February already?! It was another busy week here in Sevilla
with class everyday and museum visits and exploring the city a little each day.
I definitely can’t think of a single complaint about that type of schedule
though! I finished up my intensive grammar class today, which means I’ve got 3
credits down, 12 to go. I could use more of the grammar work, but the class challenged
me with different verb tenses and helped me to be more aware of my grammar when
I speak. One part of my class was a visit to el Museo de Bellas Artes, which I
adored. I spent the whole morning into the afternoon there in complete shock of
how beautiful the works of art were. I also came away from the museum with a
few new favorite artists. Frida is still my number one gal though.
Yesterday
I visited La Plaza de España, el parque de María Luisa, and los jardínes de
Murillo. Once again, absolutely spectacular. The Plaza de España was one of the main constructions and
symbols of the Ibero-American Exposition World's Fair that took place in
Seville in 1929. It was originally designed and built as the ultimate symbol
and the most ambitious project of the 1929 Ibero-American
Exposition World's Fair. The initial idea of holding a World Fair in Seville
was promoted in 1909 with the aim of opening the city and, especially, to
modernize it. It would be the perfect occasion to achieve civil works, thus
improve employment, promote the tourism, enhance the image of Seville and
strengthen relationships with American countries. The half-ellipse shape of the
building represents the embrace of Spain and her colonies to all those who
come. There are intricately designed benches for each province in Spain, each
having a unique scene from an important event in that province’s history. The
architecture is distinctly Arab. Fun fact too, Star Wars was filmed there! What got to me was the sheer size of the
place, but as I got closer, I noticed the fine details from sculptures of past
officials to crowns on the pavement. It will definitely be one of my go to
outdoor study places this semester because it is so close to the University.
The
gardens and other plaza were gorgeous as well. Inside the gardens were
peacocks, swans, paths everywhere, huge trees, and fountains. I’ve found my new
stomping grounds for running!
This
weekend I am off to Granada with my program for a weekend trip, so I’m sure I’ll
have plenty more to write about. I also must mention the current trash strike
here in Sevilla. Because of the horrible economy over here, there have been
huelgas (strikes) because officials are cutting pay and upping hours for
laborers. This same thing happened in Granada and lasted for a few weeks, so I
am hoping it won’t be so long, because the dumpsters are llenisimo (SOO full).
The strikes are a reminder about the gravity of the economic crisis here, and
are a reminder that although this place is beyond beautiful, it still has its
problems.
Saludos,
Kelsey
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