Hasta Luego Sevilla

Here’s a summary of my last week in my home, Sevilla.

It was the week of finals… so I spent all my time studying, right? Chistes (jokes). I only have two finals, one of which we could use our notes, so I had enough time to soak in the last moments of my time in Sevilla.

Tuesday night Lanae and I went kayaking in the Guadalquivir River. We went with our program and there were so many people we got stuck in a huge 10-person canoe in the beginning. It turned into a huge water war, and we all ended up soaked. We became piratas, and stole a 2-person kayak. Then our time in the river was very relaxing. We enjoyed the sun, the sights, such as shirtless guys rowing & the Torre de oro, and had a good time. The only thing we were disappointed about was not getting any photos… so the next night we rented a paddleboat! We got lots of great pictures from the water and just enjoyed my last evening in Sevilla. My last dinner at home was artichokes and chicken. My mom knew that was my favorite J. Wednesday night I met a few friends to enjoy our last night in Sevilla. We went to the floating bar, coincidently the same place we rented paddleboats from. It was beautiful to see the river at night, and to just sit and enjoy each other’s company for the last time.

Chicken & Artichokes

Triana Bridge

Thursday morning Lanae and I went to the Arab Baths. I am so glad I was able to fit this in, because they were incredible and very relaxing. The baths are underground in different chambers. There were 6 different baths, the warm bath, the hot bath, the cold bath, the massage bath, the steam room, and the salt bath. I went into all of them, of course! I enjoyed floating in the salt bath, and just sitting and relaxing in all the others, well except for the cold one. There was pomegranate iced tea, water, fruit kebabs, and cookies out to grab. I really enjoyed the iced tea. I also got a 15-minute massage, which was wonderful. I’d be happy to go back anytime, if anyone wants to take me!

This afternoon (Thursday) I had my last meal at home, pasta, and then had to leave. My mom offered to drive me to the train station. We said our tear-filled goodbyes and Anna walked me into the station. She said she wasn’t going to cry, but we both did. 

 

Mi Familia

The things I’m going to miss most about Spain

1.     My Family. During the last four months, they really became my family, and I am going to miss seeing them everyday. They took such great care of me and opened up their home and hearts to me. More than anything I am going to miss having them call me Oliv (say it with a Spanish accent).

My favorite memories

·      For my birthday the cake was on a sheet of plastic, but Anna thought it was a cookie. She worked so hard to cut it for everyone, and it ended up just being plastic

·      Showing Anna pinterest. She loved it right away, especially all the braids. Then she braided my hair.

·      Walking in the door after traveling, and having Anna run to the door and give me a giant hug. (Derek could take a few tips from Anna)

·      After being fed tons of food, after meal being asked if I wanted a dessert: orange or yogurt, even though Ale and I had said no since the first week. And Anna imitating her mom and asking me, when it was just us two

2.     My friends. I made some amazing friends while I was here. Now I have more reason to travel around the US.

3.     The weather. It’s hard to leave high 80s and sun!

4.     The food.

5.     The Palm trees. It’s hard not to be happy when there are palm trees around.

6.     Being able to just grab a drink. Sangia, Tinto de verano, wine, mojitos...
7. Being surrounded by Spanish. 

Hasta Luego, Sevilla! I've had a blast and I can't wait to return again.