Snowfall… or nevada

I have been studying Spanish since I returned from my trip. Among the tools I use, a Spanish Dictionary app helps expand my vocabulary with a new word each day. I have recently learned some wintery words:

la nevada (snowfall), invernar (to winter), friolento (sensitive to cold), el copo de nieve (snowflake)

A winter wonderland is not the typical image of Spain that comes to mind (though a huge snowfall hit Madrid last winter and skiers zip down the slopes of the Sierra de Nevada north of Granada). I don’t imagine I will use these words in Spain unless I am talking about snowy winters in Canada.

Right now we certainly have heaps of snow. Outside my window people walk by with skates slung over their shoulders, skis underarm and toboggans in tow. After a snowfall the scene is quite beautiful. Trees draped in fresh snow and ice crystals shimmering in the sunlight. The air crisp and winter fresh.

Lovely, lovely.

Except when the snow turns into a slushy mess. It’s now less fluffy and white, and more hardened and grey. It’s at this moment when I feel like a change of scenery. A little sunshine and colour. If you’re feeling friolento like me and want a momentary escape from the nieve, then join me in peaking through this doorway to Spain. We’ll take a photo tour of two grand residences.

First, Casa de Pilatos is one of Sevilla’s most glorious mansions. It dates from the 15th century and is a mix of Mudéjar, Gothic and Renaissance decor. Walking around the marble columns you can see busts of Roman emperors and Greek gods. At first glance, you may think the walls are covered in wallpaper. No. It’s intricate tile work. It’s quite fantastic. The colourful garden with roses and manicured orange trees is also full of hidden little treasures. Take a look for yourself.

The second residence is Palacio de Viana in Córdoba. It’s a 14th century mansion that was home to the Marqueses de Viana until 1980. The formal rooms are full of antique furniture, art, tapestries, a library with 7000 books (I spotted Cervantes) and a vast collection of azulejos. It’s impressive. However it’s the courtyards outside that I found particularly delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed wandering the 12 unique patios complete with trickling fountains, colourful plants and citrus trees. I think you will too.

This final patio (Patio de la Capilla) was particularly tranquil and calming. Feel free to linger as long as you want under this citrus tree before returning to your winter scene. I will be a moment or two myself. Or more.