Never Thought I'd Say This...

La Giralda

Jewish Synagogue

La Catedral

My three-hour long intensive advanced Spanish grammar class rocks! Mainly because my professora takes us to a cafe halfway through class for some cafe con leche (latte) and then we usually explore sites close by the CIEE center (my school) during our break as well--the students that don't have my class's professor are pretty jealous.  Today we saw a Jewish synagogue, then visited the nearby convent and our professor bought us some magdalenas (muffins) from the nuns.  They were to die for! Yesterday, she took us to a museum of modern art.  After class today, I went on a tour of the Cathedral in Sevilla and climbed up the 34 ramps to get to the top of La Giralda to see the most beautiful view of Sevilla! The Cathedral is HUGE; 3rd largest in the world. Needless to say I'm loving it here and the time is already starting to fly by!  

I survived the 1st week!

Cathedral in Macarena

Well now that orientation week is over, I'm kind of excited to start classes and get into more of a routine; these next two weeks I will be taking an intensive Spanish grammar course from 12-3, then after that I will have a regular class schedule.  So far, I've been taking advantage of the siesta (nap) here and I'm learning more and more about my host family every day...yesterday I just found out that we have a pet bird (it hasn't made a peep since I've been here). I also got to meet my host parents grandchildren yesterday.  They are so cute! Today, my hosts took me to Mass, then we went to the town my host mom grew up in (Macarena) and visited some beautiful cathedrals.  I'm making lots of new friends and loving the culture here!

Day One

Well, I survived my first day in Sevilla! After a long day of flights, a taxi dropped me off at my homestay where I met my host parents; they are quite wonderful (but of course nothing can top being parented by Lisa and Pete Harrington;)  This evening I met my small group and we went to an informative meet & greet with the onsite instructors, then enjoyed some tapas and sangria for dinner. We have orientation this week & start our first introductory language course next week.  Having a great time so far!