¡Feliz Día de Andalucía!

Yesterday I had a much needed day off from class. It was perfect for catching up on the sleep that I didn't get in Africa this past weekend. The day was perfecto, and it encompassed a lot of what the Andalucían culture is about. 

I had class on Monday, despite the rest of the students in the city having the day off. The Día de Andalucía fell on a Tuesday this year, so naturally the Spaniards took Monday off too and called it "Puente" which means bridge. On Monday and Tuesday the city was buzzing with people and children all over the streets. The weather is really starting to pick up here---it no longer dips into the thirties at night! So, the sun was out, and so were the people. On monday night, just about every plaza was filled with people drinking vino and cervezas and simply enjoying the company of their friends. 

I had the "piso" or apartment to myself, because my señora went to the "campo" or countryside with her family. She spent the night on Monday and was gone all day Tuesday. But don't worry, she left me more food than I could have possible needed. But I ate it anyways while chatting with Grace on skype! It was after spin class and I was starving! It was so much fun to start planning my trip with Grace, which is now official! So look out Europa, the Janssen girls are taking over in May! No school to worry about, and many adventures to be had! 

So with a whirlwind of plans on my mind, it was nice to take a day off to relax---just what the Andalucians know best! All the stores were closed for the Día de Andalucía, but of course all the bars and cafés were open! The Spaniards love to day drink, and I wanted to join in with the culture. I went with a couple of friends to the river with some wine to "tomar el sol." It was such a nice feeling sitting under the warm sun while Minnesota is getting hit with their first big snowfall of the year! We ran into our guide from orientation along the shore, so we got to spend the day with a bunch of Spaniards too. 

This was my view all afternoon. 

Along with my new favorite drink "Tinto de Verano" I was sitting pretty! 

With some of mis amigas and Fran for our day by the river

Sitting under the sun really took a lot of energy...NOT! But everyone in my apartment was in bed by 10 which is unheard of in Spain! My señora was in bed by nine! We usually don't eat dinner until later than that! But after my day I feel refreshed and ready for the weekend! I will first be heading to Málaga to hike with my interest group, and on Saturday I'm going to Cádiz, one of the oldest cities in Europe! 

In spanish, Lent is called "Cuaresma" and in Spain, they have special "dulces" or sweets that people eat during the season. In my food class today we got to try two of the more common types and they were delicious! 

First we tried "Torrijas" which are kind of like french toast. They are a recipe that came to Spain with the muslim culture. They are pieces of special bread dipped in egg and white wine. Then they are fried in a pan of olive oil. To finish, they are dipped in honey! Honey is another thing I didn't know I liked until I came to Spain. Yum, my favorite of the two treats we tried today. Also a fun recipe that I will be brining back to the States.

Here is a foto of torrijas. 

The ones I tried are like the middle pieces. 

You can also substitute milk for wine and sugar for honey

in the recipe, like the pieces on the bottom.

Our second treat is called "Pestiños" and they are also a recipe from Al-Andalus, or muslim Spain. These are harder to describe, but it is kind of like a fried croissant, or that is what the texture of the bread is. They are little and have a spice called anís, which is kind of like black licorice, but it is a subtle taste in the pestiño. And like torrijas, they are also dipped in honey or "miel." Honey is super popular in the pastries that you can find all of Sevilla.

Here are some pestiños

Even throughout the year, there are pastries very similar to 

pestiños in the bakeries. Some are also covered in sugar. 

I loved both dulces, but preferred the torrijas. I was also once again fascinated by the fact that the most popular desserts for the catholic lenten season are Muslim recipes! Just another example of how intertwined the cultures are in Spain. 

You can tell the city is starting to get ready for Semana Santa, which is famous in Sevilla. I am looking forward to getting to appreciate Easter this year. We have the entire week off from class, and there are religious celebrations going on all over the city!

Leap year gives us one more day in February, but I still can't believe how fast the month passed. My friend said she counted that we had been in Spain for around fifty days, and we have about seventy left...I knew the time would fly during my semester abroad but I hoped it wouldn't be this fast! 

Waka Waka

After spending my weekend in Africa I am exhausted. Yes, I visited a totally different continent over the weekend on my trip to Morocco with a group of students. Spain is super close to the north of Africa, so actually getting to Morocco is not too difficult or that long of a trip.

To begin, our group loaded busses in Sevilla and headed to Gibraltar---for those who are unfamiliar, Gibraltar is a British territory in Spain, so everyone speaks English with an accent and uses the pound for their currency. There was an option to pay extra to tour a cave and play with monkeys, but I had heard that Gibraltar monkeys are evil, so I opted out and instead enjoyed some fish and chips in the town center with some friends. After spending the afternoon in Gibraltar, we headed to the ferry boat to cross the Mediterranean and step out onto the continent of Africa! 

It was my first ferry ride ever and I was very impressed. The boat wasn't too rocky, and the ferry had cute tables with chairs that you could sit around and enjoy the view out of the great big windows. When we got to Africa, we were not quite in Morocco yet. Spain has a territory in Africa called Ceuta that we toured on our last day. We had to drive for about twenty minutes before arriving to the border and going through customs. This is where we met up with our guide who was with us on the bus for the entire weekend. Unfortunately we had to wait for about an hour to get through but I learned some interesting things while sitting on the bus--first, the people who live near the border of Ceuta and Morocco cross over just about every day to buy basic things like groceries because they are less taxed in Ceuta. Our guide told us that a big number of people cross the border every day, so the officers are always busy. You could see people running to get to the front of the line to cross over. We also learned that you are not allowed to take pictures of any officials in Morocco or you could get in big trouble. 

After some karaoke contests and basic road trip games, we finally arrived at our hotel late at night. We had dinner around ten and went straight to bed. The morning was pleasant because we woke up to a nice breakfast on the beach. After breakfast we boarded the bus for our first of many road trips through the African mountains. Our first stop was my favorite. 

In Morocco every town identifies by a color. The town of Chefchaouen is blue! Every building was painted a beautiful shade of blue---I especially enjoyed the blue! Here we were presented with hand made rugs and blankets at a local shop with products that the townspeople had weaved. 

I loved the doors! 

The blue color is supposed to repel the bugs from the houses. 

Do you think it would work against mosquitoes???

Typical street in the blue town. 

People actually live here! It was beautiful. Nestled in the mountains.

We also had free time to explore the markets. Then again, we boarded the bus and winded through the mountains to Tetuan. Our guide said the color of Tetuan is white, and it looked a lot like the white towns in southern Spain, but smelled much different...and I'm not so sure that is a good thing! We enjoyed my favorite meal of the trip in what seemed like a palace in Tetuan. After our meal we toured the city, went to a pharmacy and got to do more shopping. 

Here is me with some friends at lunch. 

You can see the muslim arches in the background.

It looked very similar to the Alcazar in Sevilla

There were live musicians playing for us during the meal

Whatever this is was delicious! 

We also had some of the best cookies I have ever had. 

Bread and cookies seemed to be very much part of the cuisine in Morocco

Also, I had some Moroccan tea that was so good I bought some to take home.

I tried to forget this image while eating my chicken at dinner. 

I have a feeling this is part of the reason why the streets smell so funny! 

These are the chalks that are used to die the buildings. 

Morocco as a country was so colorful! 

After our time in Tetuan, we got back on the bus and went to Tangier where we spent the second night. Overall, the hotels weren't too bad (especially the one right on the Mediterranean), but I did have to kill a giant spider in our "four star" hotel! Also, the tv channels were all in Arabic, so I got to catch an episode of "Arab Idol" on tv...same set up as American Idol but way different music! 

When we got to our hotel in Tangier, I looked out my window and there was a camel! We had dinner in a big tent decorated with oriental rugs. During our feast of a delicious salad, curry chicken, couscous, cookies and tea, we watched a show of Moroccan entertainment. This included some crazy acrobats, musicians, a man that danced with candles on his head and a belly dancer. I had been looking forward to couscous all weekend and it definitely didn't disappoint! 

When we woke up on our last morning, we had more bread for breakfast and were on our way. Sunday included a tour of the caves of Hercules, camel rides and a tour of Ceuta, the Spanish territory. 

My camera didn't get the greatest pics in the caves,

but this picture was at the entrance 

Hercules! 

Up close and personal with the camels. 

They are such strange animals. 

I wouldn't be surprised if one were peeing in this picture!

It was a cloudy morning but that didn't stop the fun!

Here I am on a camel, in Africa, with the Atlantic Ocean behind me! 

Look, no hands!!! 

Here is the view from a mountain in Ceuta. 

Seriously the bluest water I have ever seen! 

The mountains and shore are on the African continent

So windy! But here I am with mis amigas!

So happy to be enjoying the beautiful African sunshine

Me, Africa and the Mediterranean 

After our short visit in Ceuta, we once again boarded the ferry and headed back to Spain. 

Morocco is a fascinating country, and I feel like I needed more time to really get an understanding of the way of life there. I was especially impressed by the language there. The main language is Arab, but most people also spoke French, Spanish and English (in that order). Being so close to Spain, the places we went to had an impressive amount of Spanish speakers. Even though our guide spoke English, I could understand him better in Spanish because his accent was perfect! It was strange not having any way to read the signs, because I have absolutely no knowledge of arabic symbols, and I often couldn't repeat the names of the cities we were passing. Also, the citizens are in love with their King (Morocco is a monarchy). He is the youngest in the world, and his picture is everywhere! The mountains in Morocco were beautiful, but it was hard to enjoy them while feeling like our bus was going to fall down the side of the mountain! Our guide told us that the south of Morocco is mostly desert, while the north is full of green hills, mountains and both the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean. 

While my trip to Morocco was a cool life experience, I was so happy to be back in my bed in Sevilla. Here there is no risk for bed bugs, and the streets smell like fresh flowers! The trip happened so fast, and I wish we would have had more time to get to know the culture and meet some locals, but I guess I will just have to head back to Africa again some day! I couldn't help but think about my grandparents (Lulu and Papa) on my trip, because almost all of the things they use to decorate their house looked like it was bought in the markets we toured! Africa is obviously such a diverse continent, and the parts I saw were more touristy than not, but what a beautiful trip! 

Tomorrow I have the day off from class because it is the "Día de Andalucía." My señora has a family get together so I am on my own for the next 24 hours. But she made sure to prepare plenty of meals just in case I got hungry...more food than I could possibly eat over the next day! She also had cleaned my sheets and made my bed when I got back from Morocco which was so fantastic after the hotels I had been sleeping in over the weekend. She sure is taking care of me! 

Feliz Día de Andalucía! 

Aracena

What a wonderful weekend!
Thursday night my friend Erin and I went to our second Spanish spin class! It felt just like Amanda's friday night spin to kick off the weekend. And by that I mean it felt incredible! I have been learning that while it is super important to experience new things and dip my toes into new ponds, it is so comforting to have even the most basic things from home here in Spain. It was hard to justify spending money on a gym membership when I am doing so much traveling, but I already know it was worth every penny! I'm sure I will be thinking the same thing when I am on the beach in Mallorca!

On Friday morning I had an activity for my group that is traveling to Mallorca. We went to some garden right outside the centro that used to be a garbage dump. Our visit started with an over eager tour guide that began her presentation by telling us that she loved the project so much, she had trouble keeping her talks short...well basically we sat for an hour and watched her talk, because she was way to all over the place to understand...even in English it would have been a chore! But eventually we had our breakfast and people started feeling better...well sort of. We were all expecting a nice breakfast in a garden. Instead, we brought our own bread, juice and coffee and ate on a picnic table with crappy knives that could barely spread the butter. Afterwards we toured the gardens and picked leaves to smell/taste. The mint leaves were pretty good! Or at least that is what I told myself to make good of an overall let-down of a morning. But not even a boring garden tour that went 2 hours longer than schedule could ruin my lovely weekend!

My friend Lindsey and I decided to venture away from Sevilla on our own for the first time this Saturday. We went to a small town called Aracena that is just an hour northwest of Sevilla. It was indescribable (but I'll try!). Small town nestled in the hills of Spain with nothing but white houses, an adorable plaza in the center with cafes and bars, and of course a castle! I don't know why, but before coming to Spain I had thought that castles really only existed in England or Great Britain, but the castles in Spain are so cool because they have more of an Arab influence, so it is reminiscent of Aladin! Aracena is also famous for their caves called "La Gruta de Maravilla" All in all, it was a perfect day, made complete by pastries from the cutest bakery every before boarding the bus to head back to Sevilla.

They told us we couldn't take pictures but I decided to be a rebel!

The tour lasted for about 1 hour, and it was like nothing I had ever seen before! 

I laughed while walking around with the thought of my dad in the caves

He would have run out so fast before even reaching the bottom of the stairs! 

At one point our guide told us we were below the castle that I eventually visited 

This picture shows how CLEAR the water was! 

Can you even see the water??? Seriously there wasn't even a reflection!

You could just see deep down to the bottom of the "lake"

Mother nature does some seriously cool things! 

Legend has it that the caves were discovered by a local boy

who was looking for his lost pig...

The jamón (ham) in Aracena is to die for! 

Here is the center of quintessential Aracena. 

Everything looked so white and polished, also it made me feel happy just looking around

In the afternoon there were kids kicking a soccer ball around the plaza (typical Spain!). 

It seemed like a quiet and beautiful place live, just 1 hour out of the city. 

Here is a view of Aracena as were were climbing up the hill to the castle. 

This shot captures what a typical Andalucian town looks like.

White houses, flower pots and rolling green hills! Also, the weather was perfect! 

I really love this picture. 

This is the arch we walked through to get to the church 

The blue skies and white clouds made being outside so enjoyable

So the French took over Spain in 1808 (until 1814) from some sneaky plans of Napolean

When then conquered Aracena, they destroyed the majority of the castle,

but left the church alone. This red brick tower is part of the church. 

It was understated and beautiful on the inside. 

We were the only 2 people in the church, so we lit a candle. 

I dedicated mine to my Papa Gena, and everyone who has helped me get to where I am today!

Because seriously, I can't get over how luck I am 

to just get to spend the day on the Spanish countryside!

This quote says that the young people should seize the day

and look forward to the future. 

Up on the hill, Lindsey and I seriously had the whole place to ourselves!

We got to climb up on the ruins and really get a feel of the castle!

The beauty was absolutely breathtaking. 

Sitting on the hill was peaceful and provided good time for reflecting on my trip. 

Off the beaten track in Andalucía there are so many beautiful towns. 

I would recommend hopping around the Spanish southern coast to anyone! 

After the weekend I feel refreshed and ready for my third week of class. 

To wrap up our weekend, my friends and I were able to enjoy dinner with Erin's parents who are in town for the week. We went to a restaurant that we walk by every day on our way to and from class, that just smells so good it is hard to keep walking! And the food didn't disappoint. Nothing beats great food and great company. 

This week is pretty routine. I have to give a presentation comparing the health care systems of Cuba and Spain (all in Spanish!!). So that should be interesting, considering I just learned about the systems while preparing this weekend, and there is so much new vocabulary! But I am excited for the challenge! 

Since going to college, I have always had class on President's day weekend, which was one of my favorites of the year while in high school. Why? Because of Family Fest of course! It has been pretty crappy going to class while some of my favorite people are enjoying each other and teaching some pretty cool messages. This year it isn't as bad, because I am surrounded by one of the most beautiful cities in the world. But I will be praying for a successful camp and energy for all the counselors! Miss you guys, and funfetti cake! I promise to make some when I get back :) 

San Valentín

So Valentine's Day a bit late from Spain! It is not overly celebrated here, but it still wasn't possible to skip it. My señora told me that the department stores (in Spain the biggest is called el Corte Inglés) are trying to make it more popular, and our program had the center decorated with hearts and flowers.
But being in Sevilla for Valentine's turned out to be fantastic with my host family and friends.

Biggest news of the day: I joined the gym! By my study center there is a gym that offers classes like yoga, pilates and spin. Being excited and ambitious, I decided to try 2 yesterday. In the morning I went to pilates with a friend from class. The instructor was adorable and it was so fun to take the class in spanish! All I really had to know was "arriba" or "up" and "abajo" or "down" and just followed along with the music. The teacher was muy amable and we told her that we will be coming back twice a week! Then later on I went to spin with another friend. What a relief! I was going crazy without my spin class! It was super similar to my cousin Amanda's class, just with a male instructor who was loud, flamboyant and played great music. For that class all I needed to know was "siguéme" or "follow me" and it was a piece of cake!

Speaking of cake, my lovely señora made homemade tiramasu last night for Valentine's day and it was fantastic! We had a great dinner while watching the Barca game. Perfect. Then mis amigas solteras aka single ladies and I went out for wine. Ah what a day! I am so excited to have the exercise classes to go to, along with walking, it makes me feel so energized! The gym also has a roof with incredible views and chairs to "tomar el sol" so I will have a lovely tan for my trip to Mallorca!

In my Women Writers class today my profesora tried to make it about love and Valentine's day by telling us that we were going to chat about the "love for humanity." Well that pretty much involved talking about all the horrors that women face in the world...kind of a downer. But Magdalena never disappoints and taught us how to say "six pack abs" in Spanish: "Tabletas de Chocolate" or "chocolate bar" Now I very much prefer this description because I don't drink/like pop and a six pack of beer is even less appealing for me, but a bar of chocolate! Now that is what I'm talking about!

So here is my Valentine's gift to you:

The best "Tabletas de Chocolate" that Spain has to offer! 

I don't know what I like more, the bar of chocolate or Rafa!

un mes

Well I did it, one month in Sevilla! This whole experience has been a roller coaster for me...being away from family for such a significant moment in our lives, completely reworking how my daily schedule works, adjusting to the diet, and now working homework into the mix. It is weird because getting on the plane was an emotion that I can't put into words, but I've been trying to keep to the attitude of "going with the flow" and I think it is working for me! I have learned so much about myself in just one short month, and I am so thankful for the opportunities and the people I have met here.

On Wednesday night, I had a jamón (ham) tasting with my interest group. A man who works with jamón ibérico (the kind that Andalucía is famous for) gave a presentation on the process of making the jamón, and then of course we got to try it! The pigs are fed acorns, which I guess make them the best?? But basically there is a whole process for drying and preserving the ham, literally still on the hoof, and then they carve it into thin slices to enjoy with wine and cheese. We had ours with wine called Manzanilla which is made in Andalucía and was definitely stronger than your average wine.

Yep, just a typical jamón hoof being carved

Go into any Spanish market and you are bound to see something like this!

Thinly sliced. So yummy! 

There are some Spaniards in our interest group too, which is a nice way to meet people! I talked to one who had been to America one time and where did he go?? Minneapolis of course! He had seen a Twins game at the dome and also watched the Vikings. Of all the places in the United States... 

At the ham tasting our group leader had some interesting news for us: Our original flights fell through for our trip to Mallorca in April. Being that the trip was the main thing that motived me to choose this group, I was upset when our leader told us our trip was being switched to a weekend in Madrid. Thank goodness she was kidding! But we did have to change our trip a bit...the only flights that worked for our weekend involved extending the trip for one day! How sad, one extra day in Mallorca. This girl isn't complaining! 

This weekend was more or less relaxing, because I had three full days to spend in Sevilla. On Thursday night, the "brother" of one of my friends took us to a Spanish club in the neighborhood called Los Remedios. I didn't even leave my apartment until midnight, and didn't get to the club until around 2:30 in the morning. All totally normal in Spain! With my friends and our Spaniard guides for the night, we danced in a room full of disco balls until the sun was about to come up. Definitely something that I needed to experience while here, but I don't think it will turn into a daily activity. I just can't justify sleeping during the day when it is 65 without a cloud in the sky!

This week I feel will get me more into the swing of what the rest of my time here will be like. I have homework, meetings, soccer on Wednesday nights, and SPIN CLASS! That's right, they have Spin in Spain. Just couldn't go 4 months without it! Tomorrow I have a volunteer meeting for a potential opportunity to work with disabled kids in my neighborhood. Crossing my fingers that it works in my schedule! Now back to my homework...a reading on the origin and varieties of olive oil in the Mediterranean diet! Good thing they eat dinner late here because I am going to need some food after reading about all the good oils!

Buena Suerte

So it was bound to happen, although I didn't think it would happen so quickly...stepped in dog poop today! So bring on the luck! Also bring on the sponge, the shoes I was wearing couldn't have been worse for doggie doodoo!

I had my second day of class today, so now I have an idea of what all 4 classes are going to be like. Here is my schedule:

1. Culture and Cuisine in Spain. This class involves a wine tasting during our class time at 9am...that should be interesting! Also we will do a jamón (ham), chocolate, olive oil and coffee tasting.
2. Contemporary Spanish Literature. My professor's name is Magdalena which means muffin in spanish. She has already promised our class a little trip to the convent for some muffins at some point during the semester. I am also looking forward to reading some more modern stuff. I enjoyed Don Quijote but man is that book old! 
3. Public Health. My professor is a nurse here in Sevilla which is cool, but she has a thick Andalucian accent, so kind of hard to understand. We will be taking trips to local hospitals and elderly homes which I am excited for! 
4. Women Writers of the 20th Century. Magdalena is my professor for this class too! A class full of chicas talking about famous works by women. Sounds cool. 

All in all I am very happy with my schedule. I have two classes each day (except Friday), so I have the afternoon to enjoy my siesta and lunch with my señora. For now it involves getting up before the sun comes out but the city is so pretty early in the morning so it hasn't been too bad. Today was the warmest it has been since arriving in Sevilla. One thermometer read 22 degrees celsius which is about 71 degrees fahrenheit! Beautiful day to chill by the Guadalquivir river. Apparently there is a cold front coming back through, so it will only be around 60 degrees...wah wah. 

Since kindergarten, my nerd of a dad has made us make signs for our first day of school. So of course being in Spain was not an excuse to get out of it this year! Add this to 15 years worth of pictures! 

I'm off to work on my first homework assignment. A reading on the invention of the cuisine in Spain. Then dinner time. ¡Qué perfecto! 

tapear

Just got home from an amazing trip to Granada, another city in Andalucía. Situated at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the weather wasn't exactly warm but it was the first time I have really had to experience the cold this winter so I can't complain!

Granada was the last place occupied by the Muslims in Spain. It was their capital from the thirteenth century (after Sevilla was conquered by the catholics) until 1492 when Ferdinand and Isabella took over Spain for the Catholics. The Alhambra, aka a giant muslim palace, is in the mountains in Granada and one of the most visited places in Europe. The hotel we stayed in was literally 5 steps away from this incredible palace, and about ten minutes away from the center of the city. The americanized buffet we had for breakfast and dinner was a nice taste of home. I had cereal for breakfast for the first time since the morning I left for the airport and man was it good! We spent Saturday touring the Alhambra with my professor Ángel and then on Sunday we toured a famous muslim barrio or "neighborhood" and also visited the tombs of Ferdinand and Isabella. They were buried in Granada because the conquest was considered their biggest success.

View of Granada from the gardens of the Alhambra 

Me in the gardens. You can see the palace behind me. 

Here is that famous muslim detail again!

With a catholic church in the background. Typical Spain. 

The Muslims really liked their gardens.

They took up the majority of the tour and were beautiful 

Plaster and tiles. Typical Muslim. 

I love the Muslim palaces/castles because they are so intricate! 

This is part of the palace of King Carlos V. 

He built it specifically for his honeymoon

His new queen was scared of the muslim buildings so he just built his own

This is from our tour of the old muslim neighborhood.

All the houses were white with decorations 

View of the Alhambra from the muslim neighborhood 

This is a picture of a convent in the barrio. 

The nuns bake delicious muffins to sell, but they aren't allowed to talk to you

There is a spinning door where they send out "Magdelenas" aka yummy muffins

Me, mountains and a palace!

After a long day at the Alhambra, we were ready to eat some yummy tapas in the center of Granada. In spanish, they have verbs to say that they are eating each meal. Desayunar is to eat breakfast or "desayuno." Almorzar is to eat lunch or "almuerzo" but my señora says she never uses this verb. Cenar is to eat dinner or "cena." And most importantly, TAPEAR is to eat TAPAS! The word "tapas" sums up spanish cuisine pretty well! A bunch of little appetizers like ham, seafood and cheese. The city of Granada has perfected the art of tapear-ing. When you go to a bar in Granada and buy a drink, you get a free tapa! So that is what my dinner was last night, sangría and tapas. ¡Qué perfecto! It was especially fun because you don't get to choose your tapa, they just bring you one. I usually don't know what is best to order anyways so it was a great way to try new things. 

Exploring Granada for the weekend was a great way to spend my last days of "break." Tomorrow I officially start classes here in Sevilla, with my first class at 9am. But it is called "Culture and Cuisine in Spain" so I don't think I will have any trouble waking up for that! 

A time of "firsts"

Phew. Finished my first class in Spain! And what a whirlwind of a class it was. I am now an expert on the history of Spain, well more or less an expert! I can say that they class was one of the most valuable I have ever taken, especially since I am living in this country for 4 months, it feels great to understand it more. 

My first spanish class wasn't the only "first" I have done here, there is a whole list!

1. First time decapitating my food. Shrimp, fish, squid...Yum! Sorry Bucky and Mary but the shrimp here is the best I have ever had! 
2.  First time peeling an orange/clementine. No joke! I am going to be so sad when I return to the States and have my first american clementine, I have heard they aren't even close to the yumminess of the clementines here! I wish this were an exaggeration but I'm behind on a few things. Peeled my first banana last summer :)
3. Seeing (but NOT using) a bidet. I'm still trying to figure out why my brother was trying so hard to convince me to use it! 
4. Going into a mosque or a synagogue. The Mezquita in Córdoba is something everyone should go see!
5. Taking a siesta. What a great concept! 
6. Watching a hypnotist in a bar. 
7. Finishing a paper earlier than the night before it was due. Go me! 
8. Playing with a child who speaks another language. The version of Ring around the Rosie is much less morbid over here! 
9. First encounter with Roman Ruins. Definitely more to come! 
10. Eating anything other than Honey Bunches of Oats for breakfast. Ok so this is an exaggeration but in Spain breakfast is not a very important meal, so I have had to find a new breakfast food. My señora got me nutella with creme that I have on toast every morning and it is delicious! Definitely going to make room for some cacao in my luggage going home.

No fotos from today because we just took our exam and were free to go,

 but I'll leave you with a joke on this beautiful Friday...

Who is this terrifying woman?

The Duquesa (duchess) de Alba of course! 

This 85 year old fox married a 60 year old in Sevilla last October. 

The Will and Kate of Spain? Hmm, not so much! 

She is the butt of all the jokes in Spain 

I only hope that I don't sound like her when I speak Spanish... 

(This is from a clip I watched on the news last week)

La Plaza de España

Today marked the last visit I will be taking with my class, and we sure did save one of the bests for last!
After talking about contemporary Spanish history, we walked to the Plaza de España. It was built for the "Expo of 1929" which was an international celebration hosted by Sevilla and attended by countries like Paraguay, Portugal, Brazil, the United States, Uruguay, Argentina, etc. It was more or less an event to reestablish relations between Spain and the Americas after the Spanish Civil War. The Plaza de España has a semicircular shape, which is meant to represent arms open for a hug (or abrazos). The faces the Guadalquivir river, and is a welcome to all who come to Spain. The details in and around the plaza were incredible, and there is a moat/canal where you can paddle boats and relax.

This is in the Parque de María Luisa which is located next to the Plaza. 

The park is full of palm trees and flowers---great for going for a run. 

The women represent the 3 phases of love:

1. On the right is a women admiring a muchacho that she has a crush on

2. In the middle is a women in love with her muchacho

3. On the left is a women who has lost her love

This figures appeared a lot in works by the author Becquer who has a statue behind them

The park has a lot of statues and monuments dedicated to important cultural figures

Here is the Plaza de España!

Notice the horse drawn carriages---they are all over Sevilla! 

Here is a detailed look of the main building

The architect included aspects that appear throughout Spanish history

The arcs are roman style, and the bricks and wood ceilings is muslim

Along the plaza building they have bancos or benches for each Spanish providence

This is for Madrid. You can see a map of the area

The painting represents when the Spanish regained their independence 

from France in Madrid

Here is my class sitting by the banco de Granada

My professor Ángel is sitting in the middle. 

It takes some serious skill to teach the entire history of Spain in 2 weeks!

Ángel was the best! 

I learned so much over the last 2 weeks and the time flew by so fast! I got my final schedule today, and I am ready to get into the feel of taking classes--especially since I get a "culture and civilization" credit for the food class I signed up for! Tonight I have a meeting for my interest group to discuss our trip to Mallorca! Just have to get through my final exam then I'm off to Granada!