La Vida De Una Sevillana

Sorry it's been so long since I've written anything. Life has been pretty average here lately. Except that last night I went to a book release in a convent in the old Arab quarter. Mayda, Tres' friend called me and invited me to go with her. I went for a quick run with my roommate, rinsed off in the shower and set off in search of La Giralda cafe. I knew it was near La Giralda, which is the name of the large tower on the cathedral here, but beyond that I was clueless. Fortunately I found the place; I wasn't even late! Mayda met me there and we set off into the barrio Santa Cruz. It's a part of Sevilla where the streets are maybe four feet wide, thus it's only accesible by foot, bike or moto. The houses are beautiful and it's full of quaint bars and restaurants, and, well, a convent. The nuns in the convent are cloistered, is that the right word? Where they can't leave? I think it is. Oh, that's right we have several convents and monestaries in Sevilla and many of them still house monks and nuns. Mayda is taking a class on theology and a friend had given her invitations to this release. Usually the convent is closed to the public, but the book was about the life of Sta. Teresa and this convent was possibly where she lived? Needless to say it was in Spanish and I've discovered that Spanish in churches is really difficult to understand. I believe she lived in the convent for some time or at least these nuns are followers of hers. We left about halfway through because they were going to have a slideshow and the screen was tiny. Mayda took me out for tapas which were delicous. Curried chicken crepes, and little tostadas with cheese and ham and others with foie gras and fried onions. Que deliciosas! It was a really fun night and she even told me that my Spanish was good. She may have been lying, but I'll take it anyway. Much to my delight, she also informed me that I was not getting fat. The Spanish are very open about weight; a complete contrast to the American viewpoint. In their eyes, if you're gaining weight, you just change something and lose it. Alternatively, if you're too thin, they will feed you and feed you. They openly tell you what they think. I suppose this is good, for you never have to guess what's going on in their heads.

Julia is coming on Friday! I can't wait. I'm already drawing up an itinerary. I can't wait to show her around the city. We will first spend the weekend in Granada, a beautiful little city east of here. It should be a good trip. We'll get to see an espectaculo de flamenco in some caves on Saturday night. I promise to take lots of pictures, it's a great little town. I'm excited to show off Sevilla. The weather has been nasty today, we had to hang our laundry inside and let it dry all over again because it got drenched in the courtyard. It's been nice to have a cool grey day though.

Well, I need to go study for art history. Yesterday the profe told us that we were all going to fail; that he couldn't study for us and what more could he do than explain things and write them on the board? That we were there voluntarily and no one was making us do anything. That Spain may not have money, like we do in the US, but that it had culture and art. He said he was like Christ with his hands tied and there wasn't anything more he could do for us. It was a bit infuriating. In any case, I need to review the material.

Miss you all tons and tons! Oh, UB, I emailed your friend in Paris. I'll let you know if I hear back from him.

Love you lots and lots!
XOXO