15 minutes later we reach Metropol Parasol (Las Setas De Sevilla). It was completed in 2011 and claims to be the largest wooden structure in the world at 150 x 70 metres (490 x 230 ft) and a height of 26 metres (85 ft). It is the form of giant mushrooms ("Las setas" in Spanish). An elevator can be taken to the top for a small fee. Unfortunately today it is overrun by middle school groups on a field trip and we don't have the patience to stand in the queue for the elevator.
Torre del Oro (Tower of Gold) is a 13th Century Watchtower initially used to control access river access to the city of Seville. It got it's name from the golden reflection it casts on the river. It is now a small military museum.
In the evening we walk to our Paella cooking class at the Mercado de Triana.
Chef Dom greets us, has us wash our hands and put on our aprons. The long counter has two Paella pans in the center and 13 cutting boards and knives set to the sides. These are our workstations. Everyone introduces themselves and on our side we have Michele from Canada, two sisters originally from Zambia now in New Jersey and London, and two brothers from Belarus now living in Toronto and New Jersey. The two brothers are dating the sisters.
Chef Dom starts us making the Paella, explaining what makes a true Paella Vallenciana (all the rest are good, but just rice dishes). He teaches us how to easily debone a chicken - including chicken thighs and legs. We fry the dark meat in the Paella pans while he puts the breasts in the refrigerator for another meal. Next we prepare the vegetables (artichokes and flat beans), then the garlic, spices, tomato purée, rice and chicken stock are added to the pan. Chef Dom tells fun stories as we work.
Our cutting boards and knives are swept away for washing and replaced by plates and silverware. The rice in the Paella pans is beginning to make popping noises. Soon the timer goes off and Chef Dom checks out the Paella, then tips the pan up at almost a 90 degree angle. Time to eat!
This was a fun class and a good meal. We would recommend it to anyone visiting Seville.