Day 2-Camino sobre Sevilla

This was a full day, which started early in the morning and we were all still a bit tired from the long day and trip.  We went to our CIEE study center, where we will take classes, and it is beautiful (and completely different from Penn State).  There is a fountain and flowers right in the middle!  We then had a few informative sessions, followed by a Spanish interview, which was not quite as nerve racking as expected.  Shortly after, we headed home for lunch with our señoras and again we had a delicious meal: sopa con polla y pechuga.  Then she placed a whole loaf of bread in front of me, as well as a plate of jamon y chorizo y queso.  I could not finish it all (a rare thing for me :)) but they insist on feeding us so much!  Next, we had what is becoming one of our favorite things: una siesta!!! (a much needed nap!)  Everything closes down between about 1:30-5:30 because it is so hot, so time to relax!  Our group, which is shown in the picture below, traveled throughout Sevilla, and were able to see many of the popular sites.  We crossed the river, saw an amusement park: la isla magica, took a bus, saw the justice building, many gardens, ran through some misting fountains, drank from a fire hydrant-type water fountain, and finally saw this amazing place (below): Plaza España, which was INCREDIBLE!! We hope to go back and take a row boat around in this water!  Afterwards, we went to a bar where many of the locals and other group members met up and then headed out for more tapas.  I don't think they can get old because there are so many different kinds.  However to my group's entertainment, I was thoroughly shocked and horrified as the waiter brought out the shrimp and they were looking right back at me with their dead little eyes.  So after one of the girls so kindly peeled one for me, I decided I needed to man up, and yes, I ripped the head and legs right off of it.  One was enough though for me.  Then as they brought out the fried fish that seriously looked just like a fish, I decided sure I could cut it, and we were pleased to know the scales was gone.  However, I do not think I could have been more surprised to see it's basically whole body of bones jump out at me.  It was quite the night!  Then the groups saw a few of the other bars and locals' spots, and after a few hours finally called it a night! :)