Marcar un Gol

  This past week has been interesting to say the least. Friday I moved into the apartment that I will be living in for the next seven weeks, but before settling down I had to get there. Unlike most people who took taxi's, me and mi amiga Claire decided to brave the streets and walk to our casas. Both of our homes were supposed to only be about a mile away from the hotel, but it felt as if it was further. Pulling my luggage on these cobblestone roads was tough, and I must admit I have no arm muscle so I got tired pretty quick. Eventually though we both found the streets our homes are on, but the journey wasn't over yet.

  I knew my senora's apartment was on the third floor so I looked for an elevator, but couldn't find one. I did see a ton of steps though so I figured the only way must be to drag my suitcase up the flight of stairs. Once I reached the door to the apartment my senora was waiting for me, and the first thing she says is why did you not use the elevator. Can you imagine the look on my face when she pointed to it? I would have never guessed it was an elevator though. There is a door in front of it, and I just assumed it was a door to somebody's apartment. Oh well, at least I got my work out in.

  My new home for the summer is small but cozy, and it is just me and my senora. She is older, but she is very sweet and patient with me. And when I started trying to have a conversation with my senora, whose name is Amparo, I realized how little Spanish I actually know. However, she does the best she can to communicate with me and will even act her sentence out if I still don't understand.

 The day after moving in, CC-CS took everyone on a trip to the La Rabida Monastery and the beach. The monastery is where Christopher Columbus went to plan and organize his voyage across the seas. It was pretty interesting, and afterwards we went to a museum nearby that had replicas of his boats. Once we were done touring, the group headed to the beach where the water was freezing!

  This morning I went to church at the Cathedral with my senora. The service was nothing like the church I go to back in Georgia, and that is not counting the fact that it was in Spanish. It was still very interesting to visit and experience how another culture worships. Afterward, we walked back and I took a small siesta before heading back out into town. Unfortunately everything except for a few restaurants and tourist shops were closed today.

  While I was out I noticed a lot of people wearing Spanish football (soccer) jerseys. I guess everyone is excited for the big game tonight. It is actually here in Seville and the Spanish team will be playing China. This is the last game before Euro 2012 begins which is a huge soccer tournament in Europe. So here is to hoping Spain wins tonight. Marcar un Gol.

Monasterio de la Rabida

Christopher Columbus's boats (replicas of course)

Ready to set sail