Blogs from Seville, Andalusia, Spain, Europe - page 73

Here is a little more insight on my home life and what I am up to. Ana, my Señora, is a very sweet, older woman (63 yrs old). I asked early on to take her picture but she told me I had to wait until she colored her hair. She does not like photographs so I had to do a lot of coaxing to snap this photo. I enjoy talking to her and asking her questions, “Cómo se dice….” I think she enjoys the company since she lives alone. She spends most of her day visiting her sisters (all four live in Seville) and running errands. I included some pictures of the typical meals she prepares. She is a decent cook. I am still getting used to the fact that Spaniards use olive oil for everything ... read more

On Tuesday I had my first day of community service. I added a class to my schedule where I spend 2.5 or more hours a week serving the community. I work at Misión Urbana Evangelica. The site helps the community by giving out food and clothing. I work in “el ropero” by distributing clothes. A person stands at the door and asks for whatever item they need. I hopefully understand them and go search for something that will please them. Usually the person asks for clothes for their different family members so I have to guess on a size when someone says “grande.” I’m almost like a personal shopper! The donated clothes are far from what I would recommend though. When the doors open to the public everyone gathers in the main room to hear a ... read more

Hola. Que passa? Time for another update. We last left you in Malaga. Since then we’ve left the ass of Spain well behind us. First stop was Seville. Famous for Flamenco dancers, its massive cathedral…and its barbers. We saw the first 2 but despite Iain desperately needing a haircut, could not find the Barber of Seville. We started with the Cathedral - the third biggest Cathedral in the world, and the largest gothic one. The story has it that the people of Seville decided to build a Cathedral so big, that others would say they were mad. Hence we have coined the phrase - to be as mad as a Sevillian. The Cathedral was fantastic and I’ve never heard such an exuberant tolling of bells to signify quarter to the hour. One of our best travel ... read more

Sunday, I visited La Inglesia de Prosperidad. I loved it. The Spanish congregation was so welcoming. I immediately felt at home worshipping with them. Generally, unless you know a Spaniard you don’t smile or make eye contact on the street. Yet, when walking down the street to the church some people smiled at me and I was confused. After seeing the friendly strangers go into the church I realized that Christian Spaniards are welcoming to strangers. What a concept. It was a great experience to break bread with believers in a foreign language. I loved getting to experience how they worship the same true God. It was very refreshing. I’m excited to go back next week! ... read more

Seville is said to be one of the sexiest cities in the world. My friends and I laughed at that comment while aboard El Ave, Spain's bullet train. The journey was fast, can't believe it goes that quick! We stayed at an awesome hostel that I would definitely reccomend to anyone who's travelling in Seville. It was called the Hostal Nueva Suiza. Its right in the middle of the city. So I'm sure you thinking what's so different about Seville. Seville is in Andalusia, the most southern mainland region of Spain, also the last stronghold of the Moors, or the Muslims. The architecture is completely different there. Madrid ,minus the old city, is more of a modern place. Seville has a plethora of cobblestone streets, moorish plazas, beautiful mosks and churches, etc. Also the Alcazar was ... read more