I've Arrived!

Hola a todos! After being in Sevilla, Spain for a little over a week, I finally decided to put my siesta to good use today and start my blog! A week ago I left the comfort and familiarity of my home in Chicago and embarked on my adventure to Sevilla. The morning of my flight was exciting, bittersweet, and stressful all at the same time. I spend the first half of the morning doing my last minute packing, and checking and rechecking my list of things to bring (yes, I do love my lists..Brooke and Eddie). The second half I relaxed and tried to mentally prepare myself to leave my "comfort zone" of familiar places and faces, and venture out into my "push zone" of the unknown. After loading my bags into the car, and saying some tearful goodbyes to my family, my mom and I headed to the airport where I met up with Brooke, one of my good friends from school who is also studying abroad in Sevilla thank God!! We both said our final goodbyes to our families and headed off to our gate, but not without first running into Miley Cyrus and momentarily stalking her through the international terminal.

My first flight was from Chicago to London, and took about 7 hours. From London we flew to Madrid, where I experienced my first taste of Spain…while also walking a 35 minute maze to get to my next gate…I’ve honestly never been to an airport more confusing than Madrid’s. From Madrid we finally flew to our final destination (and my home for the next four months) of Sevilla. After struggling with our 500 lb suitcases, Brooke and I caught a cab (or should I say formula one racecar) to our apartment complexes which are luckily on the same street, Avenida de la Paz.

VIEW FROM MY ROOM

Once we arrived, Brooke and I stepped out into the sweltering heat, paid the racecar driver, and went our separate ways (which is only a 55 second walk/13 second drive away…thanks google maps). My host mom, Mari Paz (sporting some sassy floral print short shorts at the age of 55), and my roommate Callie, came down to meet me and help me with my suitcases. Once in apartment 7A, I met my adorable 62 year old host dad, Jose Luis, and was shown to my room which I share with Callie, whom I was relived to find is a completely normal and friendly southern belle from Mississippi (with an amazing voice!!). She showed me around, translated a few Spanish words I couldn’t quite understand, and taste tested my first meal of deep-fried chicken nugs and tortilla Espanola (epitome of health).

My first night here was tough. Definitely shed a few tears, especially when I was putting up a few pictures of my family, boyfriend, puppies, and kitty right near my bed. I know it’s completely normal for me to feel the way I do, and I know in a few weeks time I’ll be acclimated and having the time of my life! 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." ~Saint Augustine