SEVILLE IN APRIL

There are two basic types of dining out in Sevilla: going for tapas (small portions generally between 1,50-4€) or heading to a restaurant for a more traditional meal. This section covers the many bars and restaurants where you can practice tapeando, or going out for tapas. This is not to say you can't order a plate of food in many tapas bars: you will see groups sharing a ración (plate) or media ración (half-plate) of the same dishes. And in many of the good restaurants you can order tapas at the bar. This is a nice way to try some excellent food without paying the full price of a sit down dinner or lunch. As you will see, these two types of dining out in Seville kind of blend together. In the tapas section I will list a number of restaurants which also appear in the restaurant section, but in this case I will try to cover experience of of tapas separately. Generally this means space at the bar, price, what is on the tapas menu and perhaps not always on the dinner or lunch menu. Finally, there has been a noticeable change in the offering of tapas over the last 5-10 years in Seville, with vegetarian and international dishes appearing on more and more menus. I keep hearing that Spain is impossible for a vegetarian and that's simply not true. If you get to know the right places and dishes you'll see there is plenty to eat. That's not to say vegetarian dishes are everywhere, but they're much easier to find now.

INTERNET

Internet Access from home
Many apartments have internet access, and commonly it is high speed internet access. The main providers for home service are Movistar (formerly Telefonica), Orange, Vodafone, and Ono. In this case you should consult with the owner or your roomates about the password or other details needed to connect. If there is no internet access in the apartment you can still find ways to connect. One is through Instanet, where you can purchase a wireless modem or USB modem which works via Wimax technology. You do not need a telephone line: simply plug in the modem and in a few easy steps you can connect with speeds from 1.5 - 3.5 Mpbs. Prices start from 30 Euros per month, and this is the easiest and mos cost effective solution for short term internet access. There are also options from several mobile service providers (currently Vodafone, Orange and Movistar) which gives you a wirelss card or USB modem for your laptop, allowing you to connect just about anywhere they have coverage. Generally this is more expensive because you must use a prepaid account where costs can run high. Otherwise you must sign a minimum contract of 18 months.

Internet Cafes

Cyber Alcazar
c/ San Fernando, 23 - 2ºA
Just across the street from the University of Seville in the old Tobaco factory, it is also heavily traveled with Spanish students.

Internetia
Avda. Melendez-Pelayo (between Puerta Carmona and Puerta de la Carne)
Now closer to the Puerta Carmona with a new location, just a few blocks from the Barclay's bank. Offers perhaps the most computers of any internet cafe in Sevilla.

Sevilla Internet Center
c/ Almirantazgo
Just across from the Cathedral off of Avda. Constitución, the location on the first floor, but you will likely see the signs from the street.

Cafes with WiFi

LIVING IN YOUR APARTMENT

Once you have arrived an important part about settling in to your new apartment is making sure you have a good relationship with your nieghbors and roomates. Be careful when making assumptions about what is ok. If you are coming from another country there are likely cultural differences which include general house rules. It is always best to ask about house rules, how things work and what is expected of you as a roomate. This will help avoid misunderstandings.

• Patio, roof terrace and other common areas: these areas may seem like a great to store your bike, dirty shoes or items you can’t fit in your apartment. Or you may want to hang out in the patio, sunbathing or reading a book, or on the community part of the roof where neighbors dry their laundry. Always check with the owner, your roomates or the neighbors to understand the rules of the common areas of your apartment building.
• Quiet hours: Inviting people over regularly for drinks or a party during the evening can be a problem. In general after 22:00 are quiet hours in most Spanish households. Always check first with the apartment owner and/or your roomates. In general entertaining is best done outside the house at a bar, restaurant or cafe. Avoid playing loud music in the morning or late at night.
• Apartment building: in some buildings it may be common to leave the main door to the apartment building open during the morning hours until lunch. Generally there is a second gate which remains closed. in the afternoon and at night it is customary to close the main door of the building for security. Always check to see what the norm is where you live.
• Drying laundry: Most households do not have a clothes dryer and laundry is hung to dry on the roof. Avoid leaving your laundry hanging on the roof for more time than necessary to dry. The space may be needed by other neighbors. Avoid hanging your laundry to dry on your balcony. Some communities expressley prohibit hanging items to dry in such visible areas.
• Neighbors: While your interaction with neighbors may be limited depending on the building, it is generally customary to say good morning ("buenos dias") or good afternoon ("buenas tardes") when you pass by your neighbors in the building.

• Guests: you should always inquire with the owners or your roomates before you invite people over tu study, to dinner, for drinks, etc.
• Overnight guests: Before arranging to have a friend or family member stay with you you must always first speak with the owners or roomates before doing so. It is important that they feel comfortable with
anyone staying in their home. Other considerations: increased use of water and other utilities.
• Showering: Taking long showers can use up the hot water in some apartments which may have smaller hot water heaters.
• Landline phone calls: we always recommend a mobile phone. If there is a fixed line phone in your apartment always ask about using this. Make sure to make local calls only to other landlines, and avoid international calls and calls to mobile phones which are expensvie.
• Refrigerator space: with your roomates or the owner, decide on a space for your items in the fridge.
• Electricity: Avoid leaving the lights on in the room or other rooms when you are not there.
• Quiet hours: if you come home late, keep a respectable noise level.

COST OF LIVING

Below are some basic costs for living. These are approximations and in apartments with several family members or roomates the costs are likely to be higher.

Other costs for things you may consider or need during the month.

FRESH FOOD MARKETS:

For vegetables, fruits, meat and fish often the best quality and price are found in the markets.

Encarnación
Just behind the large construction site which will be the new market in Plaza de la Encarnación.

Feria
About 10 minutes walk from the market in the Encarnación located on Calle Feria as you head towards the new bridge and neighborhoods further out. There is an organic food stand towards the back.

Triana
The newest market has air conditioning, which makes it easier to shop in the summer heat. This is located just across the Triana bridge to your right in a new brick building.

Arenal
Located on Calle Pastor y Landero, this market is close to the Plaza de Toros. Inside you'll also find Supermarket and a few bars.

Puerta de la Carne
This is located on c/ Juan de Mata Carriazo, about a 5 minute walk from the Puerta de la Carne of in the Juderia. The market itself is covered by the roof of the old San Bernardo train station.

SUPERMARKETS

Larger Supermarkets

El Corte Ingles
Depending on your location the largest and perhaps most expensvie place to shop for groceries is El Corte Inglés. El Corte Inglés offers more selection and more options.

Mercadona
Another large chain which in general has cheaper prices than El Corte Inglés. The locations are less convenient to the city center. The Mercadona brand items are where you can expect to save the most money.

Carrefour
Has a large selection of foods, similar to El Corte Inglés, as well as furniture, electronics, kitchen appliances, outdoor and and houshold items.

Hipercor
Owned by El Corte Inglés, which offers everything the above mentioned Carrefour offers. There are several locations, the closest to the center perhaps being in Los Arcos mall, several blocks past Nervión Plaza.

Smaller Supermarkets:

SuperSol, Mas y Mas, and El Jamón
Both Super Sol and Mas y Mas seem to have the most locations in the center and outlying neighborhoods. El Jamón is less common but similar in size.

Lidl and Dia
These are the cheapest of the supermarkets with a limited selection of foods. Lidl has the largest selection of the two, plus some international foods, especially from Germany where the chain originates.

Corner markets
Small grocers are in many neihgborhoods. These often have a limited selection but a little of everything to get you by should you find yourself missing an ingredient for a dinner or lunch. They also tend to be the most expensive places.

ORGANIC AND SPECIALTY FOODS

La Casa de las Especias
c / (Centro)
Just a few blocks from La Campana. If you are looking for a particular spice this may be your best bet - they carry just about everything, including some hard to find items. They also carry a selection of organic packaged foods.

La Ortiga
c / Cristo del Buen Fin (San Lorenzo)
On calle Cristo del Buen Fin, a true co-op with over 1,000 products. A large selection of vegetables and fruits according to season. Fair prices in a producer direct to consumer model.

Ecotienda de Rosa
c/ Santiago (Santa Catalina)
A small store on the corner of calle Santiago offering a small selection of organic foods, herbs and supplements. The fruit and vegetables are some of the best we've found in Sevilla.

Gaia
c/ Arjona (Arenal)
On calle Arjona, they sell organic and natural foods as well as supplements, fresh fruits and vegetables.

La Huerta de la Alegria
c/ Feria Market (Alameda)
The first organic food stand to open in any of Seville's markets. They specialize in produce and other goods, many of which come straight from organic farmers.

GYMS IN SEVILLE

Sato Sport Santa Justa
c/ Jose Laguillo
The newest and perhaps most popular place to work out. Located just across the street from the train station, Sato Sport offers five floors of facilities with views in three directions. The location is fairly convenient to the center and an easy bus ride.

Cartuja Sport
Isla Cartuja
Before Sato Sport Santa Justa this was the latest and greatest gym. Making use of abandoned space in the old Expo grounds Cartuja Sport takes up five floors and packs just about everything you want and then some in the space. Less central.

Cuesta Sport
Cuesta del Rosario
If you are looking for a gym in the very center of Seville there is likely nothing more convenient than Cuesta Sport, a fairly new facility which opened in 2005. While smaller but with good equipment.

Sevilla Gym
Calle Amor de Dios
Sevilla Gym offers aerobics classes, free weights and machines. Located in an older building which has been renovated (with a recent addition to the space) it’s between La Campana and the Alameda.

VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS IN SEVILLE

La Habanita
c/ Golfo (Alfalfa)
A large selection of vegetarian dishes, including Cuban dishes. They are one of the few places to also offer vegan dishes. All vegetarian and vegan dishes are clearly marked which makes it easy to choose from.

La Huerta
Plaza de los Terceros (Santa Catalina)
Lots of outdoor seating and very friendly owners. The tabla de patatas comes with three amazing sauces. They do serve meat, but have a lot of vegetarian friendly dishes. Tapa's range from 2 - 4€.

La Mandrágora
c/ Albuera, 11
Open only on the weekends, the restaurant boasts cooking with only organic and natural ingredients. A great place to go for original vegetarian cooking that comes highly recommended from our visitors.

La Ilustre Victima
c/ Doctor Letamendi, 31
Specializing in international and vegetarian dishes. Middle-eastern specialties include cous cous and shoarmas. Some outdoor seating in the warmer months but plenty of seating inside as well. A decent bar de copas at night, too.

Ajo Blanco
c/ Alhóndiga 19
A little alternative in atmosphere, with Jazz and Feria posters. Some dishes have an interesting Mexican twist to them and >prices range from 2 - 4€ per tapa. Some vegetarian friendly dishes as well.

Fresco
c/ Cuna
A salad bar in Seville, plus second course, and all you can eat, for 8-10 Euros. And vegetarian friendly.

MOBILE PHONES

The three major providers for mobile service in Spain are:
Orange   www.orange.es
Vodafone  www.vodafone.es
Movistar   www.movistar.com

Purchasing
When purchasing a phone make sure you check the rate plans for each service provider. There are many different plans, each with it's own advantage and the best one depends on how you plan to use the phone.

Receive calls free
Although you may run out of money on your prepaid card, you can still receive calls (including international) at no cost.

Minimum usage
For prepaid or contract mobile phones, there is generally a minimum amount you must use per month.

Calls to and from fixed lines
Calls from landlines to mobiles are generally much more expensive. Generally it is best to call a mobile from another mobile, and a landline from another landline to get the best rates. Much will depend on the calling plan you have.

Calls to and from other mobile providers
The cost of calls to other mobile phones using a different service provider than your own will often be higher than calls to someone using your same service provider.

Text messaging
Text messaging is available for all companies, and is a popular way to communicate. Most allow you to mail messages to mobile phones over the internet, although you will be limited to the amount of messages you can send in a given month. Banks such as Cajasol, also give you 50 free text messages per month if you have a bank account with them.

Coverage
There is a difference in coverage for each provider and much depends on location. You may want to check with your roomates to see what company they use and whether or not there is coverage in your apartment.

24/7
The same flat rate for making calls no matter what time, and in some cases no matter what service provider or type of line (landline or mobile).

Time Scale
discounts for use during a specific time block (night or day time).

Group plans
many providers allow you to create groups or add friends and family to a list for special rates. Often there is a one time charge to do so. Then all of your calls to the group or people on your list will be cheaper.

Data plans
If you want to use your mobile to surf the internet using the phone as a browser, or using it as a modem connected to your computer, you can also buy credit specific for data consumption. If you have a contract there may be unlimited data plans which save you money.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.

I am slowly putting the finishing touches on my menu reader, one which is more specific to Seville, but will also help you when dining out in many parts of Spain. Once finished, I will place a link in this section. For now you can refer to the food dictionary in either.