¡Hola todos! I´ve finally arrived in my host city, Sevilla, Spain. Sevilla is the capital of Andulcia, the most southern region of Spain. I live in the barrio (neighborhood) called Triana with my host mother and father and my roommate, Abby (another American student from PA). We arrived late last night, dragged our lugguage off the bus, and were greeted with kisses (one on each cheek) from our host parents. They are such a sweet couple. Our señora, Amparo, is very talkative and animated, while her husband, Fermin, is more reserved and quiet, making them a perfect match. They have a son, Manolo, who lives near by with his Italian girlfriend.
Our room is muy pequeño but cozy. Abby and I share a closet and drawers which only proves we brought too much stuff, but we´re making do.
My first couple days here in Madrid and Toledo were fun and exciting. In Madrid we visited the royal palace which was incredible (over 2,000 rooms, all ornatly decorated). We also saw two museums, El Prado (classic art ie El Greco, Murillo, Goya) and El Reina Sofia (contempry ie Picasso, Dali). We took a day trip to El Escorial, a palace/monestary that was built by the Hapsburgs and got to see the tombs of the kings and queens of Spain.
Using my Spanish has been an adventure. I can understand most of the time, but when I open my mouth to speak it take me awhile to translate my thoughts. I know it will just take time. The most interesting thing Abby and I had to get across so far was calling the front desk to tell them we blew a fuse. The Spanish word for fuse is fusible, just in case you wanted to know. : )
Today I get to tour the Cathedral in Sevilla (the largest in the world after St. Peters in Rome) and then I start classes. It will be nice to get my schedule and get into a routine. I´m just so thankful things have been going so smoothly. Spain is a beautiful country and the students I´m traveling with have been a lot of fun. I can´t wait to really dig into life here in Sevilla.
Love you and miss you all!
Emily
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Ready or Not...Here I Go!
At this time next week I'll be in Spain. With only four days to go, you would think that might of hit me already, but with much preparation still looming ahead I really haven't entertained the thought all that much. I'm excited, don't get me wrong, it's just a lot to juggle before I'm actually sitting safe and sound (and probably rather awkwardly) with my host family in Sevilla. I'll have to pinch myself when I get there. Right now it just seems so far away and unreal.
Don't worry, I won't bore you with the list of stuff I have yet to do, but I just wanted to see how this blogging thing will work and if everyone is able to read it. So let me know if you are all able to read and interact with this site. That would be most helpful.
In the meantime, here is what I will be doing for the first few days of my trips so you can all A) Be green with envy B) Pray/hold me in the light as I travel or C) Not even read the rest of this post and get back to your busy lives. Trust me, I understand. : )
Jan. 26- I arrive in Madrid, meet the other students, and take a bus tour of the city.
Jan. 27- Take a day trip to El Escorial which an Augustinian monastery just outside the city.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Escorial
Jan. 28- Visit the El Reina Sofia Museum and Palacio Real (in Madrid) and depart for Toledo
Jan. 29- Tour of Toledo
Jan. 30- Leave for Sevilla and meet host family.
So there you have it, my first five days in Spain.
One last thing. Here's my address in Sevilla if anyone wishes to write, although email is just fine. More importantly though, please send me your address because I would love to send postcards back to the U.S. when I get a chance. ; )
Pelay Correa 16 1a, 2a Puerta
41010 Sevilla
Spain
Well, I better get back to packing. I hope this ends up being a good way to keep everyone updated and in touch. I will write again once I've arrived in Sevilla. In the meantime, keep me in your thoughts and prayers for safe travels.
Ciao!
Don't worry, I won't bore you with the list of stuff I have yet to do, but I just wanted to see how this blogging thing will work and if everyone is able to read it. So let me know if you are all able to read and interact with this site. That would be most helpful.
In the meantime, here is what I will be doing for the first few days of my trips so you can all A) Be green with envy B) Pray/hold me in the light as I travel or C) Not even read the rest of this post and get back to your busy lives. Trust me, I understand. : )
Jan. 26- I arrive in Madrid, meet the other students, and take a bus tour of the city.
Jan. 27- Take a day trip to El Escorial which an Augustinian monastery just outside the city.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Escorial
Jan. 28- Visit the El Reina Sofia Museum and Palacio Real (in Madrid) and depart for Toledo
Jan. 29- Tour of Toledo
Jan. 30- Leave for Sevilla and meet host family.
So there you have it, my first five days in Spain.
One last thing. Here's my address in Sevilla if anyone wishes to write, although email is just fine. More importantly though, please send me your address because I would love to send postcards back to the U.S. when I get a chance. ; )
Pelay Correa 16 1a, 2a Puerta
41010 Sevilla
Spain
Well, I better get back to packing. I hope this ends up being a good way to keep everyone updated and in touch. I will write again once I've arrived in Sevilla. In the meantime, keep me in your thoughts and prayers for safe travels.
Ciao!
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