She Flies with Her Own Wings

I always knew that this trip would stretch me and the person I am, but also knew that through the stretching (if you will), I would grow into a better version of myself. I also knew that I would discover new things about myself as well as explore set personality traits that I already have. Here is a list of what I am learning about myself thus far.

1. I am a homebody. I don't think I could ever travel continuously. As in, not have a rooted home.

2. I am easily infatuated. I get really excited about seeing a turtle in the river and an old couple holding hands.

3. I'm not necessarily a map person. Let me explain. Monday was probably the best day I've had here so far because I was on my own in Sevilla, just walking around. I was led by my curiosity and not by my map. I had my map in my bag just in case I did get lost, but I didn't need the sucker! I give credit to my dad for my directional skills.

4. I am not a picky eater. I have not disliked any of mama Lola's meals thus far. Actaully, I have LOVED them all! Especially the lasagna she made us today for lunch. Yummm (I did, however throw a fit when there was tuna on my salad at a rest stop from Toledo to Sevilla. Rest stop tuna and me just don't get along.)

5. I am an overpacker. That's it. Deal with it.

6. I like closure, but I'm learning to like vulnerability as well. Let me explain this one too. Katelyn and I had a discussion about this today during lunch. I don't like the vulnerable parts of things. When you feel as if your heart is in the middle of the street for everyone to stare at. When you feel so sensitive and raw to things around you. I like went the vulnerable parts of life or experiences pass. Like freshman year of college. AHH. Meeting all new people is exciting yes, but I like to skip past the icky, vulnerable parts. Is this me being a baby? I don't know, but I do know that when I look back at vulnerable experiences in my life, I am always grateful that I made myself vulnerable for a period of time. My favorite part is looking back and seeing how much I've grown and learn since that experience. One should never stop learning or growing.

7. Lastly, to be a Sevillana (female Sevillian citizen) you NEED boots. Cute boots. It's a good thing I strolled down to Mary Paz and got myself some! Soy una Sevillana!

I'll leave you with this beautiful picture of Plaza de España.

Bienvenidos a Sevilla

It's been one week since I left snowy Michigan, and boy does it seem longer than that. I don't know if it's the traveling or time change, but I feel as if I have been gone for a few weeks. I guess I don't mind it because I said before I left that I wanted time to go by slowly instead of fast, because I know experiences like this always go by too fast. Well, I got my wish!

Sevilla is such a charming city. The architecture, the lifestyle, and the people have such a spirit of charm and character. While walking down a large pedestrian street called calle Asunción on Saturday evening, I was delighted to see how many families are in my neighborhood. There are strollers and children everywhere! Kids playing soccer, riding bikes, and wandering around make me feel like I am in a safe and lively place. I am going down calle Asunción in a moment to do some shopping and to walk around.

Katelyn is at class right now and I have the day mostly to myself. I am excited to wander around casually and not be part of a large group. I am also feeling a little homesick today, missing the familiarity of home. I am going to let myself feel these emotions because they are natural, but hope that they will pass with my growing infatuation of Sevilla.

So far I have found two popular streets for young people, calle Betis y calle Alfalfa. A few friends and I went out on Saturday night and discovered that these streets are definitely populated by a younger crowd. It was fun to experience the Sevilla nightlife, which goes into early in the morning. I didn't get in bed until close to 5am! Good thing I'm a night owl : )

Yesterday some friends and I walked to the Plaza de España, which is breathtaking. See for yourself:

Luckily this is right across the bridge from my neighborhood and about a 5 minute walk from the University. It is a perfect place for a Sunday stroll. 

As far as classes go, here is my schedule:

Martes (Tuesday) y Jueves (Thursday)
Spanish Grammar 1: 11am-1pm
Home for lunch: 1:15-2:45pm
Sevilla Literature: 3-5pm
Creative Writing: 5-7pm
Economy and Society in Contemporary Spain: 7-9pm

Yes, a little sucky that I have 4 classes in 1 day, but hey, this way I have a long weekend. There's nothing I can do to change my schedule either, so I will suck it up and be happy I am taking all my classes in Spanish in a beautiful, 500 year old building. Oh and that I'm in Sevilla. : )

So glad to have talked to some over you over gmail and Skype! Thanks for all the encouragement! Keep me in your thoughts as I wrestle with this little thing called homesickness... it will pass, of this I know.

Mucho amor

Oh and P.S. don't forget to check my facebook for lots of pictures!