Here's my blog entry for class and a day in my life in Sevilla:
Question: How have your expectations of Spain differed from what you have found now that you have lived in Sevilla for a couple of weeks?
Answer:My pre-research expectations for Spain were very romantic. Before arriving and before I became more informed about the country I had a very idealized view of Spain. Incredibly attractive men who would try to hit on me all the time, the delicious delicacies that parented the delectable dishes of food that we like to call Tex Mex, and ancient cities with winding streets and authentic Spanish experiences around every corner.
What I found was the bustling city of Madrid with delicious Italian food, middle age construction workers hollering "Que Guapa!", dogs taking care of business on the side walk, and an overall American feel of needing to be somewhere RIGHT NOW! After experiencing more cities like Toledo, Cordoba, and Granada, Sevilla seems to be the perfect balance between the hustle and bustle of Madrid, and the beautiful but crowded pueblos. Even before I learned more about Spain I knew that expectations of preconceived ideas are never going to be realized, but I was pleasantly surprised in the differences.
I never in a million years could have imagined the beauty and absolute perfection of the country side, I also would have never thought that I would dislike so much of the food. What I expected and what I got were two completely different things, but in a good way. Every day I find myself loving the shock of finding some new and unexpected cultural difference. For example, one day I went in search of Mexican food and found what seemed to be an ideal spot. I ordered some Nacho's and got chips with guacamole instead. I also never thought it would be so hard not to smile at complete strangers, but after a week of very confused stares I got used to it. I also learned that being assertive is the best way to get Agua Grifo and La Cuenta. Overall I think I'm getting more accustomed to the heat, the stares when I wear tennis shoes, and looking at medieval buildings everyday on my way to school.
Answer:My pre-research expectations for Spain were very romantic. Before arriving and before I became more informed about the country I had a very idealized view of Spain. Incredibly attractive men who would try to hit on me all the time, the delicious delicacies that parented the delectable dishes of food that we like to call Tex Mex, and ancient cities with winding streets and authentic Spanish experiences around every corner.
What I found was the bustling city of Madrid with delicious Italian food, middle age construction workers hollering "Que Guapa!", dogs taking care of business on the side walk, and an overall American feel of needing to be somewhere RIGHT NOW! After experiencing more cities like Toledo, Cordoba, and Granada, Sevilla seems to be the perfect balance between the hustle and bustle of Madrid, and the beautiful but crowded pueblos. Even before I learned more about Spain I knew that expectations of preconceived ideas are never going to be realized, but I was pleasantly surprised in the differences.
I never in a million years could have imagined the beauty and absolute perfection of the country side, I also would have never thought that I would dislike so much of the food. What I expected and what I got were two completely different things, but in a good way. Every day I find myself loving the shock of finding some new and unexpected cultural difference. For example, one day I went in search of Mexican food and found what seemed to be an ideal spot. I ordered some Nacho's and got chips with guacamole instead. I also never thought it would be so hard not to smile at complete strangers, but after a week of very confused stares I got used to it. I also learned that being assertive is the best way to get Agua Grifo and La Cuenta. Overall I think I'm getting more accustomed to the heat, the stares when I wear tennis shoes, and looking at medieval buildings everyday on my way to school.
A Day in the Life of Kera the Sevillana
Breakfast of Champions: Choky Choc, Toast, and Coffee
Kitchen
Living Room Dining room
Particularly hungry this morning.... normally I only have 1
Entrance to the apartment complex
Early morning view of the complex
Doggy doing his business on the only green the poor thing could find.
Super cool bike lane. We need these in Austin.
Can't really tell, but I caught a sneaky picture of a businessman on his moped.
Encouraging graffiti for starting off my day.
Shopping plaza area before I leave Trianna
Statue of a Flamenco dancer on Triana Bridge
Iconic tobacco shop that indicates it's time to turn right.
Road to Plaza Nueva
Building in the process of being reconstructed
Creepy cool insides
Plaza Nueva. Where the Spanish Civil War began.
Getting close to the school
Iglasia de San Isodoro (namesake of the street the school's on)
I MADE IT!!! (a mile and a half later)
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