I am Hannah Simmons so we all know that this blog will be all kinds of all over the place. I am by no means a good writer or talented in making things sound interesting so y'all may get a bit bored and if so I advise to just stop reading. Writing a blog is not something that I am really that fond of for myself, mostly because I don't expect people to have the slightest interest in reading about me. I am doing it more for myself. I am a horrible journaler and don't see the point in journalling because its for no one other than me. (I know a little screwy) This way at least in my mind I will think that there are people who want my blog posts (even if absolutely no one is reading the freakin blog) Therefore I am doing something that I thought I would never do: Writing about my life for the public (a little bit scary isn't it!)
On to the experience.It has now been a little over a week since I have been here and I am not gonna go back to the beginning I will highlight. I have a very wonderful host family. Christina and Juan are my host parents. Juanito/a (the name seems to be interchangeable, but he is male) and Paloma (which means dove in espanol!) are Juan and Cristina's hijos (son and daughter). Juanito/a is 16 years old and Paloma is 13 years old. I also have a roommate whose name is Teale and a house mate whose name is Bear. We have already had some good times. I feel pretty lucky with the people that I have around me on an ongoing basis. The family is especially welcoming and loving. I feel accepted already.
Main observations since the beginning: Completely different priorities!! What do I mean? Well the family I am living with is very wealthy. However, you would never guess it. (A Spanish person would be able to notice but someone from America who only knows American standards would never guess it) Although the house is amazing and beautiful it lacks many of the luxuries that American wealthy families may have in their houses. No big screen TVs, no huge mansion, one car to get around in, but nothing fancy, no ice machine in the refrigerator etc. etc. Instead they spend their money on entertaining and traveling and spending time with the loved ones. (Sounds like they have their priorities straight right?!)
Next observation: SO RELAXED IT MAKES ME ANXIOUS! Classes are from Monday to Thursday. The earliest class I have is 10:30. Everyday I have a break for lunch to walk back to my house and eat with my family. And then there is siesta, which at first was very nice because it was something that I definitely took advantage of. However, once I was over jet lag I got restless, so siesta is now the time that I take my run. I know a little backward. But it takes a certain kind of person to be so relaxed all the time. It definitely does not fit my personality so we shall see what happens the coming months. I will either get used to it or go crazy. I am hoping for the latter.
They Party every night it seems! Now lets face it I am not a huge partier. I guess you can say I am uptight when it comes to partying and having a good time. But I say that I just like staying in control of myself. (or maybe just scared of what will happen if I lose control.) I don't necessarily see it as a bad thing. While I have been here in the first week or so I have had a drink or two much more frequently than I would be drinking at school. At school, however, there is this pressure to drink to get drunk and party hard and here there is much less pressure. In fact it would be looked down upon if someone got "hammered" as my roomie puts it so elegantly. So although they know how to have a good time it is a good time that I am not afraid of and am actually taking part in. It is teaching me how to go more with the flow (I think, I mean again its only been a little over a week).
So many old buildings that are beautiful! That says it all. The architecture the colors and the surroundings makes this city absolutely gorgeous. Although I have yet to know much about the city I pass by these buildings and know that they were significant in some way and just wish I knew why. This makes me extremely eager to learn all about Spain and especially Sevilla!! So I will share as I learn what the significance of these buildings are. I know that University of Sevilla used to be a a place where they made tobacco. There is a huge mote around the university and it was dug so that the workers would not run away with tobacco. There is one fact!! ha ha. See I am learning something over in these parts.
FOOD! Okay so I love food and I love eating so everyone should know that food is gonna be the a main point in this here blog. I have yet to have something that I do not like. The highlights are the following: Churros con Chocolate, Cafe con leche, Tortilla de Espana, Paella, rice with lentil soup, fried pork. There are so many different stews and soups that I have had it is hard to keep track. My goal is to go to all pastry shops small and large and try something new. (This is why I am running, because otherwise I would end up hella
SPANISH MEN: I have been here a little over a week and cannot count how many times i have heard "chhhh chhh chhh guapo guapita chhhh chhhh chhh" I just want to turn around and punch them in the face. ha ha. the men here have no problem staring. last night in the bar we had a table right next to a group of men (much older in there fifties) and they stared at me the whole time and started commenting right there. There is no shame. They put it right out there. i want to say to them "I promise you can find a prettier girl than me to hit on" but they don't seem to think so.
CULTURE SHOCK: I was told that there was no way around culture shock that it is very real. The first few days I thought well what the heck I don't feel anything but happy.Now I know what they were talking about. Not that I am unhappy I am just adjusting to all the differences and sometimes it frustrates me. It is definitely there though and I would like to say to most people that it will happen to you in some degree. Part of the challenge is to acclimate to the new culture and live like a local. That is my goal. We shall see if I can accomplish it.
So that is it for now. There isn't anymore. It is 12 o'clock a little early to be going to bed, so I will stay up and watch some Spanish TV or something for a half an hour and then go off into dream land where my dreams have been vivid scenes of home and school and things I am familiar with. Its all very interesting. GOOD NIGHT!
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