Jan 8th 2008
Yesterday I visited the amazing hillside city of Ronda. A 2 hour bus ride away, Ronda is a small village that has buildings dating 4000 years BEFORE Christ. That’s some old stone! We walked all around the city on the cobblestone and crossed the bridge into old town. To look down on the first bridge of Ronda we were looking in a gorge that was lined with boulders and trees. It was breathtaking. The bridge is where the citizens of Ronda used to collect taxes before people could enter the city. After wards we walked through the town, to the arab baths and the old beautiful parks. We also saw the bull ring, and walked town into the area where they fight. I didn’t like that nearly as much because I always feel so badly for the bulls. Our tour guide kept claiming over and over that the bulls were only existed to fight. That was their sole purpose. I try not to think about it. Other then that it was beautiful. I had tapas at a bar with Lily from S. Carolina, Liz from Massachusetts/Maine and Gabby from Minnesota. I had Frocaccia bread with tuna and roasted red peppers and another with jamon iberico and solmorejo. When I returned home last night after dinner my senora and I were talking about the house and I asked about the other areas and she told me she wanted to show me something. So all of a sudden we are walking toward these beautiful stairs with tiles that are ancient on them. She told me that each square was worth 20 euros. There had to have been over 100 tiles. The stairs spiraled upward to a little metal door that opened up to the roof of the castle. I walked out in utter awe of the view. The cathedral of Seville was spread out before my eyes, illuminated in the night. Its stones glowed gold and cast shadows off of all the ornamentations.
Today in class we began learning about the Franco era and the time leading up to it. The Guerra civil of espana or the civil war of spain that lasted from 1936-1939 was a time of great chaos and trouble. It is interesting to learn Spain’s history because I have never been taught that before. I have to write a 6 page paper in Spanish on a theme from the class, I haven’t decided what yet. Tonite im going to the museum then shopping because the biggest sales of the year are this month in Spain. Adio para ahora

Blog three
We went on another viaje today to Gibraltar. I didn’t know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised. The view from the top of the rock was amazing as was being within a foot of the monkeys. We also visited a cave that was the incredible. The stalagmites were formed from dripping and running water and it was unlike anything I had ever seen. It was beautiful. Another interesting thing about Gibraltar is that it is British territory so the citizens mostly have British accents but many of them speak Spanish as well. the combination of the two is quite interesting. After eating at a café with Jessica, who enjoyed her first ever fish and chips we went shopping along the cobblestone streets of the small town. At a local discount shop where I found the most amazing jacket and dress, we met a woman who had a very different accent then anything I’ve ever heard. She spoke English, and told us that she had grown up in Jamaica, moved to Miami and then to Gibraltar with her husband. Both their parents were originally from India. This combination of background gave her a unique way of speaking. I also wondered to myself if she had been part of an arranged marriage… but didn’t ask, obviously. I finally found a straightener which makes me feel a little better about myself, but doesn’t do much good because of the humidity here. Since sevilla is situatied between two rivers, the humidity level is very high. Later tonite I am meeting with the girls to go to club Buddah for some dancing. Hasta luego!

Today we visited real alcazar. It was amazing. The old palace where the kings of Spain lived is located right next to my house, by the cathedral. The influence of the Muslim Arabs that once ruled Spain are apparent with the geometric tiles and ancient writings. We saw room after room with high ceilings some were colored wood that were carved in to beautiful designs in hexagon shapes. The main room of the palace was where the public would go to see the king. This room was so ornate that every detail was magnificent. The main color was gold to show how much power the king had. The more decorated it was, the more power it showed. The square shape of the room represents the earth and the dome ceiling represents the universe to the Arabs. The catholic kings were all painted around the top of the room. Another thing that was amazing was the baths. The reflection of the arched gothic like style on the still pool was breathtaking. I thought that it couldn’t get any more beautiful… then it did. The gardens of real alcazar are like a fairy tale. I felt like I had traveled back in time to the 16th century and I was a Spanish princess flitting about the trees, the shaped shrubs, countless fountains, and pools with ducks and koi swimming in them. There are orange a lemon trees through out the massive gardens as well as giant trees that go on for miles. In the back of one section of the garden was the maze. Since I’m short, it was as if I was a child running around in there because I couldn’t see over the top of the shrub like most of my classmates. We played tag and got sort of lost, but I felt like Alice in Alice in wonderland. I never wanted to leave. I wanted to sit in the sun on one of the patios next to a fountain and read a book. The most surprising thing of all about these gardens is that they are located smack dab in the middle of the city of Sevilla. Blocked completely out by the huge castle walls its like entering a secret garden, one where no one bad can enter. I realized as I left that it is free for me to enter this wonderland because of my ISIC card, and I plan to return to study and just live in the gardens.

I live in a castle. Literally. It is this old house that is older then the whole of the United States. It is beautiful, but cold. Not only is it cold but my senora likes to keep the windows open for ventilation. I don’t get it. But nevertheless that’s how it is. I feel like I’ve gone back in time, with out access to the internet readily available, I have to walk to the CC-CS building to use it. Plus a the moment I am without a cell phone or “movil” so its hard to make plans with people. Straight out my door is El patio de Banderas. A small area filled with orange trees. I learned today that orange trees were brought to Sevilla by the Arabs and in the spring they blossom and the whole city is perfumed by their scent. I can’t wait for that. Also right outside my door is the most famous part of Sevilla, El Catedral. It is bigger then any church I’ve ever seen, with gothic architecture that is simply amazing. Combined with palm trees, it truly is a beautiful sight, especially at night while it is illuminated. The tan stone glows with an amber shade casting shadows onto the cobblestone sidewalk.
Right now my senora is practicing the piano and again, I feel as if I’m back in time… as the classical music floats eerily through the open castle walls. Even the key to the door is ancient. It weighs about a lb all by itself and looks like it belongs in a museum. The first time I saw it I thought she was joking. She taught me how to open the door, showing me that you have to give it a good hip check to open it. I can just see me now, at 6 am after a night at el club, not being able to get into my house and having to ring the bell. Hmm, maybe I should practice more.
I started class today and to my surprise there were only 2 of us signed up. When the other girl didn’t show up, I was left alone to fend for myself and talk for 2 hours with the professor. It went better then I expected, and we covered many topics from politics in the states compared to Spain, to a restaurant vegetarian that he suggested Sara and I try out. The class I’m taking is on the Franco Era, and the history of El Guerra Civil de Espana. It is still a very touchy subject with many so it will be interesting to learn more on the different aspects.
I live about five min away from the center so it is nice and convenient, however I wish I had a roommate to plan stuff with and walk around with. I think im getting one in February though. I’m trying my best to speak only in Spanish. And its easier then I thought it would be. But at times is difficult to understand the native people like my senora because she slurs her words and others talk very fast. Also there are lots of words that I had never heard before. I learned a new one from Catelan today, churgo… it means bad. My professor used it to describe Zapatera the president here. Like me, he doesn’t much like his president.
Tonight I’m going out with my friends for some ice cream, wine and dancing. Hopefully I wont wake be out too late tonight, I’m kind of tired. Hasta pronto.
leah