These Boots Are Made For Walkin'

In doing our research before we moved here, one of the things we read was that driving in Sevilla was very unpleasant. I thought it was because the city drivers were wild or aggressive. Or that the rules of the road were not followed. What I found upon arrival was, surprisingly, that most drivers are actually fairly civilized and considerate. Even taxi drivers stop and let me cross the street — usually.

AUGUST (LEFT) AND AGAIN THIS PAST FRIDAY. I THINK I'LL WALK.

The real reasons driving is not recommended here: Within the old city (where we live), the streets are narrow and mostly one-way. Even drivers of small cars find it a challenge to turn into some streets, tucking their side-view mirrors in to reduce their spread. The other day, Linda and Tom counted 28 cars in a row that had ugly scrapes along their sides.

Most of the old city is off-limits to cars. Many streets only allow access to public transportation, taxis, and residents. There are large boulevards that circle the old city and then just a few narrow streets that allow access to the center. One of those ancient narrow streets leads to our plaza and then around to a public parking garage. Friday nights and Saturdays (and sometimes during the week) can be a nightmare for drivers. Our little street is sometimes backed up for hours the mere quarter-mile it travels from the river. Avoiding that street can be just as bad, since you have to circle the city to gain access.

RENTING A PINTO FROM HERTZ RENT-A-HORSE?

We're planning to rent a car for a couple of days this week for a drive down to Cádiz and interesting places along the way. We'll rent a car near the river and if we need to park it in town overnight, we'll park near the river and we'll walk. Maybe we should just get a horse.