Sunday 6/25

(Full) Day 1 in Barcelona!

I woke up thinking it was 6am, but in reality it was 10:30am! I definitely needed the sleep. I went for a quick run and luckily didn't get lost, and then went to a café after I was ready. I had an espresso, a muffin, and a sandwich. It was 1pm by the time I got good so I had a mix of breakfast and lunch!

I went to try to tour the Picasso museum because I heard it was free on Sundays, but unfortunately it wasn't free and tickets were sold out. On my way there I asked a girl for directions and she ended up walking together and we told each other about ourselves. In Spanish of course :)

We went past the gothic cathedral on the way so I went there to hopefully tour it, but right before I was about to enter after waiting in line they closed it for the day.

One of Gaudí's homes

The Gothic Cathedral

I went back to the hostel after roaming more to update this page, then met up with Marissa from SAIIE and a friend from her hostel, Claire, to eat dinner at a Venezuelan place! It was cheap and little but realllly good and filling - I had a cornbread pita filled with shredded chicken and guacamole.

We then went to The Magic Fountain to watch a light and fountain show. It was really cool and so so pretty! Right next to la Plaza de España, and when we were leaving there were musicians with electric violins and guitars. I love that in Sevilla there are people all over playing their instruments and sharing their music. I often leave a little change if I have some too because I love live music and seeing peoples passion for it! Often they are people who are in need of money.

When I got back to my hostel - the Hipstel - the WiFi wasn't working which was upsetting after being gone for a few hours and no way to update my family or communicate with Marissa about meeting tomorrow, but it made me get to sleep sooner!

Saturday 6/24

Last day with my roomies! :( 

Ashley left to be with her parents before Dee & I were leaving, so we said goodbye to her before going souvenir shopping for Dee. I was so determined to try caracoles -- SNAILS!! -- so we searched for a place to find them, and we did! I got a lot more than I thought I would and was nervous to try them, but I did it! They weren't necessarily good or bad, but in-between and just something I wanted to try!! 

Dee & I went back quick to grab our bags and say goodbye to Fina - she was such a great señora and I'm so thankful she was mine! 

We then went to the bust stop to take us to the airport, and once we got there & were going through security I forgot I can't have liquids over a certain amount. Then, so that I didn't have to throw anything away, I had to check my bag for €30. I unfortunately didn't get to say a good goodbye to her, but I loved having her has a roommate, along with Ashley, and I'm glad I will get to see her in Platteville! 

The flight to Barcelona went great otherwise, and while on the metro to get off close to my hostel I missed my stop and luckily a nice man rushed me to get off and I got on a different one to go to the other stop! I finally made it there around 11, an hour later than I had hoped but that's okay. 

Additionally, I am so so thankful for my time with such great people at SAIIE and in Sevilla. These are forever friendships that we have made together and I absolutely loved every moment in Sevilla. The time went by so so quickly and I wish we had all summer together. Saying goodbye to the city was tough, but lucky for me I have 5 days here in Barcelona, and I get to go back to Sevilla for a quick day to take my flights home. 

Friday 6/23

Last day of classes! Thankful for that, but sad this is all coming to an end.

After our midterms we went our for lunch/tapas with SAIIE staff to say goodbye to them/them to say goodbye to us! It was very nice - they're all so great!

After, we went home to take our final siesta in Sevilla. Of course!

We went out for dinner with everyone for the last time, to a super good Italian/pizza place! Super yummy - couldn't resist taking the photo ;)

We went out afterward of course to our fav places - the plaza by school for a drink & pictures, the 5€ liter mojito bar,  Ruko & Roll Bar, & Bilindo! At Ruko & Roll we enjoyed a couple tequila shots - one on the house from our fav bartender! It was a great last night out with everyone.

Thursday 6/22

We didn't do much today! We had a lot of studying and things to do, so we went to Dunkin' Donuts to do that. 

After dinner, I had to pack my bags. I only packed the one I will be leaving at SAIIE while I am in Barcelona, but it hit me more that this amazing experience will all be over soon :(

Wednesday 6/21

After class, lunch, and siesta, we went kayaking!! It was my first time kayaking - I have been canoeing many times outside of my cabin in our canoe, and have always wanted to go kayaking. It was very fun!

After we got back, and got ice cream, of course, it was time to work my paper due and presentation due for class tomorrow. I am very ready to be done with classes for the rest of summer, but definitely not ready to leave everyone! 

We had a little scare when we were close to going to bed - Ashley saw what seemed to be a cockroach!! We were all freaking out and Fina came back to check what was going on, and quickly got spray and a mop to get rid of it. While she was trying to get it, it came near me so of course I jumped on top of the toilet to stay safe!! It wasn't a cockroach but a giant bug that looks like a cockroach, and comes out in the heat. Either way it was big and icky but luckily it is now dead! 

Tuesday 6/20

After class, we came home to our last paella lunch with Fina! I will definitely miss her delicious cooking!

After a siesta, of course, we went to Las Setas de Sevilla - the largest wooden structure in the world, and it looks like mushrooms! We walked on top of the structure and all the views of Sevilla. So pretty!

After dinner, we met up with SAIIE people to get a couple drinks for one of the girls birthdays :)

Monday 6/19

The heat continues!
I have been told many times that this heat is very abnormal for June, and the heat isn't even like this in August. It is very hot, but usually there will be a long week of heat, then a week of cooler weather. Unfortunately for us, it has been very hot with no rain and no cool days the last few weeks. I am excited to spend a week in Barcelona where it is cooler!

Today we went to a mass for Corpus Christi. This was a special service because the kids were part of it - the girls sung and the boys did a dance. It was super cute, and neat to hear a mass in Spanish!

After, we window shopped looking for souvenirs!

Sunday 6/18

A very hot Sunday! 105+ today was not very pleasant, but I'll take the heat over being cold any day!

We got up and went to breakfast - well, what was around lunch hour and was actually lunch food because no one seems to serve breakfast food on the weekends...I thought the best days for breakfast were the weekends!? The sandwiches we had were still good though and of course the coffee.

We went around to many different little shops looking at souvenirs and buying a couple! It's hard to decide what to buy when there's so many little shops. Ran into this happy Buddha too!

After stopping at home for a bit and trying to nap, we went to the Plaza where it was cool and I FaceTimed Mom for a tiny bit, and Tara, Bri and Dad for a bit too! Can't wait to all be together in a couple weeks. 

But, the feels are definitely kicking in. I have absolutely loved my time here with the other SAIIE students. It is the last week of classes, which means we are all parting ways and most are going home to the states. Sad to part ways, but I'm super excited to speak a week in Barcelona with Marissa! 

Saturday 6/17

Up bright and early at 6:30am to get to the train station! No lies, people were still out at 8 in their clothes from the night before. The night life in Sevilla never ends!

Taking the train was much nicer than taking a bus somewhere like we have every other weekend traveling. It was a lot more comfortable and a much smoother ride than the bus - and my first time on a train!

When we got to Cádiz, Elena walked us around the city teaching us about the history. It is the "oldest continuously inhabited city in Spain and one of the oldest in western Europe." It is a cute small town! There are also remains of an old Roman theater!

We went to the beach afterward, where we spent the rest of the day! It was much hotter laying on the beach than the other places we have been to, but the water was great! I had had my feet in the ocean before at the beaches we went to but I actually swam in the ocean here! First time for everything :) 

When we got home, we got ready to go out with everyone. It was two of the students' birthdays from SAIIE today and tomorrow!