Homecoming.

Although the goodbyes started last Thursday with my friends leaving, it wasn't until today that it hit me. I'm actually leaving Sevilla. I stopped by CIEE to say goodbye to whatever staff was around. As I was closing the door, it finally sunk in that it was probably the last time I would see the palacio for a while. I think one of the things that struck me the most about CIEE was how small it felt. There were a decent number of students, in that I still saw people I didn't recognize by the end, but the staff knew our names, how we were doing, etc. They were invested in our experiences here in Sevilla, and wanted to make sure we had everything we needed. Yeah, there are some things that weren't run well, but that's more a fault of the program overall than the individual staff members. Going back to UW-Madison will feel weird, where you can easily become a number again instead of an individual face. Being here has made me want to return to campus and create those relationships with professors where they know your work and who you are.

I gave my senora and her grandkids some gifts today. I bought my senora flowers, along with the bath products that my mom had brought over when she visited. The kids received a slinky, an Eric Carle book, glow bracelets, some candy, and a Hello Kitty necklace (for Laura), among other things. They loved the gifts! I was glad to provide them with a few things that will (hopefully) last a while, and that they enjoy playing with. I'm going to miss Laura- I asked for a picture with her, and she hopped up into my lap and wrapped her arms around me.

Marriage stories!

My senora told me the story of how she and her husband met. When she was 16 years old, her friend was dating a guy (Pipan, or something like that). They broke up, and then he wanted to get back together with her. She said yes, but she didn't want to go out with him by herself, so she invited my senora along. So Pipan found a friend to go with too (Antonio). Antonio said that he would only help out his friend this once. That was April 12th of that year. After Semana Santa, Pipan invited Antonio to another outing with the girls. He said "No, but I am going to marry that girl." Seven years later, they married.

Goodbye?

Last night was the Acto de Despedida, aka goodbye party. Surprisingly less classy than I thought it was going to be, we all showed up, fancily dressed, to be escorted into a room with a few tables (standing height) scattered around. Let the awkwardness begin. Waiters tried to make their way through the crowds with tapas and drinks, although they only got a few feet into the room before their trays were empty. It's an odd feeling, knowing that it is the last time that you are going to see 95% of these people. Making small talk no longer seems necessary, as spending time with your true friends is more important. Kate, Chiarra, and I escaped upstairs for a bit to chat and avoid the insane noise level. The staff made a half-hearted attempt at a presentation, but the room was poorly set up, and not many people could hear them. The students wouldn't stop talking, so only about 3 rows of people got to appreciate the sentiments being shared. Teacher of the year was announced, which confused us, because we had never voted. We decided to ditch the craziness and get our own tapas and drinks, which then caused us to have to begin the round of "good byes". I worked my way through the room, awkwardly deciding if "this person" was worth saying goodbye to or not. We made it outside, where I finally found Angel. I thanked him for everything, telling him how much I enjoyed his classes. He told me that "I will do great things in my life", that I am a great writer, and that I am a joya (gem). His comments really struck me, because that was the first time in a while that a professor/teacher has acknowledged my abilities (both academically and personally), and I know that he didn't just say it casually. I really appreciated him offering up that encouragement. Kate, Chiarra, and I gave besitos to a few more staff members, and then we headed on our way. 

We went to a tapas place that I had been to a couple times, and ordered Tinto de Verano, and patatas bravas and other favorite tapas dishes. It was a great time of jokes and memories and thoughts about the semester. The perfect end to our time abroad.

I am still here in Sevilla until Thursday, which I am thankful for, in that it gives me time to pack and enjoy the city for a few more days without the pressure of exams (after Monday), but without my friends here, it feels odd. It's not as easy as meeting up with someone for coffee, or grabbing ice cream, or sitting by the river. We are back to the world of Skype, text messages, and hoping for visits across the country. 

But I did not mean this entry to be so melancholy. My senora has great things planned for me this weekend (including visiting her son's house in the campo), and I am happy to have time to enjoy the beauty that is Sevilla. And I am so excited to be heading back to my friends and family in a few short days. I can't wait to drive my car, shop at Kohls, have normal temperatures outside, and celebrate my birthday (among other things). 

Nearing the End

Ayyy! I fail at updating my blog. Sorry!

So, I am now rounding the corner, heading into the home stretch of the semester. Finals start on Wednesday, and the craziness of "end of semester" is amplified by the fact that everyone is going home soon. Me, I'm going home May 19th! I am very excited to see everyone back home, seeing as I've been a bit homesick, knowing my friends are graduating and moving away, but I am also going to miss Sevilla a lot. My senora and I have had some great conversations and memories over the past few days, including her trying to teach me sevillanas, a variation of flamenco dancing. She told me the other day that she has had many many students over the years, some she doesn't remember, but I am one that she will. I only hope that's a good thing :P

The rest of Semana Santa (where my last blog left off) was uneventful. Lots of rain, so no processions went out. We did end up seeing one on Friday, before it ran into the cathedral to avoid the impending downpour. After a quick week of classes, it was off to Barcelona! Barcelona was a relaxing trip, which was nice. Not as much to "go see" versus "explore the city," so we took our time. Went to the beach for a day, which was beautiful and relaxing. We even cooked dinner in our hostel, which was a lot of fun! It was nice to have control over what we were eating, for once. Lots of broccoli, mushrooms, garlic, onions, and green beans went into that meal!

In Barcelona, this architect named Gaudi created all of these awesome looking buildings. We toured the Sagrada Familia cathedral, which was breathtaking. The mathematics and physics, mixed in with the passion behind it, made it incredible. But that's my nerd side talking. Overall, I felt incredibly peaceful there.

Back in Sevilla, it was time for Feria. Basically a week long celebration, full of sevillanas dancing, drinking, and flamenco dresses. There is no entrance fee, so you can come and go as you please. There are all of these casetas, or little tent/shacks, that are either public or private. The private ones require an invitation to enter. Most casetas have music playing, along with food and drinks to buy. On the streets, there are people on horseback, and there are horse drawn carriages as well. There is a midway area, with rides and carnival games, too. It makes you feel as if you're transported back to the US. The combination of the midway plus the traditional looking casetas is quite the experience.

Well, with only 13 days left until my return to the US, I need to focus on homework for a bit.

See you soon!