Life is Good

I am doing a very poor job at keeping up with my blog. I vow every time that I will get better, but it simply isn't happening. As much as I would like to get better, I don't feel that bad because I know I am out living my life and am glad that I am doing so.

SO MUCH has happened since my last blog. I've been here for a few weeks now and really feel settled in. If I had kept up with this blog as I should have, you would have really witnessed the ups and downs that I have experienced. Let me update you:

The few days after my last blog were ROUGH. I was really feeling down about my Spanish. My room mate is wonderful at it even though she thinks she is not, and I was feeling as though my Spanish was terrible. My family didn't really try to talk to me, and I didn't try to talk to them either. There are days that I wake up and I don't want to even try. It's mentally exhausting to try and speak this language, and often I was getting discouraged and feeling dumb. It's a hell of an adjustment. The last few days have been much, MUCH better. At dinner a few nights ago, I opened up to my family, telling them how insecure I am with my Spanish. I told them it's difficult for me to speak because I know I'm not that good. They were very encouraging, and we cracked jokes and had a great meal. Ever since, we've started to communicate much more. I know this is something little, but tonight I studied in the kitchen and spent more time in the house. Pepi (my madre) encouraged Kelly and I to use the rest of the house. She said it was "our casa" as well. She is such a kind woman. She took us out for her birthday dinner last weekend, and her family attended. It was so interesting to watch her interact with her family. Her son Juan announced that he was having a child, and that was so exciting. The meal lasted for nearly 4 hours, and we had tapas, tapas and more tapas, as well as coffee, bread, beers, shots and dessert. It truly was an experience. You can tell that Pepi really brings together her entire family. Tonight at dinner, she invited Kelly and I to a weekend at her house on the coast. She really loves people and being a mother, and it makes me so happy that she sincerely wants us around because she just wants our company.

Last weeks weather was terrible, but as of today things are sunny and beautiful. No rain is in the forecast! I went running in the park this morning (I've been sick all week and finally felt up for it today) and it was absolutely beautiful. People were everywhere, cycling, playing with their children, running, eating at cafes IN the park. It was so lively. I thought no one did anything on Sunday, but clearly they are at the park!

My American friends and I have been making some amigos here in Spain. We go to the same tapas cafe everyday for internet, and are getting to know the waiters well. We've met some people out, and there's my intercambio. It's nice to be making some local friends. This past weekend was wonderful. It was Katrina's 21st birthday, and Madelon and I were able to throw her a surprise dinner and take her out! It was a ton of fun. The next day, we had an ISA excursion to Ronda. It's a beautiful old city, with a massive, grand bridge. It is home to one of the oldest bull fighting rings in Spain, and we were lucky enough to visit it. I'm glad we were able to, because I don't really have a desire to go to an ACTUAL bullfight, but it was nice to see the ring. The views from Ronda were spectacular, and you could see the mountains for miles.

Classes are going well; I really enjoy all of my teachers, and it's a much more laid back atmosphere. Professors really treat you as equals, and tell things as they are. The content of my courses is really interesting as well and the semester is starting off well.

I've booked all of my trips while I'm here! I don't have my trips booked for May, but I know that I'm going to visit all of my amazing friends in the UK so I'm extremely excited! As for while I'm in Spain, I'm going to a few places! I am going to Morocco this weekend! I am so, so, SO excited. That will be unlike anywhere else I have ever been, and such a culture shock! I know a lot is going on in the Arab world right now, but I am thinking I should be just fine with where I am going! For Spring break, I am going to Barcelona for a few days, as well as Rome and Florence! I can't believe I am finally going to Italy! Italy has always been the place I've wanted to go more than anywhere else, and I can't believe that is finally going to happen for me. We also booked a weekend in Palma de Mallorca, a wonderful Spanish Island in the Ballearic Islands that is supposed perfect for a beach getaway. It was hard to pass up as tickets were only 22 euro round trip!

Life in Spain is so good. The food, the people, the atmosphere and all there is to do. It's proving to be even better and more exciting than I could have hoped for. As usual, I will say that I am going to keep up with this a better. We'll see if this actually happens. Until Next Time!

Hola, Sevilla!

Greetings family and friends! Sorry I haven't posted anything yet; life has been hectic thus far (to say the least). I am here in Spain, Sevilla no less! I will catch you up on my life thus far (disclaimer: this may be very long and tedious).

On Monday morning after a long flight (and a few mishaps), I arrived in Madrid. I was forced to make the flight Ipod-less, as I left in the airport in Nashville. My mom was nice enough to go pick it up, so I didn't wind up losing it, it was merely 'misplaced' :-). At 9:15, I (along with 100 other excited and deliriously tired students) swarmed the lobby of the Madrid airport, waiting to be claimed. A few friendly, attractive Spainards greeted us, we loaded our luggage and headed to our hotel. Waisting no time, I joined a few other students and we began to roam the streets of Madrid. We saw the Plaza de Mayor, and enjoyed some tapas and sangria. The architecture was so diverse and unique, and there were sooo many people in Madrid. I enjoyed some cheap cervesas con mis amigos, and took it easy as I was pretty tired. The next day we visited the Museo de Prado. It has some extraordinary artwork, and really tells the story of Spain's entire history. We also visited an old and famous Palace in Madrid that is still used for all formal visits. Spanish holds some of the most interesting and diverse history. That night, we went out and were able to practice our Spanish at the bars, and met some really interesting people from Italy, Venezuela and Sweden. By the way, when I say "we", I am referring to the students I have met in ISA, in particular my new friends Katrina and Maddelon. I am so lucky to have met them and we've had a blast so far!

After a couple days in Madrid, we left for Toledo. At this point, I was so ready to get rid of my luggage. Traveling light is truly the best advice anyone has ever given me. I brought with me one very large bag and a carry on, but trust me when I say that is NOTHING compared to some of these people here (girls and boys). Some have 3, 4 bags (and large ones at that). Anyway, when we made it to Toledo, I just wanted to go take a 'siesta'. Well that didn't happen. We immediately explored the city. It was for the best, as I only had one day in Toledo and I am glad I was forced to explore it. The city is on one massive hill, and is so old and beautiful. The whole city seems like a scene from a movie. The old cobblestone streets were beautiful, and the Catholic church was outstanding. I believe that Toledo is home to Spain's bishop, and therefore the Catholic church is said to be the most important in the country. After exploring, we went back to the hotel and had an easy night.

The next morning, we headed out for Sevilla! I know by this point I was so excited to finally go somewhere I could settle. Everyone tried to look nice for our families, and I know that I was full of butterflies. The drive was a good 5 hours or so. Interesting fact: In Spain, drivers must pull over for at least an hour or so, within a four hour drive. It is a law that you cannot drive more than four hours straight. I found that extremely interesting, and to make a lot of sense. Once we arrived in Sevilla, my nerves were out of control. Kelly (my room mate) and I were greeted by our host mother and her son. Immediately we realized that she spoke NO English. At all. None. Not one word. Well, I am quite the beginner with my Spanish, and this was extremely intimidating. We got to her apartment and she showed us our room. We share a tiny room with a tiny closet, and at first Kelly and I really struggled to put our stuff away. We both had an immediate culture shock, and sort of panicked. We spent the first hour almost in tears, wondering how we were going to do this. We are the first couple of students that our mom (Josefa) has ever hosted. One of her daughters lives here as well, and speaks a very small amount of English. I mean very, very little. Things have gotten so much better though, as they have slowed down when speaking to us, and gestures are often used to communicate. Side note: Andalucians speak Spanish quicker than anyone else in the world. Truly). I can already see myself getting much better with the language.. I am so, so lucky to have an awesome room mate like Kelly. She speaks Spanish well (much better than she realizes), and has been such a crucial element in my communication with my family. Our 'madre' is so unbelievably sweet, and we have already grown to love her so much. At first I was extremely intimidated, but I look forward to meals because she is such an interesting person. She has 5 children that have all grown up, and she misses having them around. She really wanted the company, and someone to cook for. She is so accommodating, kind and beautiful. She is a beautician as well, and does nails, pedicures, facials and waxes in our apartment. I hope to take advantage of that one day. :-) Her children are all very intelligent, each having graduated college. One is a professor while another is in the military, and I know that two others studied finance. I really think doing a homestay was the best decision I could have made.

As for Sevilla, the city is unbelievably beautiful. I wish I could describe the atmosphere to you, but it is truly impossible. I will try my best to post many pictures and videos to help you understand, but it is such a lively city. I've never seen anything like it before. It is nothing like New York, Chicago, London, or even Madrid. While it is a large city, it has a small city feel in the sense that life moves a little slower. Everyday, people are strolling the streets, riding their bikes, eating and drinking in the plazas, and enjoying life. I have truly never seen an atmosphere more positive. The architecture is incredible, best described as a bigger, better Charleston. Public transportation is everywhere, and people stay out all night long. There's music in the streets, gypsies selling goods by the Cathedral, and horse drawn carriages throughout the city. Each day around 230, one plaza is filled with people eating and drinking while enjoying each other's company. It's a beautiful thing. The climate is wonderful, with little to no rain and constant 60 degree days. Everyone is so happy, and everything is so beautiful. I am in love and I can see why locals are so proud. This is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

It was definitely difficult to initially adjust. While I'm loving things so much, it's definitely different. Meals are a big deal here. You could almost say life revolves around them. However, snacking is not something that really exists. You eat breakfast around 10 (people seem to sleep in), lunch at 2:30, and dinner at 9:30. Siestas truly exist after lunch, which is your biggest meal of the day. The food is terrific, but much different. I am living a life full of carbs, fruit and olive oil. Food is not processed or greasy, and I already feel healthier. In Andalucia, there is no central heat as for the most part, the cities are always warm. However, nights do get chilly so it's hard to get used to that. In this region of Spain, it is typical to have a 'la mesa comia', which is a heated table. The living room and dinner room is one, and we sit on the couch as we eat. We put the skirt of the table over our laps, and we have a warm meal. I wish it was like that in America. Meals always have multiple courses, and our mom takes much pride in her cooking. All of her food is good but she prepares a LOT of it, so Kelly and I had to explain to her not to prepare so much without offending her.

All in all, I am absolutely loving Spain. Now that I feel as though I'm settling in, it's been wonderful. I no longer get lost on my way home, and the language barrier is becoming (a bit) less of an issue. I know that if I can learn Spanish here, I can truly speak it anywhere. I feel ignorant in the fact that I presumed some people would speak English. This is truly not the case. People are content with where they live, and really have little need to learn another language. Some are still interested, and I was lucky enough to meet someone who is. I went to eat at a Mexican restaurant the other night, and our waiter name Anibal was looking for an American to help him learn English. In return, he will help me with my Spanish. This is called an intercambio, and is a great way for me to make some local friends. I'm really excited. My family is great as is my room mate, the location of my apartment is wonderful, the food is terrific and life is exciting. I'm excited for my first full day of classes tomorrow, and to start a routine. I know this post was extremely long, but I felt is necessary as I was unable to post all week. I promise I will get better, and post on a regular basis and with less information. Miss you all, but love it here!

Pre-departure Planning

I've always sworn to myself that I would start a blog and stick with it. After years of failed attempts, I am dedicated to my newest project of documenting this European adventure that I will embark on come January 30th. Through hard work and a wonderful and supporting family, I've been given the opportunity to spend a semester in the beautiful city of Sevilla, Spain. I have spent the last semester rocking out in school and planning trips to seemingly every city in every country on the entire continent of Europe (as well as Africa). Needless to say, I have had my heads in the clouds and hope to not come down anytime soon!

Some wonder why I am going to Sevilla rather than the obvious choices such as Madrid and Barcelona. As I began planning for this trip back in September (this all happened quite suddenly as most plan at least a year in advance), I scoured all possible programs available through UT. Many factors played in to my choice including price, location, classes offered and length of program. I knew immediately that I wanted to be somewhere warm and sunny. Many choices were quickly eliminated such as the entire northern part of Spain. I dug through countless catalogs, and stumbled upon Malaga and Sevilla. Initially Malaga seemed ideal. I had my heart set on this city up until the day I submitted my application. It looked beautiful and is located right on the coast. As I dug a little deeper though, I noticed that the program was much much smaller, as was the city. It is a port city and a popular tourist attraction come summer, however dead otherwise. As I looked closer at Sevilla I found that the history, culture, nightlife and surrounding cities were exactly what I was looking for.

Here is a little background on the city of Sevilla: it is the heart and soul of southern Spain as well as the capitol of Andalusia. The city is more than 2,000 years old and is the fourth largest in the country. It is home to one of the oldest and largest of all medieval, gothic cathedrals in the world. Seville's Moorish history seems endless, and the city hosts two major festivals every year. Semana Santa, otherwise known as Holy Week, is one of the most important traditional events of the city. It is held the entire week leading up to Easter, and people (particularly Catholics), come from all over the world to experience the atmosphere and events. Processions of sculptures exhibiting scenes such as the Passion happen all week long. Two weeks after Holy Week, the Seville Fair takes place. It is a week of all things "Seville", such as flamenco dancing, bull fighting, drinking and eating tapas. As I am told, Sevilla is an extremely proud city. Their culture is everything and you are expected to respect and embrace it. I'm quite excited to jump in head first and to keep an open mind. As much as I want to travel and see what I can while I am across seas, I am more excited to really delve in to the Spanish lifestyle. I will be staying with a host family, hopefully allowing me to experience traditional food and ways of life, all while improving my Spanish.

I've really never looked forward to something quite as much as this before. I'm so intrigued by other people and lifestyles, and I really believe this will be the start of some amazing cultural eye-openers. I'm pleased to be going through a company called ISA (International Studies Abroad). Having heard of other's study abroad experiences, I'm so happy to know that there will be a network of people to assist me, greet me at the airport and to show me some of the highlights! I think it will just enhance my experience that much more.

Considering I haven't even left yet, I know this was quite a long blog. Hopefully I have provided some insight in to my study abroad planning, as I truly feel that is probably the most stressful part. That being said, I think it went pretty smoothly and am (thus far), extremely happy with my decision!