Coming into this trip I knew that the Sevillian lifestyle would be very different than the American lifestyle. However, no matter how much you think you know about a town, you're still shocked at what is going on around you. Hence the term "culture shock." Being a fairly good Spanish speaker I thought I would have no trouble with the language difference. Apparently I was wrong, because in southern Spain they talk a lot faster, drop some important letters (gracias is just gracia, and d's sometimes disappear too), and expect you to follow along because hardly anyone speaks English as well. My host family only talks in Spanish and that's okay with me because they try to help me out, and I can already understand most of what is said to me. Forming my own sentences is a little intimidating no matter where I go because as soon as I open my mouth the word American is stamped on my forehead.
There are so many things that are extremely different than the United States, but at the same time a lot of things are similar. People stay out until 1 AM during the week and then 5 or 6 AM on the weekends. You'll get turned away at a discoteca if you're not dressed up enough. Kids are out playing in the streets past midnight. Naps are socially acceptable if not encouraged. IDs are not checked at bars. The list goes on! I'm not sure if I'll ever be 100% used to it all but it's definitely an experience to remember.
Here are some more iPhone pics! The first is the beautiful cathedral in Sevilla at night, then there's what we did in class yesterday (basically took shots of oil. Ick), my walk home every day (Calle Betis), and my homestay!
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