Let's Explore: Finally Exploring!

My first full day in Spain:

I felt pretty lost when walking around last night when we went out for tapas and I really wanted to understand my neighborhood more. So, I decided to get up this morning and go on a little run. The sun doesn't rise until 8:30, so it was dark through the entirety of my run, but the streets are so well lit that I felt very safe. My run consisted of running down a street, then back to my apartment, down a different street, then back to my apartment. I really just wanted to understand how to get to my home stay from any direction.

Welp, I thought this would help, but when walking to orientation the first thing I do is turn the wrong way...it didn't take me too long to realize that I had no clue where I was, so I turned around and found my way back to a well known street.

Orientation today was very informative and helpful (it was all in Spanish, so hopefully I understood everything correctly!) They stressed the massive amounts of pit pocketing that happen here, so when walking around I am a little paranoid about someone trying to steal from me, but better safe than sorry!

After orientation I went home from lunch (which is around 3:00, a lot later than in America!) Virginia made me some lentejas, they were lentils I think but I'm not quite sure. I TRIED IT and did not like it...I'm seeing an unfortunate pattern here. So I ate some salad, bread, cheese and fruit, which was all delicious!

After lunch I took a wander down and met some friends at la Plaza de Espana where we explored a more historic neighborhood in Sevilla by the river. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL! This is where I feel in love with the city of Sevilla. I honestly want to go there every day. There are little apartments of all different colors, small cobblestone streets, orange trees everywhere, bakeries, ancient architecture, fountains, a river, and more. It's too perfect. I also found a Starbucks over there!

After finding our way back I went home for a very quick siesta and then headed out for a tour of the area and tapas again. I wasn't feeling as adventurous tonight, but I did try a few things: croquetas filled with chicken (tasted ok), fried chicken (good), eggplant with cheese (good). I wasn't in the mood to try any seafood again tonight, but maybe another time!

Sending Smiles from Sevilla,

Rebecca

I'll be uploading the bulk of my photos on Facebook but here's a sampling from the day!

Lentejes from Virginia.. didn't really like this one!