Day 1, Monday 30.09.2024
Morning:
Meeting point at the Prado de San Sebastián metro station to travel to our very first activity destination, the Pablo de Olavide University (UPO), and above all, to get to know each other.
At the university campus:
Presentation of the weekly agenda and to-do’s as part of the project in a classroom on the university campus.
Presentation of the Aquaponics project on-site in the university garden, in a small hall. Yes, I can tell immediately—this is going to be my good practice, and Martina also notices my curiosity (see photo).
In another part of the garden, we are introduced to the details of vegetable growing. It is very hot for the time of year. We continue to the university lake, where we find shade in an observation hut and can watch the birds.
How time flies. Lunch follows in the university cafeteria.
Afternoon:
Drive to the Triana district, a historic quarter. Explore the Vega de Triana garden. Carmen and Miguel welcome us there. They tell us about how everything here began: there used to be salt and fresh water here, and the sea level was higher—still recognizable by the trees (red dye).
Exploring the old town and a market hall.
Day 2, Tuesday 01.10.2024
Morning:
We take the bus to the Factoría Cultural to see the photo exhibition “Ramón Amaya. Objetivo Flamenco”. This was opened in 2018. Flamenco originated around 150 years ago.
We continue to the CEPER Garden, a center for lifelong learning for marginalized groups. So many people enjoying what they do and, unfortunately, a lot of gels.
Afternoon:
Drive to the private garden at Infanta-Elena.
Day 3, Wednesday 02.10.2024
Morning:
Today, we are discovering the gardens of Alamillo Park, an area with many orange trees. On-site, Enrico tells us that there is enough water for gardening (though not drinkable) and that there is even security on-site to prevent theft and vandalism. Enrico also shares stories about his stay in Vienna a few weeks ago, especially his experiences in Favoriten, where I live.
There are shady places to linger in the San Jerónimo garden.
We have a picnic together to recharge our batteries for the rest of the day—it’s going to be very interesting and late today, great!
Afternoon:
In a part of the CEAM garden in Pino Montano, an abandoned mental health center, we are warmly welcomed by ducks.
Many activities take place on-site. In addition to vegetable growing and lots of animals (including two donkeys and chickens), we also get to practice making pottery and later taste a delicious drink at the herb distillery.
We gratefully drive back to our accommodation with lovely gifts of homemade treats.
Day 4, Thursday 03.10.2024
Morning:
I stay in my accommodation this morning with a sore throat while the group explores the old town.
Afternoon:
Feeling better, I make my way to a garden managed by the municipality in the heart of Seville’s historic center and learn about the unique history of the Huerto del Rey Moro.
The city council wants to close this place down and destroy it. Yet, it is so important for the residents here, as they otherwise have no opportunity to meet, linger, and recharge their batteries under the old trees. Children come here after school (they have their own playground). Vegetables and herbs are grown here, and well-known artists have immortalized themselves with beautiful paintings on the walls of the adjoining houses.
This day ends with our joint visit to a restaurant, where we enjoy delicious vegetarian Spanish food and good conversation.
Day 5, Friday 04.10.2024
Morning:
Our last activity – a visit to the Miraflores Gardens.
Afternoon:
Free time! Now it’s time to plan—what sights do Marina and I want to see?
And where’s the best place to do this? Over a cozy coffee in our accommodation.
In the old town, on the Plaza de la Encarnación, we visit the Metropol Parasol, also known as Las Setas.
A wonderful week with interesting people, inspiring conversations, lots of learning, plenty of sunshine, laughter, and helpfulness.
With gratitude and humility that I was allowed to be here.
