Semana Primera

So I really meant to post as soon as I got here and then the first weekend and so on... Anyway let's blame that on culture shock and jet lag.

Traveling here went well and I had no problems meeting up with others in the Madrid airport as we went to the train station to head to Sevilla. The first week here has gone fast. Thrown right into the mix of speaking Spanish I barely had time to catch my breathe but it has come back to me better than expected as it has been a while since I had a Spanish class.

We didn't stop except to put our bags down when we got to Sevilla before we went out exploring. Walking through the first park we ran into we stumbled into Plaza de España and it is still as stunning to look as the first day we saw it. I have been running in Parque de Maria Luisa and enjoy every time I get to pass it.

Start of the culture shock was definitely when Yuri, my roommate, and I went to move in with our host mom. Instinctively I went to shake her hand, and in Spanish of course she said, "No, here we kiss." Can't say I have introduced myself this was but its another to check off the list. She has been exceptionally welcoming making sure that we are comfortable and that we have everything we need and then some. She cooks so much food! As the meals are more spaced out than I am used to I eat way too much but it has been good every time. Breakfast is small, lunch is very large and served at 2:30 and dinner is a medium meal served not until almost 10 most nights. Strangely I feel like I have gotten used to this quicker than expected.

There has been so much to explore and see as with any new place. I know I won't be able to see everything before I leave but I will give it my best shot. Today we went to the cathedral that is the largest in the world. It was awe inspiring the magnitude of the craftsmanship that went into this church. Along with this I have been taking pictures of so many buildings and parks around Sevilla.

Chemistry has taken off fast for sure but so far is seeming manageable especially because I have other people that are in the same boat and studying along side me. First test is 5 days in so that is a shock for sure... we'll see how it goes. Overall the first week has been a fantastic experience and I am probably most excited about working on my Spanish speaking abilities right now.