 Hola, buenas tardes la gente guapa! As I am adapting to the Spanish culture, I have become more aware of how Spaniards act in comparison to U.S. Americans. I am embracing the closeness when talking with people, and the speed in which they are communicating. Although, I still can't keep up!
The variations in language came into light through my Spanish Culture Close Up course, and I am not talking about the obvious English vs. Spanish. The differences in interpersonal communication lies in the conversation in itself, and I found it interesting that there was a contrast in politeness. For Example:
Would you pass the salt, please? vs. Pásame la sal (pass the salt)
Turns out that BOTH are polite in the context of the respective country. As U.S. Americans, we learn to say "please" and "thank you" for EVERYTHING! We absolutely hate to inconvenience someone else regardless if it's the smallest request, like passing the salt shaker. We make it a point to acknowledge the other person by saying thank you, and "I'm sorry's" have become more of a habit than a meaning. However, if you would say "pass the salt" in the U.S., you would be seen as having poor manners and rude. Spaniards, however, are much more intentional and concise in their speech. They say what they mean, and mean what they say. Por favor (please), gracias (thanks), and lo siento (I'm sorry) are said when it is truly meant. More over, it is found to be inappropriate when you use too many polite markers as you are seen as superficial or not authentic. Passing the salt shaker is needed to enjoy your meal, and everyone does it! So, why would that inconvenience me to reach 2 inches to give the shaker to you?
Learning about the intricacies of the Spanish language, I thought it was beautiful how they preserve the meaning of their words. I reflected on my own speech, and I must admit that I am one of those "I'm sorry" addicts. I apologize for things that are beyond my control, things that happen to other people, and the statement lost its meaning a long time ago. If I learn anything from Spain, I WILL learn to speak with more intention and meaning. So, if I come home more blunt and less sorry. . . I'm not sorry!
 My trip to Cadiz was AMAZING! I absolutely loved the beach, and it was a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery. The area was beautiful, and there was a calmness to it. The most significant memory of the beach was when we were walking to a restaurant Sunday night, we passed by people doing Tai Chi facing the sunset near the beach. It must have felt incredible, and my mind was at ease when preparing for the days of school ahead.
School began last week and ink chalking up my entire calendar with homework assignments, due dates for grad schools, and deadlines for the Fulbright. Less time is spent meandering throughout the streets of downtown Sevilla and squandering my limited funds on cute dresses! And with everything that I am doing, I couldn't help but feel as if something was missing from this experience. There was an emptiness that I felt, and I wasn't sure what to make of it until it hit me. . . volunteering!
Having been able to volunteer in India was the highlight of my experience there, and I hope to fill that void soon. As part of my Spanish Culture Up Close course, I will be teaching English to kids in a school around Sevilla! There were opportunities to aid organizations in working to better the lives of marginalized people, but my heart broke a little when I couldn't participate due to my lower proficiency in Spanish. Of course, I will enthusiastically enjoy working with kids and aiding the teachers in the classroom! I also signed up for a paid position to babysit kids and work on their English in their homes. As I help children with their English, I will be practicing my Spanish with another student at Universidad Pablo de Olavide as part of the Intercambios Program, an opportunity to pair up with a Spanish buddy. MORE TALKING!! The amount of excitement that I felt when I found out about these opportunities was equivalent to a MINION with a BANANA (Despicable Me reference)! I look forward to starting!
Honestly, I am determined to make this study abroad experience meaningful on my own terms! I do enjoy relaxing, going to the beach, going out at night, and spending time with other international students. . . but I need more. And the fact of the matter is that there IS more. Buenas noches desde España!!
This week has been one adventure after another. Speaking as a geographically and directionally challenged individual, I probably held the record for the number of times getting lost in Sevilla. The transportation system (THOSE RED TUSSAM BUSES) have tested my ability to navigate throughout the city, and I think I finally have it down-packed after a few days of complete chaos!
The first few days were a bit rough, I must admit. From adjusting to the time zone to not being able to have a full conversation with my host family, and to constantly being late for the bus, I felt defeated. It was one thing after another. However, I never caved and skyped with my loved ones at home. I promised myself that I would take this week to adjust and not give into my homesickness! I do not necessarily miss being home, but I miss being able to have a meaningful conversation with people. It's difficult to do so with my host family because of the language barrier, and I crave conversation! I want to learn more about their lives, values, and my host mom's decision to house international students. I want to be able to tell her how I am adjusting and my struggles with those darn Tussam buses. Luckily, I have other students from the U.S., Germany, Brazil, and other regions of the world to share my experience with. For now, that will do, but I plan on continuing with my Spanish language studies so I can communicate more meaningfully.
Aside from these rough patches, I have been exploring the city of Sevilla after my intensive Spanish courses. I toured downtown Sevilla at least three times, and I even became an unofficial tour guide for my friends in my program when I passed by buildings that German told me about. I visited Las Setas, the new mushroom building built in the Plaza de Emanación in April 2011. The building is absolutely beautiful in its design and the roof has an undulating staircase that allows you to see all of Sevilla! I passed by La Torre del Oro (the Gold Tower), visited Plaza de España twice, went into a small niche of the Cathedral, and explored my own neighborhood on Avenida de la Paz (The Street of Peace). The architecture is absolutely gorgeous with the immense detail, hints of color, and the unique structure. I am in awe with every building that I pass, and I cannot help but become trigger happy with my camera. More pictures will come this weekend as I take my travel to the province of Cádiz where I will relax on the beach and take in the beauty of the area.
 The words that comes to mind to describe my encounters before my departure to London and then Spain would be "struggle bus". Well, the more accurate words would be "struggle plane"!
Struggle 1: Packing. This, by far, was the most grueling task for someone who likes to pack for every "what if" situation possible! It took every fiber of my being (and a 50 lb weight limit) not to pack my entire room and a collection of hygiene products. While unpacking my items and looking at my closet, I was so appalled. I have never had so little articles of clothing to last me a whole semester (see photographs section)! Time to get creative, I suppose.
Struggle 2: My flight was delayed due to "minor performance difficulties". These minor difficulties would have affected the amount of weight that the plane would be able to take off with and land with. So, we were told that all the cargo would have to be transferred onto another plane and there was a possibility that the airline would as for volunteers to take a later flight. Like, what?!? After some time, the airline announced that the problem was solved completely and our cargo would be coming with us on the plane! Approximately two hours after my initial departure time, we were finally boarding! Although this was inconvenient, it doesn't surpass the evacuation during my first travel experience. . . I'm thinking that's a good thing!
Struggle 3: Jet lag. It's only been the second day that I've been in Spain, but I feel like being in bed all day! I feel a little light headed, and I am adjusting to the new time schedule. Spain is about 6 hours ahead of the U.S., lunch is usually served between 2 and 4, dinner is served between 8 and 10, and the day starts early! I could spend my day in bed, but I refuse to squander the day sleeping.
And so, my day is going to be spent looking up transportation for tomorrow for Orientation and my first day of class for my Spanish Intensive Course! I am also meeting up with someone that my friend, Allie, introduced me to before I left the U.S. German will be giving me a tour of Sevilla, and I am SUPER PUMPED! My host family is wonderful, and I absolutely love the apartment, my room, and the colorful flares of the decorations. My host mom is fantastic, and we communicate pretty well. She doesn't speak much English and my Spanish is remedial! However, we can understand each other for the most part. Once I begin my classes, I know I will improve my speaking and comprehension abilities, but for now. . . I am in dire need of a dictionary! ¡Buenas Tardes en Sevilla!
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