La primera escapada

   Beauty EVERYWHERE

    These last two days have been more relaxing than the crazy days of orientation and touring. I got to pick classes yesterday, which began with a walking adventure to CIEE that I was confident I knew I could do alone. I was wrong. Got a little lost, but ended up figuring it out and not missing mi session de matricula. My schedule isn’t final, but thus far I am signed up for: Psychology of learning a second language, Bilingualism/ intercultural communication/ and plural identity, Conversational phonetics, and The three cultures of Spain: Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Should be a great semester ahead! These next two weeks, I have an intensive grammar class three hours a day with activities outside of class, so classes don’t officially start until Febuary 4^th. I also went on my first run yesterday in the park and by the river! It was so scenic, but the Spaniards thought I was the scene they should stare at..that'll take some getting used to.

            Con mi tiempo libre, explora y camina por la ciudad mucho. I have found a lot of really cool places, but I am also excited to do some of the touristy things like go to museums and art exhibits. Today, roaming brought us to a great market that is right by the bridge that crosses into el centro. It was teaming with people, meat, veggies, and fruit. This place is just overflowing with culture, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

             Pata de Jamón

     Anoche, unos amigos y yo tomamos unas copas cerca del río y pasamos tiempo en dos bars. The first was a quaint place that we got una cerveza (Cruzcampo) and chatted next to a big slab of meat. There are legs of ham everywhere! The second place we went, we danced and talked with some Spaniards and I ran into TAYLOR! We were hoping to meet up earlier, but she doesn’t have a phone yet, and people don’t really use phones too much here, so it was exciting to run into her. I am excited to have a friend here who has already studied in Sevilla , and can show me around some.

            At lunch today, we had anchovies and sopa con patata, calamares (calamari), chícharos (peas), y alcachofa (artichoke). Me parece bien los dos, pero no son mis favoritos. I’m trying to learn about the food and ask questions, but I don’t want here to think that I don’t like the food so it’s tricky. I also started bringing mi cuandernito (little journal) to meals so I can write down words I’m learning and actually remember them. Concepción thinks I’m a little crazy for doing that jaja.

            Abby, Andy, and la ‘hermana’ de Abby, Carmen, are going to el centro later so she can show us around las rebajas, and so we can keep learning more about the city. I’m excited because I love hearing how natives see the city. Can’t wait to have the ability to give tours to people!

Me voy a tomar una siesta, saludos,

Kelsey