us to take (I came prepared with a container so I wouldn't have to ask for a disposable one). We got a "Napolitana de Chocolate" each, which is a chocolate filled croissant (but with a more rectangular shape) which if you follow me on instagram, you should have seen already. We had them when we got to Plaza de España.

We took a bunch of pictures to this beautiful place. I really should learn how to pose though!

By the way, I was wearing an ethical outfit! Both my sweatshirt and my jeans were thrifted back in Portugal. 

 Afterwards it was getting late, but we still had time for a quick stroll around the Maria Luisa Park.

It was such a fun day, and I can't wait to go there again. I would really love to rent a boat in Plaza de España, it must be such a beautiful and magical experience. 

Unfortunately, there were a lot of carriages being pulled by horses - it's a major tourist attraction. When I was younger I actually visited Sevilla with my parents. I loved animals, so my parents would take me on those carriages, and I loved it. I was once one of those tourists, completely unaware of the pain I was causing the animal that I loved so dearly. I didn't notice when they tripped due to exaustion, nor how they reacted to their uncomfortable gear. I didn't think of how proud these animals are, and how humiliating it must be for them to have to carry around a car of humans, while being whipped throughout the way. Now I see all that and I can't help but notice how sad their eyes look. If you think a carriage ride is fun, I get it - I used to think that as well. But please, these animals are not ours to abuse. You can have fun any other way, but these animals don't have any choice besides doing what you please. 

Anyway, on a lighter note, I'm super excited to explore more of this city. Everyday I fall deeper and deeper in love with it. There's so much I want to do, I just hope my 6 months here are enough!

Have you been to Plaza de España and Parque Maria Luisa? Is there anything that you think is a must for me to do while I'm in Seville? 

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