Hola Amigas!!
My days here in Sevilla are winding down! I am sad to leave my host family as they have been VERY nice but I do hope to stay in touch and I know "concha" wants to see me again!
I have discovered a few things about Sevilla. 1) Watch your step! There is dog poop all over the sidewalks! Not only that but dogs do not walk on leashes here and run freely. 2) The bike paths are dangerous! If you walk on them, you are bound to get hit. They use these religiously, unlike in the US. 3) Sevilla is beautiful. 4) Books are VERY expensive in Spain! I bought my first non-school-related Spanish Novel entitled "La piel de tambor" and I saw many others they cost a lot more. There are paperbacks that are 20 EUROS! I finally found my novel for just over 8 and that is on the VERY cheap side! 5) People in Spain tend to stare at you a lot. I can't decide if they can tell I'm American or that is just their way. 6) Tinto deverano is my new favorite drink! It is red wine and then lemon flavored soda. 7) PDA is normal. People are making out ALL over the place. Does not matter where or when. 8) Second hand smoke!
Over the past few days I have been to class and been sight seeing a little more. Last night I saw alone the river with one of my friends and drank some wine. It was very peaceful and beautiful. I can see how Sevilla is a romantic city! Today I bought a fan (due to the extreme heat and lack of AC) and my first book (as explained above).
I am very anxious to get to my final destination (Vera, Almeria) and see what it is like. I have heard a few different reactions to Vera. It is pretty, there are lots of hippies, it is known for its nudity (oh dear -- don't worry Mom), and that is about it. There is very little information in books or online about the city. I guess I will see it all when I arrive on Saturday. It is a very small town of 13,000 or so however, there are 5-8 people stationed to teach there!
Anyways ... I'm not too good at this whole blog thing. Hope things are well in the US!
Hasta luego!
Besos,
Julia
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Photos have arrived!
Que pasa?
I am normally techniologically challenged but I believe I have set up a website where you all may follow me and see my photos. This will be my blog and on the following website (hopefully) one can see the photos I have taken. Enjoy and let me know if problems arise and you are unable to see these! Me encanta Espana!
Besos,
Julia
http://picasaweb.google.com/107793401353066409976?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ-e9eyN-ZXlPA
I am normally techniologically challenged but I believe I have set up a website where you all may follow me and see my photos. This will be my blog and on the following website (hopefully) one can see the photos I have taken. Enjoy and let me know if problems arise and you are unable to see these! Me encanta Espana!
Besos,
Julia
http://picasaweb.google.com/107793401353066409976?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ-e9eyN-ZXlPA
Saturday, September 18, 2010
The beauty of Sevilla
Hola!
Como estais? I had always heard how beautiful the city of Sevilla was and now I can say that I have experienced it! Maybe not in its full (yet) but it definitely opened my eyes! The past few days I have been to Alcázar, the Cathedral, Parque de María Lusia, and Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo. They have all been beautiful and undescribable.
Alcázar was originally a fort for the Cordoban goveners in Sevilla and now is a royal palace. Throughout its years, starting in 913 until present, Alcázar has gone through many reconstructions, additions, different rulers and has been used as forts and palaces for decades. It has unique tiles on the inside and there are Arabic inscriptions as well as the Star of David within the tile work. Each new person that lived within the walls added new decoration. The palace has also been the stage of many royal weddings such as the daughter of King Juan Carlos I. The architect and designs throughout the building can be related to all different groups of people such as the Arabic, Muslims, Roman Catholics etc ... It is a facinating place! Around the palace are many different "patios" with ponds and Orange trees. There is also a BIG garden attached to the palace that I have yet to explore.
Later one evening, when it happened to be 102 degrees outside at 5pm ... I decided to take a stroll in Parque de María Lusia. Due to the extreme heat, I did not make it too far but found my way to a nice little bond with benches in the shade to relax with some friends and read. The park is connected to Plaza Espana which I hope to encounter soon. While I was at the park there were many paths one could walk on and carriage rides. The nature was beautiful and refreshing. A good escape from all the cars and commotion on the other side of the street.
Today I made my way to the Cathedral as well as the Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo (museum of contemporary art). The Cathedral was BREATH TAKING! "It is officially the biggest in the world, is awe-inspiring in its scale and sheer majesty" (quoted from the Guidebook) Couldn't use better words. I believe that each side was constructed at a different time as it is definitely NOT symmetrical nor do they have the same style or design. Some walls also seem more worn than others. The cathedral holds the tomb of Christopher Columbus and his son. It is still debated whether or not Columbus is here or in another church (I forgot which one). People are wondering if its just one bone, his whole body, nothing or his son that is located in his tomb. I was able to walk around and see the intricate detail of the moldings and the MASSIVE organ that is inside. I was also able to walk up the tower and look out onto Sevilla. It was about a 5-10 minute climb up to the top but was beautiful up there! The bells rang when I was up there and startled me. If ever in Sevilla, I definitely suggest people take a look at this cathedral as it is gorgeous! I thought that after studying abroad I was Cathedraled out ... but as of now I can re-enter cathedrals without being bored or thinking they all look the same.
After that I came home for some lunch and headed out to the Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo. Not being a big art fan, I did not understand nor appreciate the art but the building and gardens were non-the-less pretty. A few of the artists work that is featured in this museum are that of Carrie Mae Weems, Hannah Collins, Cristina Garcia Rodero, Nuria Carrasoco and Valie Export to name a few.
Other than those few excerstions, I once again will state that the food here is amazing! Concha is going to teach me how to make Gazpacho and Tortilla and I am thrilled! The weather here is also starting to cool down (mid 80s) for a day or to and thus I am abl It e to sleep a little better without sweating! Other then that ... Things are going well and I'm anxiously awaiting to head to Vera, Almeria and get settled into my own piso and start teaching! I will keep everyone updated! Thanks for staying tuned!
Besos,
Julie
I need to figure out how to add photos!
Como estais? I had always heard how beautiful the city of Sevilla was and now I can say that I have experienced it! Maybe not in its full (yet) but it definitely opened my eyes! The past few days I have been to Alcázar, the Cathedral, Parque de María Lusia, and Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo. They have all been beautiful and undescribable.
Alcázar was originally a fort for the Cordoban goveners in Sevilla and now is a royal palace. Throughout its years, starting in 913 until present, Alcázar has gone through many reconstructions, additions, different rulers and has been used as forts and palaces for decades. It has unique tiles on the inside and there are Arabic inscriptions as well as the Star of David within the tile work. Each new person that lived within the walls added new decoration. The palace has also been the stage of many royal weddings such as the daughter of King Juan Carlos I. The architect and designs throughout the building can be related to all different groups of people such as the Arabic, Muslims, Roman Catholics etc ... It is a facinating place! Around the palace are many different "patios" with ponds and Orange trees. There is also a BIG garden attached to the palace that I have yet to explore.
Later one evening, when it happened to be 102 degrees outside at 5pm ... I decided to take a stroll in Parque de María Lusia. Due to the extreme heat, I did not make it too far but found my way to a nice little bond with benches in the shade to relax with some friends and read. The park is connected to Plaza Espana which I hope to encounter soon. While I was at the park there were many paths one could walk on and carriage rides. The nature was beautiful and refreshing. A good escape from all the cars and commotion on the other side of the street.
Today I made my way to the Cathedral as well as the Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo (museum of contemporary art). The Cathedral was BREATH TAKING! "It is officially the biggest in the world, is awe-inspiring in its scale and sheer majesty" (quoted from the Guidebook) Couldn't use better words. I believe that each side was constructed at a different time as it is definitely NOT symmetrical nor do they have the same style or design. Some walls also seem more worn than others. The cathedral holds the tomb of Christopher Columbus and his son. It is still debated whether or not Columbus is here or in another church (I forgot which one). People are wondering if its just one bone, his whole body, nothing or his son that is located in his tomb. I was able to walk around and see the intricate detail of the moldings and the MASSIVE organ that is inside. I was also able to walk up the tower and look out onto Sevilla. It was about a 5-10 minute climb up to the top but was beautiful up there! The bells rang when I was up there and startled me. If ever in Sevilla, I definitely suggest people take a look at this cathedral as it is gorgeous! I thought that after studying abroad I was Cathedraled out ... but as of now I can re-enter cathedrals without being bored or thinking they all look the same.
After that I came home for some lunch and headed out to the Centro Andaluz de Arte Contemporáneo. Not being a big art fan, I did not understand nor appreciate the art but the building and gardens were non-the-less pretty. A few of the artists work that is featured in this museum are that of Carrie Mae Weems, Hannah Collins, Cristina Garcia Rodero, Nuria Carrasoco and Valie Export to name a few.
Other than those few excerstions, I once again will state that the food here is amazing! Concha is going to teach me how to make Gazpacho and Tortilla and I am thrilled! The weather here is also starting to cool down (mid 80s) for a day or to and thus I am abl It e to sleep a little better without sweating! Other then that ... Things are going well and I'm anxiously awaiting to head to Vera, Almeria and get settled into my own piso and start teaching! I will keep everyone updated! Thanks for staying tuned!
Besos,
Julie
I need to figure out how to add photos!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Week 1 In Sevilla
It seems in a way that I have been here for a month but when I realize I don’t know my way around, it feels like a day. Sevilla is very different from Madrid and reminds me of Italy and Toledo (a city outside of Madrid). The streets are small and twisty, hence with my terrible sense of direction, I get lost a lot! We have maps but they are not detailed and I still get lost!Walking around every day for hours is a good way to know your area and see what stores and restaurants are there. Hence I have figured out a few things are am getting more familiar but I probably won't find my way 100% until we leave, or so it seems. Plus it is important to have good shoes that do not give you blisters! You walk A LOT!!!
On Friday, we did a yimkana (scavenger hunt). This took us all around the city and to many different places. They gave us questions and we had to figure out what we thought it was and take a picture with out group. Our group actually won, after thinking we wouldn’t. It was definitely fun! After that … we all got into the room with our luggage and waited for our name to be called to go out and meet our “senoras” or host families. I was VERY nervous about this!
It turns out that my host family is VERY nice! My host mom “concha” is very sweet and I enjoy talking to her and practicing my Spanish. Her husband, Marco, is quiet but nice.He said to call him if I was ever out and felt unsafe that he would come get me. I totally forgot how much I loved senoras cooking. Concha’s food is AMAZING and I love it! I definitely have tried new things such as clams/muscles and different fishes but I got to be open.My host mom also does not eat/drink milk, cheese or anything like that so it definitely helps!I also can’t believe how much my Spanish has improved in the areas of understanding and even speaking.I am able to hold a conversation with her and understand the news and TV shows that we watch. This definitely will help me build confidence to speak and adapt to the Andalucian accent, which can be challenging to understand at times! They use a “th” sound when pronouncing s,c etc … However, it has made me very excited to be able to comprehend!
Unfortunately I do not have internet at my homestay but it allows me to read and take a siesta (nap). It is sometimes boring but I figure things out. The days here also seem sooooo long! For breakfast I have a juice box, then lunch is not served until 2:30-3pm. Siesta is from 2/3-5pm. Then dinner is between 9:30 and 11pm. And then people do not go out until midnight at the absolute EARLIEST! It's crazy! It also is not uncommon to see little children, at ANY age walking around at 1 or 2 in the morning with their parents! That has been very strange to see!
Classes start tomorrow and so I hope that I will have more to do. I will try to upload pictures later, although I have not been taking that many. I should start! I am enjoying my time here and it is definitely nice to understand more! Will write more next time I am in the cafe!
Besos,
Julie
On Friday, we did a yimkana (scavenger hunt). This took us all around the city and to many different places. They gave us questions and we had to figure out what we thought it was and take a picture with out group. Our group actually won, after thinking we wouldn’t. It was definitely fun! After that … we all got into the room with our luggage and waited for our name to be called to go out and meet our “senoras” or host families. I was VERY nervous about this!
It turns out that my host family is VERY nice! My host mom “concha” is very sweet and I enjoy talking to her and practicing my Spanish. Her husband, Marco, is quiet but nice.He said to call him if I was ever out and felt unsafe that he would come get me. I totally forgot how much I loved senoras cooking. Concha’s food is AMAZING and I love it! I definitely have tried new things such as clams/muscles and different fishes but I got to be open.My host mom also does not eat/drink milk, cheese or anything like that so it definitely helps!I also can’t believe how much my Spanish has improved in the areas of understanding and even speaking.I am able to hold a conversation with her and understand the news and TV shows that we watch. This definitely will help me build confidence to speak and adapt to the Andalucian accent, which can be challenging to understand at times! They use a “th” sound when pronouncing s,c etc … However, it has made me very excited to be able to comprehend!
Unfortunately I do not have internet at my homestay but it allows me to read and take a siesta (nap). It is sometimes boring but I figure things out. The days here also seem sooooo long! For breakfast I have a juice box, then lunch is not served until 2:30-3pm. Siesta is from 2/3-5pm. Then dinner is between 9:30 and 11pm. And then people do not go out until midnight at the absolute EARLIEST! It's crazy! It also is not uncommon to see little children, at ANY age walking around at 1 or 2 in the morning with their parents! That has been very strange to see!
Classes start tomorrow and so I hope that I will have more to do. I will try to upload pictures later, although I have not been taking that many. I should start! I am enjoying my time here and it is definitely nice to understand more! Will write more next time I am in the cafe!
Besos,
Julie
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sevilla
Hello from Spain!
Just dropping in to let everyone know that I have arrived safely in Sevilla, but only after running (literally sprinting) through the Madrid-Barajas airport. It is very hot here in Sevilla but nice. I took a walk with some other "teachers" that I met and now are chilling at the hotel room trying to stay awake. We have a week planned ahead of us, and a welcoming session and cocktails tonight at 7pm, so they are definitely making us stay up late and not go to sleep due to jet lag. We start learning about things tomorrow in orientation and then on Friday we head out with a host family for a week or two. We do not have too much information about it but I will keep everyone updated!
Adios~
Julie
Just dropping in to let everyone know that I have arrived safely in Sevilla, but only after running (literally sprinting) through the Madrid-Barajas airport. It is very hot here in Sevilla but nice. I took a walk with some other "teachers" that I met and now are chilling at the hotel room trying to stay awake. We have a week planned ahead of us, and a welcoming session and cocktails tonight at 7pm, so they are definitely making us stay up late and not go to sleep due to jet lag. We start learning about things tomorrow in orientation and then on Friday we head out with a host family for a week or two. We do not have too much information about it but I will keep everyone updated!
Adios~
Julie
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Adios USA, Hola Espana
Hello!
Off to Spain in a few hours and I am looking forward to it! For those of you just catching on, I will be living in Vera, Almeria in Spain. It is in the southern part of Spain about 5-6 hours from Sevilla and 2.5 hours from Granada. I hope to keep this updated as I figure out more about my living arrangements, housing, teaching and all those other activities. Stay tuned for more information to come :-)
Julie
Off to Spain in a few hours and I am looking forward to it! For those of you just catching on, I will be living in Vera, Almeria in Spain. It is in the southern part of Spain about 5-6 hours from Sevilla and 2.5 hours from Granada. I hope to keep this updated as I figure out more about my living arrangements, housing, teaching and all those other activities. Stay tuned for more information to come :-)
Julie
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