Time for a Bit of Reflection

I have officially been in Seville for a little more than a month. I think it is about time for a bit of reflection on my life here: the little things that I love about Spain that have become so ordinary to me now but I will know I will miss once I'm back in the states, the things about life here in Seville that only someone who lives here can learn, the things that make Seville, Seville. So here we go with a little list of 5 things I love about Seville.

1. I love the evening in Seville, just as the sun is setting over the river. The air is crisp with the cool of the evening and the streets are alive with people going out to end their days with friends. There is just something about this time of night that fills me with peace. This is the best time to take a walk by the river.

2. The people here are so alive and passionate. You can see it as they sit in bars and chat for hours. You can see it in the way they dance, especially when it comes to flamenco. You can see their passion in their music as the street musicians play their instruments and sing their hearts out on the streets. You can see their passion at the bull fights and at soccer games. It's a passion for life that I have never seen before. 

3. The food here! It's impossible to not love the food! Their main ingredient is olive oil and they fry just about everything (even bread) and oh, it is so good! I may gain a few pounds here but it will be well worth it. My senora can't seem to stop feeding me! I am determined to get all of her recipes before I leave here! I want to be able to share with my family and friends back home all the wonderful food that I have experienced here. I suppose in a way it is another sign of their passion for a good life. Their passion spills over into their food. Also they have the brilliant idea of tapas! Why do we not have tapa bars in the states?! Below the picture is of churros and chocolate a traditional breakfast (or snack) here in Seville.  

4.  I love being surrounded by history, history that extends far past the creation of the United States and in fact a history that intersects with the history of the United States. In Seville's cathedral rest the remains of Christopher Columbus and within the walls Alcazar lies his personal office. The history of Andalusia doesn't just intersect with the United States but at one time it was the intersection of the world. Seville is known for being home to the three cultures, Judaism, Christianity and Islam and that is something I get to see on my walk to class everyday. For example, the bell tower of the cathedral was once a minaret for the mosque that once stood where the cathedral does now.  

5. The last thing I love about being here isn't something I can show you in a picture. Living abroad isn't like leaving for college. Sure I'm not living with my parents, but its more than that. Living abroad is all about stepping out of your comfort zone. Actually, if you ever really feel comfortable during your study abroad experience you are probably doing it wrong. Everyday I am learning something new that I cannot learn in the States. It may be a swear in Spanish that my Spanish professors would never teach me, or it could be learning from the metro security guard the most economic way to travel the city. Everyday I am interacting with new people from a culture so different from my own. I firmly believe that its an experience that you can never get without studying abroad. After my first semester abroad I went home a different woman and I have no doubt that this time around will produce the same results. Essentially this last point can be summarized by this statement: I love learning in Seville!