Sevilla, let's delay our misery

I don't want to leave Sevilla, but I'm dying to see my friends and family.

Does that sentence even make sense?

This is such a torn place I'm in. I've grown to love this city. It's smells, sights, sounds, and feels. I've grown to love this carefree, no pasa nada life. I mean who wouldn't? 

The first wave of ISA students is departing Sevilla this Friday and in 2 weeks it will be me. WHHHHATT? How, how I ask, did this 3 1/2 months go so fast? Someone please explain this to me. 

Sevilla will always have my heart. It's charm that resides in each and every corner will always draw me to explore and wander down it's skinny cobblestone streets. 

Traveling will always have my heart as well. I just love this quote from Eat, Pray, Love;

"I am loyal and constant in my love for travel, as I have not always been loyal and constant in my other loves. I feel about travel the way a happy new mother feels about her impossible, colicky, restless, newborn baby--I just don't care what it puts me through. Because I adore it. Because it's mine. Because it looks exactly like me. It can barf all over me if it wants to--I just don't care." 

This trip has sparked so many of my "inner intuitions" that would have never surfaced at home and I'm so thankful for these realizations and moments of growth. 

Oh Sevilla do I have to leave you?

SAND

I survived a sand storm. 

I witnessed 6 people throw up in a matter of a few hours.
I went to the bathroom in the desert.
I rode a camel.

I came. I saw. I conquered Morocco.

Maybe not that dramatic, but I did do all the above and it was a blast!

Morocco was a wonderful trip. A little sketchy at times, no a lot sketchy, but still a great experience!

I don't want to bore you with a play by play of my trip, so I'll just share the highlights.

Day 1
We traveled a to Algeciras (next to Gibraltar, but Spanish) and hopped on a ferry to Ceuta (also Spanish... but in Africa). Next we traveled 5 hours to get to Fes and rested for the night, throw-up free.

Day 2
The next day we toured the Medina in Fes, which is the oldest and largest Medina (Arabic for small city/town) in the world. It is a UNCESO World Heritage Site and has a total of 9,400 streets. We visited the market portion, a rug factory, a spice/pharmacy shop, a delicious restaurant, another rug/scarf place, and the oldest leather tannery in Morocco (600 years old).

Average street in the market portion of the Medina

Leather tannery

Cleaning the hyde with pigeon poop

Lots of colors!

Any college student on this trip want a rug that costs 800 euro? I didn't think so...

Couscous

Day 3

We traveled 12 hours to get to the Sahara. Worth it? Definitely. Once we got to the Sahara we took Jeep 4x4s to our camp site which was about an hour away. Once we got to camp, we found that sand was going to be our new best friend for the next couple of days. We were greeted by the sand all over our haimas (tents) and beds.

Haimas

New bff = sand. (Thanks for the pic Ash)

Day 4

We woke up around 6am to see the non existent sunrise (we had great weather... no sunrise and a sand storm) and then took a camel ride to a nearby village/town, I don't know what to call it. The camel ride was definitely one of the highlights of the trips. Since the beginning of a sand storm was brewing, we didn't walk back through the desert to camp. Instead we piled a zillion people to the inside and tops of 2 vans. Then we got stuck in the sand.

Me & my camel!

My favorite picture of the trip. Yes, that's a legit camel.

I was obviously helping a great deal

We got back to camp safety and hung out in the community tent for 4 hours and waited for lunch. I think a more appropriate word for that meal would be dunch. It was almost late enough to be dinner, but it was lunch. We had waited 8 hours to eat since breakfast. See what I mean about being sketchy? Starvation is definitely sketchy. Example number 1. 

Example number 2 would be the bathroom situation in the good ole desert. We had 2 toilets for 100 people. Sick people. People with diarrhea. I'm sorry, TMI. To make a long story short, I went to the bathroom in the desert for the first time in my life! (Character building, Hannah)

That night Kates got sick. Real sick. She had a fever and just was in no condition to stay in the desert another night. Her and another boy went to a nearby hotel with the ISA directors to rest. I'm so glad she went because we had a dance party complete with Spanish techno music in the desert until 1am. I went to bed around midnight and it was still going strong. We also had a major sand storm in which I feel asleep praying because I was so scared our fricken haima was going to fall on us. I swear the winds were probably 30-40mph. There was also lightning. 

Day 5

I obviously survived the night but woke up with a nice layer of sand on my body from the nights previous activities of blowing wind. Did I mention there were no showers. I mean, why would there be showers in the desert? So by this point the sand and I are no longer bffs. We are enemies and I am loosing since the sand is literally all around me. Anyway... I lost the battle and still have sand in my hair after 3 showers. 

So day 5 was probs the worst day to date. Why you ask? Well we were on the road for 13 hours through the winding mountains of northern Africa. I don't know what they're called and am too angry to look them up. Mind you, we are in a large bus and plenty of people are still sick. 6 people threw up within a matter of a couple hours and we didn't stop for one of them. Kate was one of the lucky ones to up-chuck twice. We had a nice pile of puke bags in the front of the bus. My friend Tom passed out from dehydration twice. It was a freak show.

We all made it out alive, barely. Thanks to John Irving and the The Cider House Rules for keeping me distracted from the puking. Oh also a shout out to my man Jack Johnson for singing me to sleep several times.

We arrived in Meknes and were greeted by hot showers, sand free beds, porcelain toilets, and FOOD. I have never been so hungry in my life.

Day 6
Didn't I say I wasn't going to bore you with all the detail? Sorry, I ended up doing just that. Day 6 was home free. We smelled good, no puking occurred, and our stomach issues were under control for the most part. We geared up bright and early and were eager to return home to Sevilla. Unsure about the processions of Semana Santa we half expected it to take 10 years to get home, but luckily we slipped right back into our spot at Hotel Bequer and took a taxi home.

THE END

Morocco here I come!

Tomorrow I depart for one of my last trips of the semester. Morocco.

I really have no idea what to expect from this trip. We are traveling to Gibraltar then taking a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar, then continuing our journey 5 more hours to Fes. We will stay in Fez for a few days then off to the Sahara dessert to camp for 2 nights. Our last stop will be in the city of Meknes for a night.

I am most exciting about the camping in the desert part. I mean, when else in life am I going to camp in the desert? Also, to get to the desert, we will be taking Jeep 4x4s. (!!!) We are also going to be riding camels and watching the sunrise one morning. This is going to be an experience of a lifetime.

Fes (via Flickr)

Anyway, a recap on what's going on here in Sevilla.

It has been hot, hot, hot here. Pushing 90 everyday. The evenings around 8:30pm are perfect. 78 and a beautiful pink and orange dusk sky. My favorite. I have been spending my time just enjoying the noises, smells, and sights of Sevilla. I want to remember everything when I return home. I know I'm going to miss all the little stuff, so I'm trying to be more aware of the small things in my surroundings.

Saturday Katelyn and I spent the day shopping and hanging out. We did our normal rounds to H&M and Blanco, but also to this organic market in the Alameda. I got some honey and some pretty smelling perfume, perfect for spring. Sunday we laid by the river for a very long time, but I still cant get rid of my awful flat tan line on my feet. My toesies are still so pale.

Other than that I have been living my day to day life here in Sevilla. Going to class, hanging out with friends, and soaking up this beautiful experience.

I'll be sure to update with pictures when I return home on Wednesday.

Much love!

Mom & Alex Visit Sevilla

Mom and brother left Sevilla last night. Sad.

Here's what we spent the week doing:

Getting stuck in small spaces (everywhere)

Drinking shandy by the river (Sevilla)

Taking trips down memory lane (Mom's old street, Sevilla)

Eating kabobs at the one and only, KABOB KING (Granada)

Visiting one of the most beautiful views in Andalusia (Granada)

Getting caught in the rain (Granada)

Getting windblown (Cádiz)

Trying new food... like sardines (Cádiz)

Beaching it up (Cádiz)

Eating montaditos at Cien!

And finally, our last day. It was my mom's birthday (she's 25, again). I bought her lunch and then drinks on the terrace of the Doña Maria hotel near the Cathedral.

Mom's bday lunch

GREAT

It was a wonderful week none of us will forget. It was great sharing my home with my fam and hearing all stories of when my mom called Sevilla home too. I can't wait to see them again in 5 weeks! 

2nd Generation Sevillana

The past few days have been filled with walking, talking, laughing, and a little crying... just a little.

The crying occurred when I greeted my mom in Sevilla and when she saw her old apartment here in Sevilla. So basically it's just Jane who's tearing up. Surprised? Not me. : ) I mean I don't blame her, I can't imagine coming back to Sevilla in 25 years and seeing mama Lola's house. I would probably blubber a bit.

I'm just so glad that she decided to come to Sevilla in the first place, because then I probably wouldn't be here now. I chose to come to Sevilla because I just HAD to see what was so wonderful about this city in Spain where my mom spent her wonder years. And I can say that Sevilla IS all it's cracked up to be. Traveling is what it's cracked up to be, despite my what my calloused pinky toes will tell you.

I am entering the other half of this experience. I am entering the reflective period, even thought I still have 6 weeks left. 6 weeks seems like seconds. Really fast seconds. Anyway, do you remember the post I talked about vulnerability? About looking back and being really proud of an accomplishment. That is me right now. I look at what I've accomplished in the past couple months and I'm proud of myself. I'm proud of my achy feet that are always walking, of my 2,732 pictures (half of them of balconies and doors), and proud that I have memories of this time in my life.

I think part of these feelings are conjured up because my mom and brother are HERE! I hadn't seen them in 9 weeks and now they're HERE! (Yes, I like to capitalize words, it adds emphasize) I love that they are in my world right now. We're having a great time. Like I said above, we ventured to my mom's old street, Calle Peral and saw her old 3rd floor apartment where she has so many memories. I'm glad we can both share love for this city and the memories it has brought her and will bring me.

And don't worry, I'm coming back to Sevilla. I know what church I'm getting married in already. It's yellow. You all will get an invite : )

This week has been perfect weather for my mom and brother. 70s and sunny. Lovely. This Wednesday we're heading down to Cádiz for a day at the beach. Forecast = 76 and sunny.

We spent the day in Granada on Sunday and met a student from Forest Hills Eastern in line at the Alhambra, of all places! He is studying in England for the year. Isn't it a small world?

Anywho, I'll leave you with a pic of the 3 musketeers here in Sevilla : )

Sevilla en la Primavera

You know it's spring when there are puffs of pollen flying in your mouth. When your body just isn't used to "good" weather. When you walk outside and instantly get a tan by the friendly south Spain sun. When you drink 40 oz of water in a 2 hour class. When biking is bliss. When you get walk over to Cien Montaditos and drink tinto de verano with friends. And finally when you come home to fresas con azúcar y nata for dessert.

I have nothing to complain about.

Plus, my mom and brother will be here tomorrow to enjoy it all with me!!! The 3 musketeers reunited!

P.S. My name is Kristina and I have an obsession with Spanish doors and patios, but doesn't this just scream spring?!

Happenings

Hi friends!

Sorry I haven't been frequenting my bloggy blog, but I've been in a "take it all in" mood lately. Or maybe I've just been lazy and slacking at my documentary skills. Either way, sorry I haven't been here lately!

Recap on what's been going on:

March 24-26 was Barcelona
We left EARLY (5:30ish) on Thursday morning to get to our 8:30am flight that was suppose to be our 8:30pm flight, but because I can't operate military time, it was in the AM. Whoops. Looking back I'm glad make that mistake because we had more time in Barcelona and that's always a good thing.

Barcelona was one of my favorite trips thus far. The city has it all! I was excited to be on our "own" in the city. We planned all the sights to see, where to stay, and how to get from point a to point b. It's fulfilling to see hard work prosper. Not that I don't love the trips ISA plans for us, but it was nice to just be Katelyn and me in the city and not 7347879 of us wandering around.

On Friday morning we ventured on a walking tour recommended by our hostel (The Yellow Nest ROCKS!). This was by far my favorite part of the weekend. We walked through the old Gothic quarter of the city and saw the art school Picasso attended, historical sights during the Guerra Civil, and other places I would know nothing about if our guide hadn't told me. I love knowing the histories behind places. Bliss.

La Sagrada Famila

Mmm oranges at the market

Next, March 25-26 (Friday and yesterday) was Córdoba and Granada. Córdoba was a little bit of a blur for me because of some woman issues (yes, it's that time of the month), but beautiful nonetheless! We were only in Córdoba for a matter of hours, but it was great!

Flowers in Córdoba

Granada was beautiful as well. We went to a flamenco show Friday night, which was an awesome experience! Flamenco is so darn passionate. After our flamenco show we were free birds! My amigas and I went out and got some drinks because in Granada when you get a drink, you get a FREE tapa. Yes, it's true, the best things in life are free. We also indulged and got kabobs. Oh my yum. I got a kabob with lamb and beef. It was heaven.

On Saturday, ISA set us up with a 2 1/2 hour guided tour through the Alhambra. The Alhambra is a palace and fortress constructed during the 14th century by the Moors. "Alhambra" is literally translated to "red" in Arabic because of the redish color bricks. It is breathtaking! Meant to be it's own city with a wall guarding it, it used the technology of the snowy Sierra Nevada to bring fresh water down the mountains and to the city. It still operates this way today. It was peacefully conquered by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in 1492, so it is preserved beautifully.

When my mom and brother visit this THURSDAY (!!!) we are going back over the weekend for a tour. I'm very excited to go back and visit more of the city.

Workin' it 

La Alhambra

Posing in the hedges

Now that I have caught you up on the past two weekends, I can focus on the present. This week I am anxiously waiting for my mom and brother to arrive on Thursday. I'm so excited to show my mom the city she spent time in college and how much it has changed. For those of you who don't know, my mom spent 9 months in Sevilla when she was in college. It is the reason I wanted to come discover Sevilla myself! We have a packed week and are planning on going to a Betis game, Granada, Cádiz, and celebrating my mom's birthday on Friday! So excited!

Lastly, I am realizing how much time I have left here in Sevilla. Only about 6 weeks left. I still have a trip to Morocco planned and the adventures when Kate's dad and Gpa. I am excited to return home and reflect on my trip, but also a little weary about the return of school and reality... we won't talk about that just yet!

Whew! Well to wrap things up, I have to share that God has been laying growth and patience on my heart lately. He is constantly opening doors for me to test and stretch myself and I am so thankful for these opportunities. I listened to Rob Bell's sermon on Ecclesiastics this morning and it coincided exactly with what Pete and I had a conversation about last night. Before I left, I prayed for clarity in my life and I have continued that prayer here in Sevilla. I see that God is opening doors in my life and bringing me more and more clarity everyday. I never doubt that prayer changes things.

Sorry about the long post, I will be more diligent about posting on a weekly basis.

Besos!