Superbowl Sunday was officially our one-week anniversary of arriving in Spain. Ironically, it made us all a little homesick. But we scoped out an American bar and it was packed with study abroad students from all over the US. I almost forgot I was actually in Spain with all the English around me. Unfortunately the game wasn't on until 12:30 a.m. the night before our first day of classes, so I didn’t even get to see the halftime show. Oh well, maybe next year.
Vending machine with cigarettes. Reminder that we're in Spain.
Superbowl watch party in Sevilla
Los americanos
I woke up Monday morning remembering that I was actually here to STUDY abroad aka go to school and not just be a crazy American tourist. The good thing is, aside from being in “the most beautiful city in the world” according to one of professors; classes don’t look like they’ll be anywhere near as strenuous as ones in the US. But then again, nothing is strenuous in Sevilla.
Thankfully, I’m in classes with all Americans, so when the professor gets excited and talks muy rapida, someone is bound to have understood. My first class, “The Arab Influence on Spanish Literature” was almost impossible to understand. He was talking so fast he literally had to stop and take breaths. Andalucians, the “province” that Sevilla is located in, is known for fast-speaking Spaniards. But my second professor of the day was much more “tranquilo” and even suggested we all get a cerveza after class. Welcome to Spain!
All together, classes are so much more relaxed than in the US. All classes simply have a midterm and a final along with a presentation here and there. The university offers a two-week window where you can sit in on any class you want and decide if you like it even if you weren’t signed up for it. ¡Que bien!
Even my 20-minute walk to class is beyond enjoyable. I pass upwards of three massive fountains, cross a bridge over a river full of rowers, gaze at palm trees and feel the warm sun beam in the cloudless skies. What could be better?
The river I cross everyday
Horse drawn carriages on my way to class
Again, on my way to class. I am too spoiled.
In between classes I enjoy a nice cup of café or eat my lunch by the fountain right outside the university and people watch. Sevilla is so calming. People roam the streets without a care in the world, taking their time. Dogs walk without leashes, old friends catch up over a drink in the middle of the day and life is just good. To quote my professor, "la gente no vive para trabajar, trabaja para vivir" (people here don't live to work, they work to live)
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