Photosyphotosyphotos.

Here is my first attempt at adding photos. They're all terribly out of order, but I can't seem to figure out what to do about it. I'll try to figure out a better method, but I tried to caption most of them. Those that aren't are probably just included to give you more pictures of this BEAUTIFUL country.

So, update. Read as much or as little as you'd like...

The exact time frame of the last few days is a bit of a blur, especially with the combination of jet lag and adjusting to the Spanish schedule. But, here is the jist:

People: The trip was standard, but I met some of my (now) good friends on my flight (a few are in the pics below). There are about 120 of us total from the US in Sevilla, and I've met or seen MOST everyone at this point, and we've all settled down with a few close friends. Everyone is fairly outgoing and independent- what you would expect from kids willing to leave home for Europe for 4 months. Soon after arriving, I met my roommate for the semester, Christine, who is the sweetest and super chill. She's travelled all over the world and once did Semester at Sea. If you've never heard of it, Google it. Coolest study abroad ever. Anyway, we're both studying at University of Menendez Pelayo and are excited to get the placement test we have in the morning over with. Bleh.

Madrid: Madrid was a wonderful introduction to Spain. We tried jamon serrano, cafe con leche, bocadillos, cafe con leche, anchovies, cafe con leche, croissants, more tapas than you can imagine, and finally, cafe con leche. We went on a few tours, most notably of El Prado, which holds some of the world's most famous Spanish art. 

Toledo: Stunning. One of the oldest cities in Spain and most interesting considering it offers a unique combination of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim culture. Check out the picture of the church in one of the pics below; I captioned it with more explanation. The pictures do Toledo more justice than words can, so I'll leave it at that.

Today: We bussed to SEVILLA! We met our host families only hours ago and are now finally unpacked. Mama Esperanza, Rocio (her daughter, 29), and JuanMa (her son, 14), are all precious. They seem more than excited to have two girls, although Ryan Seager (a friend of mine who is a Wheaton senior, soccer goalie and Captain), who studied in Sevilla last Spring and lived with them, left some very large shoes to fill. They gave us an entire room, bathroom, and two stuffed animals. They also have one very elusive cat, Pinguino, and the cutest, most spastic dog, Teo. Our apartment is only a 20 minute walk from the university and not too far from the El Centro de Sevilla (the center of the city). Oh, forgot to mention that the view from our room is of an orange garden. :)  

That's all I can think of for now. Mama Esperanza is currently cooking us our first meal, dinner's at 10pm, and rumor has it she's making Spanish tortillas...

Much love.

Madrid

Processional in Madrid

Kaitlyn and I in Toledo

Cathedral courtyard in Toledo

Catedral de San Juan de Los Reyes.

One of our beautiful ISA staffers, Sara.

This was built as a synagogue for the Jews of Toledo by the Muslims, and is now used as a church. Go figure.

Toledo

These chains are from the freed Christians after Spain recaptured Toledo from the Moors around 1492. They're older than the US, or the discovery of our continent, for that matter.

Toledo

Toledo

Toledo

Kaitlyn, the fiery redhead.

Toledo

My beautiful roommate, Christine. Behind us, Toledo.

Madrid

001 license indicates Ambassador. Apparently they all drive Audis.

Madrid

He's not standing on anything. Can you figure out how he's floating?

Madrid

Anna and Jenny outside the Mercado de San Miguel. It's all glass and iron, and has some of the best tapas in the city.

Bienvenidos a Playa Mayor.

Madrid

We bumped into a processional. A few ambassadors were being transported from the City Hall (I think) to the Palace to present themselves to the King of Spain. They still use carriages. Quite the spectacle.