Me mudi a mi casa hoy

Today I finally moved out of my hostel and into my residencia. I lovee it!! It was quite the production to get all of my luggage over there on foot, but it all worked out. My senora's name is Filla (pronounced Fee-yah) and she is so sweet. She doesn't speak a word of English, so I'm really getting to practice my Spanish.
The residencia is so perfect! There's a room downstairs with a bedroom for 2 guys, a dining room, a bathroom, and a full kitchen. Upstairs, there is a common area with comfy lounge chairs and a TV. 2 girls live up here in one room, and I have a room to myself right next to them. There's even a terrace up on the roof where we can hang out and chat and look out to the street. The house is quite homey and I think I'm really going to like it here.
I wasn't expecting this, but so far I really like Spanish food. Today our senora made sooo much pasta and sandwiches that we couldn't finish it all. For dinner we had gazpacho (yummm) and tortilla espanola. My senora is so good about having good vegetarian options for me so it makes it really easy for me.
So far, I really like all of the people I've met here. We had a little reception with drinks and appetizers. There are probably only 20 or so people total in the program, which is kinda nice. That way, we can really get to know each other. The people I live with are all really fun and I'm so excited to get to know them.
So as for the computer drama, I paid 50+ dollars to get a charger overnighted to my house. Then, turns out, that I didn't blow out my charger, I blew out the converter, which will barely cost anything to replace. Just my luckkkk. Yet another lesson I learn in Sevilla.

I'm off to bed. We have orientation tomorrow brighttt and early so I gotta get some sleep.

Muchos Besos!

El dia primero en Sevilla

After a 2 hour drive to SFO, 3 1/2 hour flight to Dallas, 5 hour layover in Dallas, 9 hour flight to Madrid, 30 minute cab ride to the train station, and a 2 1/2 train ride to Sevilla, I am finally here!

Laura, (a friend from Berkeley) met me at the train station, and I am soooo thankful that she is here to show me around. My program doesn't start until Friday, so I am staying in a hostel on my own for two days. Yesterday Laura took me on a tour around Sevilla to see the Cathedral and to get yummy mini sandwiches, tinto de verano, and ice cream. She has introduced me to the beauty of Principe (bombbb cookie with chocolate filling) and boxed vino (only 50 cents...amazing) Once again I am soooo glad that she is here. I severely doubt I would even be able to find my hostel without her.

So even with Laura, this journey has not come without learning experiences. First of all, I have learned to ask directions. It took me 45 minutes to find the train - inside of the train station. Pretty embarassing to ask somebody where the train is when you're one floor below it. Also, I have learned that I need to set an alarm. I woke up to an empty train when we arrived in Sevilla. God knows how long I was sleeping there and how long I would have continued to sleep if I didn't somehow wake myself up.
Also, I have learned to read directions. When I was using my computer charger, I didn't realize that you had to change the converter to different settings depending on what kind of appliance I was using. Yep, definitely used the 1600 watt setting on a 50 watt appliance. Needless to say, my charger is no longer functioning. I'm hoping if I give it a little rest it will come back to life... ?(and Mom, don't worry, I have found chargers on ebay for 14 dollars with free international shipping).

Despite all the tribulations, I am absolutely loving Sevilla. There will definitely be more stories to come, so stay posted.

Hasta luego!



UPDATE: Charger works. Aye aye aye!!

Estoy esperando en Dallas para volar a Madrid

So here I am in Dallas. On my 5 hour layover. If my calculations are correct, I still have 4 hours left of said layover, and I've already run out of things to do. I got my "last supper" of mexican food and a corona, but it left a lot to be desired. (Cheese enchilada soaked in jack nacho cheese and a 7 dollar bottle of beer? Yeah....) For some reason I thought eating and changing my money to Euros would keep me occupied for the layover, but to my dismay, changing money takes about 10 minutes. I feel like there should be an optional obstacle course you must pass in order to change money for those of us that really have nothing else to do.
So here I am blogging about my boredom, which cannot translate into anything for you but boredom as a result of reading this blog.

In other news, I just read my itinerary for the next 4 weeks, and I am really really excited. We have several excursions planned as a group, but I won't tell you what they are cuz I don't want to spoil the surprise.

Hasta luego...

Voy a España mañana

I am leaving for Spain tomorrow. More updates to come when exciting things actually start happening to me.