La vida en Sevilla, es una maravilla!

Hola a todos! Hope this blog post finds you happy and well!

I came to a realization a few weeks ago that when I came to Sevilla back in August I missed one of the most crucial steps one must complete when living abroad.... visit the freaking sights! Of course I walk by el Torre de Oro and la Catedral practically every day, but it never dawned on me that, "hey, maybe you should go check those things out?" So, in the past two weekends, I have tried to bring out my inner tourist (already a little hard to do) and visit the most frequented sights of the city.

Last Saturday, my friend Chuck and I went to the Cathedral. Its pretty much the nucleus of the city center and on the weekends hundreds of people flock to the streets to enjoy a nice cafe con leche, a politicl demonstration at the adjacent town hall, attend a weekly mass or enjoy the various street performers (but not the gitanos that try to make you take their weeds and fortunes). Its a beautiful atmosphere, everyone enjoying their weekends and free time in the city.

Inside the Cathedral you find tons of gothic architecture and paintings, lots of religious icons and stained glass as well. Its a little overwhelming, as it is the third largest cathedral in the world (1 and 2 are Saint Peter's (Vatican) and Saint Paul's (London) respectively). The grave of Christopher Columbus and la Giralda are definitely the most interesting aspects of the church. Yes, Christopher Columbus is buried in Sevilla, in the Cathedral.

La Giralda is the only part of the Cathedral that remains from when it was a Muslim mosque. The Spanish had a tendency to take over many aspects of Muslim life during the Medieval period, including their place of worship. They left the towering spire because of its aesthetic aspect, its pretty and has a tall warrior princess on the top, who wouldn't love that?? The contrast between the Muslim architecture and the gothic Catholic detail is interesting to note. You can climb to the top and get a great view of the city, including el barrio de Santa Cruz (old Jewish hood), la Plaza de Espana (by my house!), la Plaza de Toros (CORRE!), el Rio Guadalquivir, Triana, etc etc.

Today was another tourist day, and quite splendid it was at that. My friend Josie and I ventured to the Museo del Baile Flamenco (Flamenco Dance Museum) after witnessing a little political demonstration in the city center, something about unemployment, education and teachers, gonna have to research that one (Decreto 302??) The museum was very dramatic and very representative of the style of dance itself. We learned a lot about the different styles, dress, periods, and so on... More of a refresher for me, since I took my History of Flamenco class last semester (why I didn't go to the museum before my exam, no clue...) There was also a lot of really interesting and beautiful artwork on display, which we enjoyed as well, we have such a refined taste... ha! But seriously, I could totally see a few of those bright colored, detailed paintings in my living room someday when I rich and famous and can afford unmarked museum art.

We finished our excursion a la Plaza del Salvador which is situated past the Cathedral in front of another famous church, Iglesia del Salvador. There are two or three frequented wine and beer bars in the plaza with excellent selection and prices. We enjoyed a glass of vino with the Spanish masses before heading home.

Next up on the list of places in Sevilla, the Alcazar!

Upcoming travel plans:
24-26 de Febrero- Cadiz con Carmen para Carnaval!!
28 de Febrero- Dia de Andalucia, el Parque Nacional de Donana (flamingos! dromedaries!)
1-4 de Marzo- Granada, party/staying in a CAVE.... yep, you should be jealous
8-11 de Marzo- Bilbao y San Sebastian (Guggenhiem y sidra)
16-18 de Marzo- Morocco! Gibraltar!

I'm a busy little girl. Don't worry, pictures of all this to come! And posts... Stay tuned folks

Besitos y abrazotes!

My Man Accessory

My Dearest Landon,

Would you ever have thought that when we met that day at McAlister’s in Charlotte, when I was being a creeper and eaves dropping on your conversation with a co-worker about you starting your freshman year at App, that we would be sitting in Spain, drinking tinto de verano and eating pinchitos de pollo?

                

Would you ever have thought that when you were talking to that precious Mexican boy two summers ago on skype, that you would find true love?

                

Would you ever have thought that when I grabbed your tie that one night at Ashley’s crazy party, that we would be living life to the fullest here in Spain together?

                

Would you ever have thought that when you came to App, you would have made such wonderful, precious friends all over the world?

                

Would you ever have thought that your best “Malibu and Coke” would have been on the side of the beach in Portugal?

                

Would you ever have thought that you while you were shopping at Jordano’s and Nordstrom’s back home that you could be mystified by the magicalness that is Harrods?

                

Would you ever have thought that that night when we broke the closet door together, after you threw me up against it while we were dancing, that we would become peeing buddies and master the art of peeing on the streets of Spain together?

                

Landon, my love, you will never know the impact you had on my life, and the lives of every person you came in contact with. You loved living life, and you lived, profoundly, every day. From your seductive eyes, to your passion about politics. From your opinionated and stubborn beautiful mind that made everybody jealous, to your dreams and ambitions for making this world a better place. You had remarkable drive and a precious spirit. You are a beautiful man, from the inside out. From you I have learned to live life day by day and to follow my dreams to their fullest extent. You were a dream maker, my love. You had the power to make your dreams come true and that is what dictated every action of your life. You had a beautiful life my love.

I can only imagine that right now you jamming to your girls Lil Kim, Shakira and Lady Gaga where ever you are and buying lots of really ridiculously beautiful clothes that will make your ass look fantastic. Make sure you find someone who can help you make your wardrobe decisions and fix your scarves before I get to you.

You were Born This Way for a reason my dear. You were born to make an impact on all of our lives and your legacy will be one of joy, passion and determination. I know you wouldn’t want it said any other way than this, “Don’t hide yourself in regret, just love yourself and you’re set, I’m on the right track baby, I was born this way.”

I want you to know, that where ever you are, keep my seat warm until I can be with you. Until then, you will never leave me. No me dejado, mi amor y un dia despues, Sale El Sol. Un beso de Sevilla, para ahora y para siempre. I love you.  

Clara, la cabra

"Clara"
"Venga Clara"
"Clara, no Clara"
"Baaaaah" *clip clip*

Clara, the goat. Oh, she is so precious. I do believe she is a new resident of El Porvenir along with her owner, a gruff, heavy set, kind-hearted, man with dirty hands who takes Clara with him everywhere. I first met this precious combo this week when I was at the grocery store buying milk. The dialogue above is just a taste of the constant conversation Clara and her owner have. Lots of repetition... "Clara, Clara, Clara," "baaaaaaah" etc... I was a little shocked that the people who work at SuperSol (my local supermercado) allowed the little thing to come in the store. She's not that big, maybe weighs 20 lbs? Picture a Jack Russell, but with a beard and hooves and tiny horns. But, there she was, nibbling on any metal she could find and following her humble caretaker around the store. The whole store was watching the two as they went to the milk aisle (buying cow's milk of course, Clara would not approve of goat milk).

I saw them again last night on my way out to meet some friends for a drink. This time, Clara was in her little carriage (or old, rusty, produce cart) with her master pushing her down the street, incessantly talking, like always. It made me smile. Its refreshing to see this little goat being a great source of joy in this man's life. I wonder how they ended up together, and why they live in a city, instead of out in the country. How does a little goat end up in down town Sevilla? I don't know, but its pretty darn cute to see them out and about. I hope I run into them again soon.

I asked Carmen if we could get a pet goat, but I don't think our other room mate would go for that. Shoot.