Oh, the Places You’ll Go!: NO∞DO

So I know I've been entirely lame with keeping up with this. But I honestly am just so busy! It's hard to find the time and desire to write about my time here. There is just so much going on and I have no idea what is important to tell you guys. I think after I get most of the big stuff out of the way, I'll just start writing shorter blogs, more frequently.

Since I've last blogged, I've fallen even more in love with this city. It was really strange, there was never an adjustment period for me. I mean, of course I had to adjust to speaking Spanish and cultural differences and such, but I never was in like culture shock or felt completely out of place. It has felt very normal, and right. Like I'm supposed to be here. I have always wanted to live in another part of the world but I never thought I'd actually do it until now. Now, I can totally see myself spending a significant amount of time living abroad (sorry Mom). And I know this honeymoon phase may wear off soon and I may start to really miss being able to entirely communicate with normal people or eat before its dark, but I never think I'll hate it enough to ever want to leave early. I guess we shall see!

There are, however, a few things that I do dislike about this city.

1. Dogs poop everywhere. There isn't a whole lot of grass or areas for your pets to relieve themselves, so they just do it wherever they want. On the street, the sidewalk, or right in front of you! Some owners are respectful and pick it up. But a lot of them don't. So, its a bit gross. That's why they're like constantly cleaning the streets.

2. Spanish men. Well not all Spanish men. In fact, most of them are really nice and very handsome. But there are a lot who will yell things at you to get your attention. I've started to think of them as compliments and it's helped. The other day though, me and Courtney were walking back to our casa and some guys were yelling "Big Mac," "Chicken Fried," "Home with me?" aka the only English words they knew. Me and Courtney tried our best to keep a straight face and not laugh because it is so hard to take them seriously. YES, now that you have described me as fast food, I would LOVE to come home with you. (Mom, that is sarcasm if you could not tell)

3. No heat. Before I came to Spain, I imagined a constantly warm, wonderful place. It is not like that. At all. It's pretty nice during the day, but in the early morning and at night it is FREEZING. It's really not all that different from home. The difference is that there is NO HEAT. It is possibly the worst thing ever. At night I literally wear two pairs of socks, leggings, sweatpants, two shirts, a sweatshirt, and sometime a scarf all underneath my four blankets. It's a little ridiculous. I'm just looking at in a positive way though - I am going to be SO THANKFUL when it is warm. Oh my goodness yes.

So I stole this from Courtney because it's awesome. But here is my room! Note the heater that we can keep on for small amounts of time that is basically the best thing ever.

Other than that, there really isn't much to complain about. I mean, that was me thinking really hard about things I kinda sorta don't really like. On a more positive note, here are the things I LOVE.

1. Spanish. I LOVE SPANISH! I love being able to communicate in another language. It is so awesome. I love learning everyday and I swear I've learned more in these past twoish weeks than in all my years of Spanish classes. I am meeting so many great people and am able to appreciate an entirely different culture.

2. Mama Rosa. This is what we have started calling our host mother. I love it! She has started calling us her ninas or hijas (daughters). We've already become so close, despite the language barrier and only having been here for like two weeks! I can't even imagine what it is going to be like over the next four months, or when we (eeeek) leave.

This isn't entirely a great picture of any of us, but this is Mama Rosa in our cafeteria, Don Diego! Stole this from Courtney. Hopefully more pictures to come!

3. My school. IT IS BASICALLY A SPANISH HOGWARTS! I will dedicate an entire blog post to my school and classes, but just know that I am beyond excited to be going to school. It's freakin amazing.

So there's some things I absolutely adore about Sevilla. And believe me, that is only a few things off of a longggg list.

One more thing I absolutely LOVE. There is this thing here in Sevilla only, a motto of sorts.

NO∞DO

It's on everything - the flag, the street, in stores. It means "No me ha dejado." Which in English means "It has not left me" or in other words "Sevilla will not leave me." Shortened to NO DO with an infinity sign in the middle. Isn't that about the cutest thing you've ever heard? I thought so.