i love seville.

So... I've been here for four full days. I am feeling more and more comfortable with the language, the routine, and the lifestyle every day. We got a chance to just walk around the city yesterday, and I realized that I just LOVE Seville! Here are some of my top favorite things...

1. The lifestyle and pace of life.

People here are never in a rush. They don't hesitate to sit down and take two hours eating a meal together. Which, by the way, are at very different times from meals in America. We usually eat a pretty small breakfast before school (around 9:00), lunch is after school (sometime between 2:30 and 3:00) and is the big meal of the day, and dinner is something lighter between 9:00 and 10:00. I love that there's rarely a schedule to keep and I never feel like I should be somewhere else. It is so refreshing. Even when we're walking places, I've noticed that the people walk slower! No one is in a hurry; they simply take life as it comes and enjoy the present.

2. Walking.

We walk pretty much everywhere we go. I love it because we really get to see the city that way. Our walk to school in the morning has become one of my favorite things because the air feels crisp and clean, and it is a perfect way to start the day. It also wakes me up a little for class! We took some time to walk through the neighborhood where I was when I came with my family a few years ago, and it was so much fun. Surprisingly, I remembered how to navigate through the maze of little streets. I was amazed by the beauty of the the buildings, the streets, and the people... I think it was during our exploration that I realized how much I love Seville. 

3. Siesta!

I look forward to my siesta (or NAP for people who don't know what siesta means) every day. Using Spanish all the time is exhausting, so taking a nap really helps me recharge during the middle of the day. Siesta is from after lunch (so about 3:30) until about 5:00 or 6:00. Everything closes during this time because everyone goes home, and then things start to open again around 6:00 or 7:00.

4. Ana Franco Conde.

I grow to love my senora more and more every day. She is SO sweet and does everything for us. We offer to help, but she always declines. Sometimes I don't follow what she's saying, but just watching her blabber on makes me happy. She has so much energy and love for the simple life she lives! I think I want to be like her when I'm old. 

5. Simplicity.

The people here have just what they need. Our apartment is small, but it is comfortable and works perfectly for us. Our room simply has two beds, a closet, and a small dresser. Only the necessities. It makes life seem less complicated to have less unnecessary STUFF. I almost liked it when we didn't have our luggage because we didn't have to deal with "Hmm, what should I wear today?" or having clothes all over the place. Don't get me wrong... I'm very glad that our luggage came! But the idea of only having the essentials has been very good for me.

6. My professor.

I was a little nervous to see who my professor would be since I will be spending a lot of time with him or her over the next four months. I got so lucky! His name is Salvador Gallego de la Rosa, and he is a great guy. He speaks very little English, so once again I am forced to use Spanish to communicate with him. He is very animated, so he makes class really engaging.

7. Working on my Spanish.

Even though it has been frustrating at times, I really have enjoyed working on my Spanish. It is really fun when I understand things that I know I learned like four years ago! Somehow they got tucked in the back of my brain and they are all coming back again. It is very rewarding to feel like I'm improving a little every day. 

8. Cacao.

Every morning, we drink Cacao. It is like hot chocolate mix that we stir into really thick milk. (the milk almost tastes like cream!) In Spain, "hot chocolate" is really thick and rich; sort of like a melted candy bar. Cacao is more like what we call "hot chocolate" in the U.S. It is muy delicioso!

9. Spanish children.

For some reason, kids here are SO cute! It is so fun to hear little kids speaking in Spanish. Ana's grandsons came over one night (they are 6 and 3) and they were just adorable. They were definitely bundles of energy! Hopefully we are going to get together with them again jugar futbol en el parque! (translation: to play soccer in the park!)

10. Mi amiga Kayla. :)

I love being here with Kayla. She has been pretty much a lifesaver when it comes to communicating. She has been very patient with me, which I appreciate so much. We are having tons of fun together and I can't wait to have more adventures with her! Te amo, Kayla!