Arrival, Seville

In the past, before we became aware of climate change we used to fly. I always thought it a miracle to be in grey, rainy London in the morning and somewhere bursting with heat and light in the afternoon. 

This time we took the train. It was still a miracle of modern travel to be able to say 'Only yesterday morning we were in grey rainy London.'

When we arrived in the heat and light of Seville  what struck me was the scent of orange blossom and wisteria in the  courtyards (patios) and the shrill gleeful cry of swifts hurtling through the high narrow streets. We were not just in another country but in another season - summer.

And as we trotted round the cobbled streets orienting ourselves, we stumbled on a band of flamenco musicians and dancers busking. Their twitching, stamping clicking dance held us spellbound. 

Not just a different season, but a different world.  

And I'm glad we reached it by train. The luxury of going on holiday abroad is costly but it should not literally cost us the earth.