11-01-11

Today marks the first full day in Sevilla. And if today was any indication of what the rest of the semester will be like, I really think I am going to like it here. Last night, I went to bed around 11:30 because of exhaustion and recovery from jet-lag. I woke up still feeling relatively tired, but I think I am finally adjusting to the new clock. Eva, the program director, met us in the hotel for breakfast and took us to the program center for the first day of "school". Today was the equivalent of syllabus day in the USA. We received two large packets of reading and grammar, and then another folder with dates and program rules. We have four weekend excursions planned, and multiple more day trips. Pepe plans the excursions for us, and he speaks the most clearly of anyone I have met here so far. The Andalusian accent is certainly distinct. I can understand Eva and Pepe for the most part, but it takes a lot of effort to fully comprehend what they are saying. I'm sure by the end of this semester I will acquire a similar accent in my speaking skills haha. We took a bus tour of Sevilla after class and I got some good pictures of the city. The ride was a little cold because we sat on top of the bus, but it was definitely not winter coat weather, which I am extremely grateful for. We had the afternoon off, so a group of eight of us went to lunch. We ordered tapas to share and it was delicious. Our waitor, Julio, gave us some excellent recommendations and I will be returning to the restaurant very soon. The restaurants serve bread and french fries with every meal. Another interesting thing about Sevilla is that the street names are located on the corner buildings rather than an actual street sign. So much of this trip is a "learn as you go" system. That is exactly what I think I needed though to fully expose myself to Spanish language and culture. I also got a cell phone today so I can communicate with my classmates. It was relatively inexpensive but it took FOREVER to get everyone set up with the phone. We used Movistar cellular service, and in Spain you pay for minutes and texts up front and then you add money to the account if you run out. It seems like a better system than the states to me. Tomorrow we start grammar and "conversacion / discusion" classes. Only 2 more days until I move in with my host family!! I can't wait to meet them and unpack my stuff. It's annoying living out of a suitcase in the hotel...