If I had to describe my first week in Sevilla in one word, it would be: ADJUSTMENT.
Having studied abroad before, I thought I had a complete handle on the whole "adjustment period" thing! HA (or ja as they say in España ) Not quite!
I stick out. Every one around me can tell I'm American, even before I speak. The funny part is, I can pick out the other Americans as well, even before they speak. You wouldn't think it would be so easy, but it is. Interesting, right? For some reason, this whole phenomena fascinates me. What is it about Americans that makes us so easy to spot??? Hmmm. Something to ponder.
First step to adjusting: Blend in! Easy enough, I've already taken advantage of the rebajas (sales) here in España! Genuinely, every store has black Friday sales for like two months! I'm working hard on that European ensemble. Now to work on that Sevillan accent!
Lunch time. Here in Spain, lunch is different in three major ways. A. The Spanish people eat lunch later; around 2:30. B. Lunch is the heaviest and biggest meal; complete with 2 or 3 courses. & C. We walk home for lunch.
Third step to adjusting: Bonapetite! Prepare myself to eat A LOT in the middle of the day! I'm still working it.
And after lunch?? Ahhhhhhh, siesta. What's that you ask? Only the best invention ever! NAP TIME for grown ups. And the best part? It's socially acceptable, even encouraged! You don't have to tell me twice...
fourth step to adjusting: SLEEP! I'm having no problem adjusting to this.
Walking. Now, don't get me wrong, I live in Chicago. So I'm used to walking everywhere without access to a car. But I'm not used to 30 minute walks. Right now I am taking a two week intensive course at the ISA office in the center of town. To walk from my apartment to the office is a solid 30 minutes.
Fifth step to adjusting: Learn how to walk in cute shoes! I'm getting used to the walk and I even enjoy it, but its definitely a new experience.
Oh, and I can't forget the late night Spanish culture. I enjoyed my first couple of nights out in Sevilla this weekend. It's safe to say I have to change my granny ways to keep up with these Spaniards! The wee hours of the morning are apparently still early for them!
Sixth step to adjusting: Take more siestas! But seriously, more sleep. I think I can manage adjusting to sleeping in! ;)
My life has done a complete 180 in this past week, but each cultural difference is part of the beautiful adventure! I'm excited to live through and soak up each moment of my time here. Hopefully, by the end of my 5 months I'll have completed my mission and become a true Spaniard, at least in a some ways. Until then it's going to be a wild ride and I'm loving every minute of it!
Having studied abroad before, I thought I had a complete handle on the whole "adjustment period" thing! HA (or ja as they say in España ) Not quite!
I stick out. Every one around me can tell I'm American, even before I speak. The funny part is, I can pick out the other Americans as well, even before they speak. You wouldn't think it would be so easy, but it is. Interesting, right? For some reason, this whole phenomena fascinates me. What is it about Americans that makes us so easy to spot??? Hmmm. Something to ponder.
First step to adjusting: Blend in! Easy enough, I've already taken advantage of the rebajas (sales) here in España! Genuinely, every store has black Friday sales for like two months! I'm working hard on that European ensemble. Now to work on that Sevillan accent!
¡Hace frio!!! Yes, there may be palm trees here, but that does not necessarily mean it's warm. The weather is not bad, but in Sevilla the houses don't have central heating. Translation: It's cold! For some reason (that I have yet to figure out) its colder inside the houses than outside.
Second step to adjusting: Bundle up! I wear slippers around the house (thanks to my host mom; she gave me some) Not to mention, I sleep in sweats, a sweatshirt, and under five blankets!Lunch time. Here in Spain, lunch is different in three major ways. A. The Spanish people eat lunch later; around 2:30. B. Lunch is the heaviest and biggest meal; complete with 2 or 3 courses. & C. We walk home for lunch.
Third step to adjusting: Bonapetite! Prepare myself to eat A LOT in the middle of the day! I'm still working it.
And after lunch?? Ahhhhhhh, siesta. What's that you ask? Only the best invention ever! NAP TIME for grown ups. And the best part? It's socially acceptable, even encouraged! You don't have to tell me twice...
fourth step to adjusting: SLEEP! I'm having no problem adjusting to this.
Walking. Now, don't get me wrong, I live in Chicago. So I'm used to walking everywhere without access to a car. But I'm not used to 30 minute walks. Right now I am taking a two week intensive course at the ISA office in the center of town. To walk from my apartment to the office is a solid 30 minutes.
Fifth step to adjusting: Learn how to walk in cute shoes! I'm getting used to the walk and I even enjoy it, but its definitely a new experience.
Oh, and I can't forget the late night Spanish culture. I enjoyed my first couple of nights out in Sevilla this weekend. It's safe to say I have to change my granny ways to keep up with these Spaniards! The wee hours of the morning are apparently still early for them!
Sixth step to adjusting: Take more siestas! But seriously, more sleep. I think I can manage adjusting to sleeping in! ;)
My life has done a complete 180 in this past week, but each cultural difference is part of the beautiful adventure! I'm excited to live through and soak up each moment of my time here. Hopefully, by the end of my 5 months I'll have completed my mission and become a true Spaniard, at least in a some ways. Until then it's going to be a wild ride and I'm loving every minute of it!
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