Have you ever listened to music that unexpectedly gave you chills? Perhaps something that you cannot quite explain evoked a sense of unparalleled emotion. My personal experience in Spain was absolutely unforgettable. Prepare to embark on a journey of exploring and expanding your sense of sound in Seville.
Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.Plato
Before settling in Seville, we embarked on a day trip around the coast of Cádiz. Tio Pepe was our first stop for a guided tour of the famous sherry producer and tasting afterward. Although sherry is not my ideal drink of choice, I enjoyed the scenery with beautifully grafted fruit trees and some of the largest barrels of wine I have ever encountered. Grapevines outlined the walkways for an idyllic experience. The little train offered a unique and fun means of getting around throughout the tour as well.
We traveled to the coastal city following a brief rain shower. Upon our arrival, the brisk ocean breeze was slightly chilly. We headed inside a restaurant to warm up while sampling some of the local cuisines. Much like our prior experience in Madrid, the tapas were delicious and highlighted the fresh flavors of the region.
Once we had our fill, we made our way over to the historical landmark known as Castillo de San Sebastian. It is an old ocean-front fortress in Cádiz that was designated as a world heritage site in 1993. The crashing sound of waves echoed against the fortress as we marveled at the magnificent structure that withstood the test of time. We walked around town and along the beach, soaking in the impressive sights of the ocean before heading back to Seville.
One of my absolute favorite memories from the entire trip throughout Spain was the Flamenco show in Seville. We attended the venue known as Los Gallos. This performance was completely authentic and unique — unlike anything I have ever experienced in my life. It was the truest form of passion and raw emotion that I have had the honor to witness. Captivated and in awe, I was deeply moved by the encounter.
Flamenco originated in Andalusia, making Seville the ideal location to observe this display of art in its most authentic form. The combination of incredibly talented dancers, singers, and Flamenco guitarists produced an unforgettable experience. I am forever grateful to have been a part of the magic that is Seville. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply to be present in the moment and listen. I can only hope that everyone has the opportunity to experience a similar event during their lifetime.
Music is the most powerful language, unlike any other. It is so effective because the emotion carried through movement and sound transcends any spoken language. Music is universally recognizable and relatable. I did not need to speak the language to understand what was being conveyed. I felt it.
The poignant performance brought me to tears of overwhelming joy. As I looked around at the audience, it was unifying to see that I was not alone in this revelation. This moment has forever enlightened my perspective towards understanding the potential in each of us. Humans have more in common than we may think. I truly believe that music has the power to inspire, connect, and to heal.