While waiting for my plane from JFK to Madrid to board, I decided to make an economical use of my time and begin my blog. I wrote a lengthy, ponderous reflection about the goals I wished to complete upon my peregrination to Europe. This exercise was a mimicry of a similar exercise I completed my freshman year of high school. My dean told my class to write a letter to our future selves enumerating a list of what we hope to accomplish upon our graduation and the culmination of our high school careers. Upon receiving my letter during my senior year, I felt truly rewarded to see how I had changed and what I had achieved over the span of four short years. So, I decided to do the same list with my goals for Seville. Yet, upon finishing my blog post--which I was thrilled with--the computer at the British Airways First Class Lounge malfunctioned.
Which brings me to the beginning of my journey...
When I entered the JFK Iberia Airlines terminal, I had the great fortune to run into my family friend, John. He worked his magic and was able to escort me into the British Airways First Class Lounge. I dined on cheese tortellini and bourbon beef and almost had time enough for a massage. Needless to say, it was a perfect start and a good omen for my trip abroad. Anyway, my flight on Iberia went swimmingly as well. I sat next to a 23-year old Israeli named Hudi (like "Hootie" and the Blowfish). He spoke to me about his work traveling to and from America to sell cosmetics and his ultimate goal to become a scientist for the Air Force. I enjoyed meeting my first new friend on my trip. As I spoke to Hudi, I remembered all of my goals for my trip to Seville.
1) My first goal is to meet a lot of new people. Obviously, every person can do with more friends, but I would really cherish a good balance of Spanish and American "amigos." Upon my arrival in Seville, I not only met a lot of new Americans, I also got the chance to hang out with our five student guides, all of whom currently live and study in Seville. They were extremely kind and treated us as equals despite the slight language gap, considering every Americans' Spanish was a little rusty.
2) I also want to culturally explore Seville as well as many other European cities. Last night was my first night in Seville, and I was able to walk with a large group of American students and have a nighttime tour of Seville. I love the fact that everything is in walking distance and I was in awe of the beautiful architecture, the narrow cobblestone alleyways and the quaint little restaurants and tapas bars. One particularly gorgeous aspect of the city is the plant life. No matter where you go, on the side of the road grow small orange trees with pungent, plump oranges. One of the local guides advised me in Spanish, "Whatever you do, don't eat the oranges," but the aesthetic of the trees adds to the uniqueness and beauty of the city. The city itself has fantastic gothic and Arabic architecture in its center. Seville was occupied by Arabs and the core of the city (where my dorm is located) used to be encompassed by walls. The University of Seville was made out of a former tobacco factory and has intricate designs as well as a square shape. The aesthetic is amazing and the university itself is in the heart of the city, right by the Guadalquivir River.
3) My third goal is pretty obvious: I want to perfect (or at least have a mastery) of the Spanish language. I would love to be able to converse unabashedly with the locals, who so far seem to be very friendly and fun-loving. As of now, when asked how my Spanish is, I usually respond, "I can understand it pretty fluently, but I'm a little hesitated with my speech." Here in Seville, it's a little difficult to understand the rambling, quick vocation of the locals. Yet, I have asserted myself and spoken a lot with David and Sergio, two of our Sevillano student guides.
4) Finally, I wish to uphold this blog and continue documenting my travels. Hopefully, a lot of accompanying photos will be coming in the future.
To all my family members (and friends) who may be reading this, please know that I'll be thinking of you while I'm abroad and send me an email anytime!
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