Well, well. Where to even begin? I have been keeping myself busy for sure-- the way I like it! Last week was the last week of our "Intensive Period," which focused only on language while we adjusted to life in Seville. Yesterday, I started my classes that will last the remainder of the trip, the "Continuation Period". I am taking a class called "Spanish for the Health Professional," which is right up my alley. I love learning Spanish that I know I will find useful. I am also taking a literature class, which isn't really my cup of tea, but I like the professor so far and it will be a nice change of pace from all my science classes at Lehigh. Dance class is also going well! It's different than any type of dance that I've ever tried, and the rhythm is hard to get used to, but now I can only see it as a challenge and I'm determined to be able to dance the Flamenco.
I think I am most excited for my internship at a Spanish hospital. I will be shadowing and working at Hospital de la Caridad, a convenient five minute walk from my school in Seville. The hospital is more of a nursing home than a hospital, and is for elderly men who have ran out of resources ("caridad" = "charity"). While I've only had one day on the job, I can tell I am going to learn so much. And not just in medical vocabulary, but biology and medicine, itself, as well. I follow a male nurse named Rafa. While I was disappointed to hear that I'd be working with a nurse instead of a doctor at first, now I can see that this will be an even better experience than I could have ever expected. Rafa assists each of the specialists who practice at the Hospital, meaning that he can answer pretty much any question I could have about a disease or the human body-- in any of those doctors' specialties. Definitely one of the smartest people I have met here, to date.
I've also finished planning out my travels around Europe. The flights, anyway. In the next three months, I'll visit Morocco, Paris, Italy, Granada, Barcelona, and Malaga. Wheeew. It wears me out just trying to remember all the places I'll visit! Really though, how in the world did I get so lucky?
Something else that I am so excited for-- tutoring Spanish children in English. Not only do I get paid to play games with three adorable children, but it gives me a chance to teach. I LOVE teaching little kids. It amazes me how many people here know English, and how early they start teaching English here. My tutees are in first, second, and fourth grade, and can speak English better than even some college Spanish students I know. There is such an attitude difference towards foreign languages between Spain and the United States. While in the US several people are of the opinion "if you come to my country, speak my language," here, it's the complete opposite. I feel like everyone here sees learning a language, especially English, as crucial. People are eager for the opportunity to be able to communicate with me. People see me in the streets and want to practice English with me every day-- definitely an eye-opener. But anyway, the kids are great. Not to mention they live right down the street from my apartment here. Perfect.
Also perfect...
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| Real Alcazar de Sevilla, a palace where the Spanish monarchy stays while in Sevilla. This amazing building (and its patio and gardens, pictured) are only twenty minutes from my apartment here. The building has several different artistic influences and has sections characteristic of various time periods. I mean after all, it's been around for a few centuries. So cool! |
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| A jumper that I bought and am SO excited to wear. #soeuropean. |
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| Paseo en Barco: boat ride on the river! Such a great view. |
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| Roman ruins of Italica, located just outside of Spain. I'm so glad the trip was mandatory, because otherwise, I probably wouldn't have known to go. These are legit Roman ruins, people. Really. Ruins from the Romans. It blows my mind that they made buildings that have lasted for so incredibly long. Moreover, they were the first to think of these things. Ever. To me it seems that all modern inventions are merely a modification of something we already had-- we haven't really come up with anything revolutionary and completely new. Who has thought of something like a, say, world's first water transportation system lately?? Sorry folks, we just aren't that impressive. |
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| La Romeria, in a pueblo outside of Seville. It was so fun to watch and almost be a part of a centuries-old traditional festival of Spain. We followed the parade of horses through the streets and watched "the virgin" be paraded by toros. |
The only thing that's not absolutely perfect is my roommate situation. It seems like she's feeling a lot better now, which is definitely great. We still have very different routines, though... while I'm a night owl, Ally prefers to go to bed much earlier. I'm sure with a little compromise it will work out, but it's definitely a tough adjustment for me. Ay!
One last thing before I let you huge audience x-outta here. We watched this video last week in class-- it's making fun of something a Spanish politician said. Regardless of whether or not you get the reference, it's hilarious. (For those who don't know Spanish, café con leche is coffee, literally "coffee with milk/cream.")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-27R3fJDHhQ
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