How is is our last day in sevilla already?

Today was our last day at school. I tried to make the most of it and have fun in all of our classes, but it was still a pretty sad day. At lunch break we walked around and said goodbye to a lot of the older friends we had made. Then when school ended, we said goodbye to our individual classes. This part was really sad since we may never see our Sevillan friends again. At home it was a special day too. We ate all of my favorite Sevillan foods for dinner. Then I said goodbye to Alvaro's grandmother and father. This was pretty sad too since I might not get to see my family again. I think as a "family" we've become pretty close over the last month... Anyway, off to Madrid.

I'm leavin' on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again...

Actually it's a high speed train but the song still fits. I have been invite to come visit my family and I think it goes without saying that I will gladly take them up on that offer. Last night I went to Plaza Espana with my host mom and host brother, then we all went out for dinner at Sloppy Joes which doesn't actually serve sloppy joes the sandwhiches it is a pizza place. It is so weird to see the word sandwhiches with an 'h' I have been in Spain so long. Well, it's bittersweet as I'm sure everyone else has said. Happy to see Madrid, happy to go home, but very sad to leave. OH! And I got the cutest paper with my name surrounded by hearts and funny frases from some the local students... Awwww. See you all soon. Hasta luego Espana... voy a verte pronto.

bittersweet

:(

El Último Día en Sevilla

Today was our last day in Sevilla. It has gone by so fast. It was sad to say goodbye to our new friends in Spain, but I am so excited for them to come to Colorado. Since Ana's birthday is shortly after I leave, we decided we should celebrate her birthday a little while I'm here.... a reason to have cake. Our Merienda (snack) when we got home was this really good cake that was sort of chocolate, but made of some sort of stacked soft cookie things. I had brought a couple little birthday presents for Ana from Colorado. Tonight we are having Pizza for dinner, Yay. We are also going to eat earlier, because I am going to go to bed earlier, in order to get up earlier, etc. I think that's pretty much it. Tomorrow we meet Ms. Stamas at the train station at 9:15 a.m. to take the ave to Madrid. I'm very exciting for Madrid. May I also point out that half of my socks and underwear have gone missing.... and I don't think I'll be returning with them, they've been taken by the laundry gnomes. Oh well haha. See you all soon.

One more day...

Tomorrow is our last full day in Sevilla..... its actually mind blowing. I'm sure everyone is feeling the same way, but I just cannot believe that 4 weeks have gone by so quickly. This trip has been indescribably amazing, I have seen so much and made so many new friends, and I can't believe it's almost over. The fact that we were given the opportunity to become completely immersed in a new culture, school and family was a little scary at first, but wound up being one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. Sevilla itself is a great city, and I have absolutely loved seeing and learning about the different culture. It has really opened my eyes to just how much there is to see in other cultures, and I hope I can come back to Spain soon. My host family also has been amazing. They have been so kind to me, and completely opened their home and lives to me, making me feel comfortable and accepted into their family from day 1. I am very sad to be leaving Sevilla, but its been a wonderful experience and I am very excited to see Madrid.

On Sunday my family took me to a beach thats an hour outside of Seville to do some sightseeing. The weather was perfect and it was so relaxing to sit in the sun near the ocean. I had to inform Julie that unfortunately there are no beaches in Colorado, and also unfortunately, if you drive for 1 hour you are still in a very similar part of the state. Ah well, its all the more reason to return to Spain! I'm looking forward to a great rest of the week in Madrid! - Leah

Plaza Espana

Today after school Cris took me to see Plaza Espana because we didn't have a chance to see it on our last day of sight seeing. Words can't describe how beautiful the architecture is. The plaza has such a wonderful calming feel to it, although still visibly rich with spanish culture and history. Every single day Sevilla surprises me with its beauty and it's unparalleled youthful atmosphere. I am already looking into my busy calendar to try and find a time to come back to this amazing place... and see all my friends again. I have never been in a place with such sincerely sweet strangers. There is a common thread of generosity and kindness throughout every native, it's awesome. I am missing parts of home though... so like Ian said, it will be a bittersweet departure.

-Annie

La Mano Arriba, Cintura Sola, Da Media Vuelta, Danza Kuduro

Soooo... I have been kicking off this last week with Sevillian food, night-life and dancing. Friday night Briannah, Ana and I met up with Annie and Cristina downtown and I got to meet a bunch of new, very funny, people and eat Spanish version of Mexican food. Then we had a sleepover consisting of chocolate bunnies and skyping with Buck as if we all haven't gotten sick of each other. Then I got home, showered, and headed off to celebrate fathers day at this amazing restaurante that I can walk to. The chocolate cake looks like some gross flan thing but it was the best desert I have ever had... no kidding. Then Sophie and I got ready to go to a discoteca which literally means a Disco but it's actually a club. It was so much fun! Everyone was dancing with super load music. After lots of sweat, tired feet, and ruined hair-dos (I don't know how to spell that word even if it is a word) Sophie and I drove over to a party at Annie and Cristina's house with the other exchange students... I cannot get Danza Kuduro out of my head I have heard it so many times... La mano arriba, cinutra sola, da media vuelta, DANZA KUDURO!!!