SO MUCH WALKING

Well, it has been an interesting and busy week! And, if you can't tell from the title, I HAVE DONE SO MUCH WALKING. I wish my legs would just fall off so I don't have to feel them anymore. I also wish that my Sevici card would arrive so that I have access to the bike rental system, but it hasn't yet.

On Wednesday we had a walking tour of Sevilla with some guías sevillanos (Sevillan guides). It was a lot of fun to interact with some native and have them show us around their city. Our small group was lead by Raquel and Fernando. We're going to have tapas (appetizers to share) with them on Tuesday night. Should be fun!


Our group with tour guides in front of the metro station across from the school

When I'm not walking as a result of some school planned event, I've been shopping for rebajas (discounts) and just exploring the city. I already got a great backpack and a jacket. :) The other day, a few other girls and I met up for merienda (afternoon snack) at a nearby cafe. I had a yummy pastry and chocolate (hot chocolate). Chocolate in Spain is basically a melted chocolate bar, so it's super creamy and thick and WONDERFUL. :) Yesterday, we also completed a photo scavenger hunt and my team won! Our prize is a night at the movies with drinks and snacks paid for by the school. We're going to see Les Mis... again ;)



Merienda!

Rebajas!

Today was our first "chill" day in Spain since we arrived. We attended a Spanish church. Super interesting. SUPER long. First, we sang and read some short pieces of scripture for an hour before the Lord's Supper and the message, which took another hour. Everything was in Spanish, but I actually understood a lot of it. I'm definitely improving my Spanish already. The congregation seemed really excited to have a bunch of American students, too. Next week, I might try a church that has more university-age students.

 

Everything is going really well with my host family. María Luisa and Miguel are so sweet and make us feel very welcome. They are super helpful when it comes to practicing my Spanish. I've already improved so much that I was able to carry on an entire conversation about communism in Cuba with María Luisa in Spanish! I felt pretty accomplished when I realized that I could discuss world events in Spanish.

 

Overall, everything is going great! More to come. :)

I'm here!

Well, I finally made it to Spain!

After about 23 hours of flying/train rides/waiting, my roommate, Brooke, and I made it to our hosts apartment in the Triana neighborhood of Sevilla. The apartment is very small compared to the US, but it is comfortable and our hosts, Maria Luisa and Miguel, are very kind and welcoming. Maria Luisa has already started greeting us with "mi hija" (my daughter) and "mi vida" (my life). So great!

I'm already learning so much. After walking around the city a bit and talking to my hosts I have already increased my knowledge of Spanish and improved my speaking skills. It's great.

Today we had orientation in the morning at a nearby hotel and we will have a walking tour of the city later tonight. Tomorrow we have more orientation at the school, final registration for classes, and a pizza party and then classes start on Friday.

It's a lot to take in all at once, but I'm loving every minute of it! Currently, it is siesta time, which means time to eat lunch, nap, and relax before the city wakes up again at about 5:30/6 pm. It is a wonderful break from the day. We should really adopt siesta in the US.

If anyone wants to call me on my Spanish cell phone, you can do so by calling the number below(country/calling code is included). I would suggest using Skype credit or Google Voice so it will be cheaper for you. Don't worry about me - all incoming calls are free! But don't forget, Sevilla is 7 hours ahead of MN. Please don't call in the middle of the night unless its an emergencia (emergency). :)

Hasta luego! (Until later!)

Phone number: 011 34 655 034 559

Adios, Minnesota!

This is it! My flight leaves tomorrow at 11:59am to Chicago, where I will meet the group and continue on to Spain! It'll be a long haul, but I'm just excited to finally get this journey underway.

I'll update everyone when I get there. Can't wait!

One week!

Yes, that is luggage packed inside of luggage. ;) I'm packing lightly, but bringing two suitcases so I can bring back all the new clothes and presents I find. It is prime rebajas season, which means nearly EVERYTHING is on sale. I'll be coming back with a whole new wardrobe!

It's only one week away now! I can't wait to get to Spain! I have all my info about homestay arrangements and room mates and I'm very excited to just get there! I can't lie - I'm not exactly looking forward to the nine hour flight, but I've been on longer.

Here's some info you might want if you want to contact me while I'm in Spain.

Mailing address:
Alannah Pratt
Semester in Spain
Paseo de Cristina 3
Entreplanta A-B
41001 Seville
Spain

skype: alannah.pratt

I'll also be getting a cell phone to use for the semester once I arrive. I'll post the number here when I get it so you can call me. A phone call from you will cost me nothing (yay!) but will cost you, so I suggest using skype or something if you need to call my cell phone. Also, don't forget that Spain is 7 hours ahead of MN. :)

More later.

Leaving soon!

Bienvenidos (welcome) to my blog, Aventuras de Alannah.

It's coming up fast! T-20 days until I leave for a semester in Sevilla, Spain! I'll be living with a host family in Sevilla for 4 months while I take classes on Spanish language and culture through the Semester in Spain program.

While I'm there, I'll be using this blog to keep everyone updated on my aventuras (adventures) in Spain and Europe. So, bookmark this site and visit often if you're wondering what exactly that crazy Alannah girl is up to now. :)