Day 30-Isla Magíca y No Descanzo

Wow!!  Today was such a wonderful day, with 

some many unexpected things, and so incredibly busy!!!  It all started the same as always; breakfast and off to class!  Today's class was another long and confusing one, but we learned about judaism and a lot of its rules, particularly what is kosher.  That is a confusing issue in English, let alone Spanish.  We have a few Jewish students in our class, so one of the girls, Chloe,

basically reviewed all the rules with us during our break, and it was actually so interesting!  Then a group of us decided to go to Isla Mágica, which is an amusement park in Sevilla.  It's been a long while since I've been to a theme park, so we had a good time.  We all wish we could've taken our cameras inside because it was beautiful and had such a cool setup.  There were so many plants, a huge lake, pirate ships, bulls, decorations, stores, and much more.  It was not a very intense park--they only really had one rollercoaster, but it was crazy; we were basically in a corkscrew or upside down for the majority of it.  However, it was so rickety, and my head did not appreciate that.  We also randomly met a Spanish guy wearing a bright purple Penn State Intramural Champions t-shirt.  He said that his friend goes there and gave it to him; guess we really are everywhere!  We also really liked a ride that was like the Tower of Terror that you went up and then dropped.  The kids are crazy though here, which didn't bother me TOO much, but it sure did the others in our group.  The kids would yell to each other over hundreds of people, just run and push past you, or blatantly cut you in line.  We didn't really know if that was okay or what to do until we saw a dad go over and yell at them and force them to stay where they were; they settle down real quick!  Anyway, it was a really hot day so we loved the water rides like the log ride, tidal force, and rapids ride-so similar to Hershey Park.  Most of our group left after we made our first circle around the park, but Connor, Jenna and I wanted to get our money's worth, so we stayed for a while, and it was great.  I won a bet with Connor, we stood by the tidal force and got soaked, rode a 2 story merry-go-round (just the 3 of us) and tried to sneak down to the first level while spinning around, and then went to a virtual pirate ride.  Connor and I loved it because it was just like a slow ride that took you 

 through this whole pirate set up, which was kind of creepy because there were tons of dead people and they'd shoot water at you and cannons would "go off."  The point was to shoot your laser gun at targets, but Connor was not too happy I beat him by 30.  :)

            Anyway, then we left and I had a little time before my next activity, so I decided I'd go 

find my Italian helado place on my bucket list.  After asking for directions and getting offered hash, I finally found it.  On my way though I was thinking about how crazy it is here with the men and how they interact.  Especially today, I just ad so many little encounters with them where they give the BLATANT up down or talk to you or call you so many names, and it just seems so natural to them.  They just seem to see girls as objects or trophies, and it just is kind of sad and weird to me.  They wouldn't take a card though, so I had to find an ATM too--lots of adventures but then I finally enjoyed some white chocolate and Forest Fruit ice cream--so worth it!  Then I left to meet my one Spanish friend, but somehow we missed each other, but luckily still met my class for our cultural activity: watching the Spanish vs. Ireland game.  The bar was tiny and people were everywhere, so we 

just stood in a huge clump, but was kinda cool.  We had some great breezers and I got to meet some new people in our group and more Spanish people.  We also won 4-0 and my boy Torres was tearing up!

           By the end though I was beat and got home around 11:30, after having been since 9:45 this morning, but it was such a great day.  Then I had to gather some information for a presentation in class tomorrow--luckily I have Abraham and then bed time shortly after.  Phew, what a day!!!

Day 29-FÚTBOL

Today when I woke up, my señora was sitting at the table with another lady, which was weird because that does not usually happen here.  I didn't want to be rude and intrude, but I needed to eat breakfast, so I sat down.  Though I could not understand most of what they were talking about, I could tell that she was talking about the Italian girls who stayed here this past week, so I am thinking it was some type of review/analysis of that.  Before the lady left, she explained that two kids from Switzerland will come for a day, which I am kind of excited about because they are kids, so maybe we can try to learn together! :)  Anyway, then I knew they were talking some about me, but she could have been loving or me or tearing me apart for all I know!  Then I went to class, which was a hard day.  I wanted to just cry halfway through because I was so confused (okay maybe a bit of an exaggeration but not really).  I think this professor uses more words that I do not know because he doesn't talk super fast but I still get confused.  I think this material is just much more difficult as well because it's the intricate relationships between the cultures and religions.  Today he drew a map and then started adding stuff, crossed out some, erased some, added more, and we were looking at each other like what is he talking about.  It is kind of difficult to figure out how these things are relating to each other as well.  I am hoping that it will go okay though, and I have been trying hard to participate and ask questions, even if it may make me look stupid!  So then we watched a movie that was in English, so I could understand, but it was a difficult one to watch.  Basically it started off by saying that religion is the biggest joke ever created that is a way to manipulate people and to get money.  They took verses out of context, were so demeaning to Christianity and tried to say that God "created the whole world" but can't come up with His own money.  I kept watching, getting more angry because the accusations were very harsh and offensive.  I tried to watch it and just take in what they had to say and some things were interesting, especially the comparisons between the stars, past theories (such as other the zodiac and greeks), but the way that they generalized Christians and made them out as stupid and illogical was rather frustrating.  It was cool though because after the video we just sat and talked about it, and many people felt the same way.  Even those who do not seem to be extremely committed to their faith were impacted by the movie, and I think it got everyone thinking.  People seemed to stand up for Christianity as well, which was neat to see.  Anyway, after class I met with my tutor, which was pretty good, and then I went home for lunch: first cold potatoes mixed with eggs, which I unfortunately just could not eat.  There is something about cold eggs that just does not sit well with me, and the taste was just not very good.  I think she might have gotten the hint too when I pushed it away after like three bites.  Then we had grilled chicken, which was great!  For the afternoon, I just read an article for class, compiled my "bucket list", and spent some time listening to some sermons on Godly women.  Then I met up with Elise to try to figure out our trip we won with We Love Spain, but they told us we basically have to find 20 people to go with us, so we can do it a certain weekend--that

should be a task, but I am hoping we can do it.  Then I went and played soccer!!!  It felt so good to be back out there playing, but the guys were SO good!  It was nice too to finally get some intentional exercise!  They play on hard courts too, which is so different from grass and makes the ball move so much faster, but I am so glad I went and will probably go back!  Then I hurried home for dinner, which was noodle soup and the little fried fish again.  I think I swallowed a bone this time--didn't feel too good on the way down.  Then I reviewed some class notes, watched my little Spanish mystery, and went to bed!!  

Day 28-¡Me gusta Sevilla...mucho!

Today was another early morning because it was my day to volunteer.  Luckily I seem to be enjoying it more and more each time I go.  I think the kids are starting to warm up to me a little bit as well.  I am trying to compile a list of soccer terms too because the Spanish people don't even know the translation, maybe just cause they don't know the English words, but so I was working on that, talked some to my co-worker, and then tried to have a little conversation with one of the girls, but she kept saying she was nervous to talk to me!  She is really hard for me to understand as well, but she thinks she is talking so slow.  Then she asked me to ask her a question in English, but she had NO idea what I said.  Then she asked my favorite singer, so I told her Carrie Underwood, but that was another fail.  Luckily, when she said Justin Beiber we were both finally on the same page! :) Then I took the bus back to my school and had class.  It was pretty interesting today, and I was able to understand a decent amount.  We took a quiz just to see what we know, went over some slides, and then had some time to interview someone in the class.  I liked that part a lot because we all got to practice speaking Spanish and learn some about each other.  Then we went walking throughout the city to see a couple spots: one was an Italian restaurant that had been built on top

of Arab baths and the other was a tomb that was found and has been maintained in a parking garage, which was kind of crazy, but that part was a lot harder for me because he kept talking, and for some reason, it was a lot harder for me to understand...so we'll see how that goes.  Then I went home for lunch: rice in a yellow/red sauce with lobster and peppers!  Then I went back to meet with my tutor and we had a good review session!  Then I headed out to the river to meet some friends to sunbathe!!  Then I went to meet my intercambio again, which was nice because I did not get to see her last week.  We walked around for a while then just sat at a restaurant and had tea.  We got to practice a good amount of both English and Spanish, and it is cool because we seem to have a lot in common, and we got to talk a lot about teaching.  She even invited me into her classroom to read a story with her students.  Unfortunately, there school goes from like 9-1:20 and my class goes from 10-1.  I may try to go early one morning and then just take a taxi to get to class on time because I think that sounds like an experience I would really like to have, so hopefully something will work out.  She also invited me to a party at their school this Friday, I think for the parents.  I may go, so I can see how things work in their school and just have the chance to attend something different in Spain!  We had a good time meeting and then she had to get home for a busy night ahead.  Then I finally caved; I had been doing so well, but I went into one store and that led to many more.  It was quite fun though just looking all around and definitely getting some ideas :) but I am still holding off for now!!  It was also cool because I walked around for a while by myself, and I am realizing it is rather empowering to be able to figure my way out on my own, or asking for directions (in Spanish!) if necessary.  It is reminding me of last summer in Burlington, except so much bigger, but now my other home away from home! :)  Today a woman even came up to me and asked me what bus she should take.  I asked her to show me where she wanted to go on her map, and she showed me, and I actually figured it out for her!  I just walked away laughing.  Then I went home and had dinner with my señora: tortilla, chorizo, and that other type of similar meat.  She gave me another one too that was similar to ham, but I was not a fan.  We were talking some more about food, and she thought it was really funny when she asked if I liked fish, and I said yes but no with the heads (just to make sure that is clear), and she started cracking up saying yea you don't like it when it's saying, "I'm watching you!"  No, I definitely do not.  Anyway, then I just had the rest of the night to relax, do some spanish reading, some Mere Christianity, and listen to some John Piper!  It was a busy day, but I loved it and am falling more in love with Spain!

Day 27-Nuevo clase

Today was the first day of my new class, which is Tres Culturas!  We will talk about the history of the Jews, Christians, and Muslims, and how that affects art.  I thought it would be interesting because I like to learn about the different religions, but I am not a history fan, so we will see.  I am a little nervous because everyone made it seem like this is a super hard class, and we just found out we have to give presentations: not my specialty!  For some reason our professor asked us to come in at 9 today instead of 10.  We got there and reviewed the syllabus and had introductions and then he let us out at 10:30 because he said he had a previous engagement!  That was kind of nice!  So my friend and I tried to go to We Love Spain to book a trip, but they unfortunately were not open.  I decided since I had time to go around and just browse some stores to try to find some little gifts.  Then I headed home and relaxed until lunch: spaghetti with the tomato sauce and the fried ham and cheese and chicken croquetas.  I don't know if this woman thinks I am a tank, but I think I literally rolled back to my bed.  Then I listened to a few sermons, which were quite enlightening, cleaned some, and talked to a few friends.  Then I met up with some friends to go watch the France vs. England soccer game at a Texas bar!  We had a lot of fun even though it was another tie, and we practiced some more Spanish!  Then on the way home, one boy in my group, John, asked me how Mere Christianity was going and that launched a discussion.  He basically told me that Lewis's point are illogical and not the truth.  So I prodded him further and asked some questions (and this was all in Spanish!)  He eventually told me that he is a Deist.  He used to be a Catholic, but he says the Bible is ridiculous.  I asked him if he has peace now, and he claims yes but he didn't when he was Catholic.  I mean obviously I do not agree with his points, but once again I thought it was cool that God provided a chance to have a meaningful conversation with a friend.  

He is VERY sure of his own ways, so I am not sure how to continue talking with him but am hoping for some more opportunities because beliving that God is not personal and that we cannot have a relationship with him is one of the worst possible things!  Then I got back home and had dinner with my señora: the meatball things and fries, and then I got to skype with Conroy! :)  Finally, did some more reading and went to sleep!

Day 26-Los aspectos más destacados

I think today was one of my favorite days so far!!!  I got to sleep in a little bit until about 10:50, and then I got up and got ready and then went to meet some friends to eat my bocadillo and get churros!!!  Everyone kept talking about them and how good they are, So I was really excited.  They are basically like a little funnel cake but no sugar and then you dip them in really thick chocolate: they were really good, but I must say I still think the helado is still my thing!  Then my friend Elise and I went to Aire de Sevilla, which are the Arab baths.  When we got there, they said there were no more appointment for just the normal, cheapest option, so we could either wait, or take the next option, which just made we were forced (and I use that loosely) to get a massage.  The only reason that I wasn't completely ecstatic was because we had to pay a little 

more, but let me just say it was worth it!  So basically we got these little shoe protectors to put on, to make us feel like doctors and we went to go change in the locker room.  Then they showed us off to a little tour, and then Elise and I were sent to the massage room.  We were both rather giddy, but it was incredible!  It was only 15 minutes, but we got the whole deal! :)  Then we went through the whole tour: started by showering, then a steam room, which we could barely see or breathe in at first.  Then we went to a hydro massage bath, which I loved!! Then we went to a salt bath, and these were all so nice because I got to spend time talking with Elise, just RELAXING, or praying!  Then we headed to the warm bath, which was like 96º, then the hot bath, which was 104º, then right to the cold, which was 60º.  It was quite a shock but apparently so good for your muscles.  Let's just say we loved it and did not want to leave and kind of felt like jello as we walked back.  Then I got home showered and headed out to meet the group again to go to a bar to watch the Spain vs. Italy soccer game.  We met our guide, Edu, and had a lot of fun.  They ended up tying, but it was an intense game, and I got to talk with a girl I have not really had the chance to before.  Then we walked back home, had some gazpacho and black bean/meat (not quite sure what) soup that looked like it had been sitting out most of the day, but it tasted good and I feel fine...for now. :)  Then I just relaxed, wrote, read, and called it a night!

Day 25-Las bellas de la jardín

Today we were going on a trip to Córdoba!  I was so tired when I woke up this morning, so once I got on the bus, it was thankfully pretty easy to go right to sleep.  We had about an hour and a half drive, and then we got to the city.  There were some beautiful buildings, like always!  We split into tour groups and we went with Ángel again because he uses Spanglish and is such a good guide!  We went into the Mesquite, which is really unique because it is the only mosque that has a cathedral right in the center of it: kind of ironic.  The architecture was beautiful; the muslim buildings used many arcs, which were fascinating, and there was so much detail on a lot of the catholic parts.  It always seems to impress me!

 There was a skull though by some of the art pieces, so I asked what that was for and my guide said, "It represents eternal life, which is bull..."  Ugh, that just broke my heart to hear, and another one said the same thing about the church, definitely keep praying for these people!  After our tour through all of this, we went to see a neighborhood and a Jewish synagogue.  Then finally we went to one of my favorite places,

the Alcazar, which is the royal palace with the most beautiful gardens!  I do not know how I can keep being amazed, but I constantly am.  There were so many flowers, so much detail, and
beautiful fountains and water.  I just loved being able to spend time there.  A few of us stayed there and ate our bocadillos and then Alice and I walked around to make sure we could take it all in (as well as have a little photo shoot).  Then we walked around to try to find some of the others, but we did not have much luck, so we just found a nice little bench to sit on and talked.  She got to tell me about China and some of the cultural differences and just more about her own life, which I loved hearing about!  Then we finally

found some of the others and just all went and talked until it was time to leave.  I got to sleep again the whole way back, and then it felt good to finally just get home.  Then I got to skype with my mom, sis, and grandma, which was an unexpected surprise!  Afterwards, I had dinner with the two Italian girls, which was like the first time I actually
talked with them some.  We had some chicken and fries, basically soaked in oil, but soo tasty!  Then I just relaxed some and caught up on my blog and met up with some girls to try to figure out some more details for our free weekend trip.  Olivia and I grabbed some llaollao frozen yogurt, which was delicious and then headed home.  Got in some reading, and now I am hoping for a good night's sleeeeep!!!!

Day 24-Una sesión ha terminado

Today was the day of the Final, so I got up early to read some of my Flamenco book and study some more.  Then I headed out to class to review and critique the class over the weeks.  We finally took the test and it was only 3 short answer questions.  We had talked about the questions before, and I think I did a decent job, but I am not sure because we don't really know exactly what he was looking for once again.  We got done early again, so I headed home had some gazpacho and potato, bean, meat, soup, and then finished Catching Fire, which was amazing!!!  Now I am just so anxiously awaiting the last book!!  Today was a pretty productive day for the afternoon.  I got to take a quick siesta, read, listen to some sermons, and spend some time in prayer.  I felt like I had a lot of time with the Lord to be able to reflect, which was great but really convicting too.  He just seems to be able to show me how my priorities can so easily get messed up, and although it doesn't necessarily feel good to be chipped away at, the refining process is always worth it, and the rest of my night was just in such a different light!  Then I actually spent some time cleaning, and then it was time for dinner: burger and fries!  Then I went to meet some friends to go into la setas to try to watch a soccer game, but it wasn't playing where we thought so some of us girls just went shopping, for me just browsing.  Then we went home for a quick break until we met up again to go out.  We went down to the river again, and it was so much fun!  The students who are coming for session 2 arrived today, so I got the chance to meet a lot of them!  We just hung out and talked for a while, and then we went to one of the discotecas, Bilinda.  When we got there, there was a long line, and we weren't sure how much it would cost, but one of the group's spanish friends was there and he called someone.  

Then we were all directed to the side and basically given free VIP entrances with coupons.  It was kind of crazy.  It was a lot of fun too because it was outside, with seats and tables everywhere, and a dance floor.  It was so crowded though!  We could hardly get around.  So while we talked, my friend Jose taught me how to do the tango--it was SO fun! We eventually worked our way to the dance floor, and had a lot of fun just going crazy, especially since you had like NO where to move.  There were some things that I definitely did not need to



see either, like this guy and girl dancing on stage, wearing next to nothing.  Some of the guys, once again, were a little more touchy and forward, which I am not a fan of, so I just tried to do my best to hold my ground!  It was some of our friends' last nights, so we enjoyed time with them, and then finally walked home with Amy and Jose!  It ended up being a successful, wonderful day, but I was thankful to finally hit my pillow at 5:45! :)