Words cannot describe how incredibly beautiful Sevilla is. I had no idea I would literally be living in paradise for a semester until today.
We left Madrid yesterday and headed south for Toledo, which is the old capital of Spain. Buildings remain in tact that were built as far back as the 15th century (maybe farther). We climbed the narrow cobblestone streets and followed our tour guide through various monumental mosques and cathedrals. The beauty of Toledo is the mixture of cultures that exist and the influence of art and architecture. It amazes me how many Italian artists were involved in the construction of Spanish cathedrals, palaces, etc. Their work is absolutely beautiful and it makes me proud to be an Italian J
Overlooking Toledo
We arrived in Sevilla around 8:30 p.m. and to say we were nervous is an understatement. Our host families lined the street where our bus pulled up and the reality of living with Spanish strangers for a semester sank in. I felt like I forgot all of my Spanish right then and there, but it turns out our family is so nice and welcoming. I live with two other American girls and host parents who have three grown kids (in their 30’s). They have been hosting American students for 10 years, but they don’t know any English. We were happy though because that will only make our Spanish better.
My room in my host family's house
Today we saw our university, which used to be a tobacco factory, and then toured the cathedral in the heart of the city. We climbed the tallest tower that overlooked Sevilla and it was incredible. We also got to see Christopher Columbus’ tomb, which was pretty significant. Apparently there was controversy whether or not he was actually in the tomb, but DNA tests were recently done and his remains are in fact in Sevilla.
View of Sevilla from the tallest tower
Christopher Columbus' tomb
Later we took a three-hour bike tour of the city. The bike tour was hilarious because the bikes were a little different than what we’re used to, plus there were about 40 of us clogging the streets looking like complete tourists.
Plaza de España (picture does not do justice)
Crossing el Puente Alamillo
Sevilla is absolutely beautiful with palms trees and orange trees lining the parks, a massive river splitting the city and fountains centered in almost every plaza. The Kansas City plaza was designed after Sevilla (they’re sister cities), which is not only unique, but evident now that I’m here. It is a perfect combination of an upbeat city and a spacious tropical paradise. I cannot wait to spend the semester here and take it all in.
Tonight a local “travel agency” designed for study abroad students will be hosting a sangria party before we go out to a place called “Budah” for the real Thursday night fiesta. Pues, hasta luego!
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