*This is just a disclaimer about my writing abilities while Iīm here in Sevilla. I am only supposed to be speaking in Spanish while Iīm here, and spelling and written composition in English can be really complicated mentally and I apologize for poor grammar, spelling, and other things that I should really know and be able to do-considering I was raised and educated in English-----IīM SOOOOORRRRRYY!!!*
Well, we have already completed two full weeks of classes here at the center. I canīt even fathom how quickly this trip is going to go. After dealing with a bit of culture shock this week, my group and I are slowly starting to get into the swing of things here in Sevilla. I never imagined a culture could be so different, but when I think about it in the scheme of things, thereīs cultures that are even more contrasting to our own in the United States. Itīs so amazing that I have an experience like this in my life that I will be able to look back on and appreciate in the future. I truly am blessed to be able to do this, let alone to have the support of my family in friends.
This week was amazing, but also compounded with A LOT of work. Taking two civilization courses and an anthropology course is definately going to prove to be challenging this semester. Not only is it extremely deep material, but all of my text books are in Spanish. I took all the history courses I could here to make sure at least one of them counts as a core at Susquehanna; we were having problems with the head of the department before we left, so hopefully weīll get something worked out when we get back...considering all of the material is in Spanish, including the syllabus...
I love my professors, they are amazing people. It can also be challeging though, some of them do not speak English, and when combined in an academic atmosphere, questions can be challenging. Today we were talking about bagpipes in my Spanish Civilization class, and the professor had to start doing motions and even started singing the famous song that everyone knows is played with the bagpipes. Itīs funny and confusing at the same time!
Today one of my professors ended up having a medical emergency, so we had the privelage of attending class with Ernesto, an AMAZING teacher here at the center. The guy who teaches the class is flamboyant, intelligent, and loves what he does here. He speaks fluent English and his moto for his classroom is that you need to leave embarrassment and shame at the door. The class is very open. Ernesto sings American songs and dances all throughout class. Heīs just a fun guy. I wish I had a class with him all of the time, but Iīm kind of stuck where I am right now due to credits.
I talked to Rosario yesterday (my Seņora) and I have permission to practice in my homestead while Iīm here, which will make things soooo much easier. Iīve talked to Gomez Saso once while Iīve been in Sevilla, and weīre going to try to arrange my lessons. Theyīre going to be expensive, but I really hope I can afford some while Iīm here. Heīs an amazing flautist with the Sevilla Orchestra and I canīt even begin to describe how amazing that experience will be.
Tomorrow is Friday the 16th of September and my group is going to a Museum (I canīt remember the name right now) and an explanation of a bull fight, we didnīt want to go to the real thing. As much as a bullfight is part of the Spanish experience, primarily in Sevilla, thereīs something about watching a bull or a man die the really bothers me...not to mention itīs really expensive!
Saturday weīre going to go to a beach town thatīs about an hour and a half outside of Sevilla. Thereīs supposed to be great markets, museums and other things to do (recommended by Rosario). We just have to hop a bus in the morning at La Plaza de Armas and ride into Caņis (I believe thatīs the name) It should be a lot of fun, and who am I to give up a day at the Beach!
Tonight is our intercambio party. The intercambio department here sets up an American student with a Spanish student basically just to talk and share experiences about our culture. My Intercambioīs name is Antidio, a 24 year old Ph.D. student for the University of Sevilla whoīs studying Communications. He actually has an interview to win a scholarship to the United States. Heīs been to the West coast 3 times before to visit people, so he has a pretty good grasp of the culture and of English...much better than my spanish. Heīs different to say the least, but a nice guy. Itīs different talking to someone about culture. Sometimes he doesnīt even know what Iīm talking about and I donīt know what heīs talking about. It definately will prove to be a rewarding experience because I want to teach ESL in the future.
After our Intercambio party, my group and I are having English Night! Thatīs when we going into the city, speak English and do American type things. Last weekend we went to Starbucks, a very American thing to do, and just chilled out. Friday after we get back from the beach weīre supposed to go Salsa or Flamenco dancing, hopefully we can arrange it so it works this week! The night life is amazing here. Everyone is awake, including little kids, until about 1 or 2 in the morning. Dinner isnīt even though about until 9 or 10 at night....not something Iīm getting used to too easily. When Erica and I walk home after our night classes there are always these three or four old ladies sitting outside their houses (I totally want to get their picture). When we pass we always greet them with a Buenas Noches and theyīre sooooo funny. They just yell ĄBUENAS! at us and smile whenever we walk by. Itīs so great!
Well, Iīm going to wrap up this entry and get ready for our little fiesta here tonight. I think about everyone all the time. Itīs wierd being this far away from everyone, but I know itīs only a short time until weīre celebrating Christmas and Iīm literallyĻ"home for the holidays!" (Iīm already ridiculously excited)I hope everyone is having a great semester and is happy and well. I love you and miss you all!!!
ĄAdiós a todos!
Casey/Kay/*Ken acoording to Rosario,pronounced Kaeyn
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