It's a really weird feeling being in Sevilla right now, because all my friends have finished their Winter semester, and are either getting ready to start spring term, an internship, or simply relax and take the next four months easy before Fall term starts up again. It was really strange to see all the Facebook statuses about being done with exams and school being out for the summer, when I still have about a month and a half left of schoolwork. And this next month and a half will certainly be the most trying of it all, because it's crunch time for those four essays I have due at the end of the term.
Before I came to Sevilla, I thought the program seemed unnecessarily long and relatively inconvenient, given I wasn't going to come back to the USA until the middle of June and would have an extremely hard time finding work. But now that I am here, I am very glad I still have a month and a half left of my trip. I actually wish I could have unlimited time here! There is still so much left for me to do while I am here, that if I had to go home tomorrow I would undoubtedly feel unprepared and unfulfilled with my time. It probably sounds strange for me to say that because I have been here for six months, but Sevilla feels like the city that just keeps on giving, and I feel like I still have to take advantage of every possible opportunity that presents itself.
Talking to my friends from home, and seeing all the "DONE WITH EXAMS" Facebook statuses was made relatively easier though, since we are now entering out second week-long break of the semester. Going back to school for only a week was a strange feeling, especially since one of my classes got cancelled both Tuesday and Thursday, and in two other classes we watched movies all week. I think the professors are starting to let up a little bit on their presentation of new information because the students are getting ready to hand in their final papers and study for the final exams. Plus Semana Santa and Feria are vacations that ought to be celebrated and enjoyed rather than spent doing homework.
The only thing that has really put a damper on our week vacations has been the consistent rain we have been getting (pun intended). It seems like every day it rains at least for 2 or 3 hours on and off. And when it rains, it rains hard. Lourdes has said that all this rain is "muy raro", but it is very disappointing, especially when we missed some of the great traditions of Semana Santa, and could possibly miss some of the celebrations and full effect of the Feria this upcoming week. But I am by no means letting the rain get in my way of seizing the city and making the most of it. When it stops, I usually go out for a walk to get out of the house, and there is always somewhere new to explore and people-watch.
Yesterday three people from my program and I went to look at the set up for Feria, which is located right in my neighborhood, los Remedios. We got to see the outside of the "casetas" and also went to the carnival part, where there are roller coasters and theme-park type games. A guy in our program's host mom actually got free tickets to the Circus as well, so we went to that and got to see the Spanish version of Cirque du Soleil. We saw many acts, including trapeze, disc throwing, elephant training, juggling, and clown acts as well. It was a good way to spend a Saturday afternoon, and even better that it was free for all of us.
Also, Armando invited me to his caseta last Friday for one day this upcoming week. Apparently this is a big deal, especially because they are so private and meant to be only shared among family and family friends. I was really honored he invited me, even though I had been hoping for an invitation all along. He said he would call me and let me know which day would be best to come, so hopefully he doesn't forget or else I may have to remind him!! I am really excited to meet his parents and show of my dancing Sevillanas skills though. I am glad I decided to stay in Seville for Feria because it is the epitome of Spanish culture and I know the celebrations will be amazing. I'll be sure to take a lot of videos and pictures. It's about to be quite the fiestaaa.
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