The camera's only job is to get out of the way of making photographs. - Ken Rockwell

Ok, so I've gotten some really great feedback from my posts so far, and I've received some requests for more photos.  The post that will follow this one is going to be all words because it is about my teaching experience thus far, so I figured I would just share some pictures for now. I hope you enjoy!

This is me in Plaza de España, which, in my opinion, is Sevilla's most impressive site. 

On October 15th we went to the Global Democracy demonstration. It was really moving to know that all over the world people were marching for the same cause on the same day. The sign in this picture says "If they rescue the banks with my money, then the bank should pay my mortgage." 

This is the pedestrian street San Jacinto.  I walk through it twice every day when I go to and from the bus station.  It's full of cute shops and cafes, and it's always bustling with people.

I love taking pictures of the graffiti around the city.  Here it seems to be almost accepted as an art form.  I find most of the good stuff under the bridges that cross the river...here are some of my favorites:

 

life's a beach.

A trip to the beach in October? Yes please.  This past Saturday, my roomies and I, along with some other girls from our program, took a trip to a beach called Matalascañas. After almost getting lost on our walk to the bus station (the very same bus station I walk to every day for school, but that shouldn’t surprise any of you) it was about an hour bus ride from Sevilla to the province of Huelva, where the beach it located.  We couldn’t have asked for better weather.  There was hardly a cloud in the sky, it was hot enough for a beach day, but not too hot so you were sweating just lying there.  When we arrived, we set up shop on the beach – we brought sheets and airline pillow that we found in our apartment and packed lunches, so we were set for the day.  One great thing about it was that not many natives still go to the beach in October, so it was not nearly as crowded as I’m sure it gets in the summer.  With Spanish people, they adjust their lifestyles according to the calendar, not the temperature.  We foreigners on the other hand decided we would take advantage of this heat while it lasts!  All in all it was a wonderful day.  We were there from 12 to 5:30 soaking up the sun, taking walks up and down the beach, cooling off in the water, and taking LOTS of pictures as usual.  Don’t worry; I only got a teeny bit sunburned.  Even though it’s still very hot here, the sun is not as strong because it is technically fall.  My two favorite things about the trip were the amount of shells on the beach and this super hot guy that we affectionately named “Ken Doll.”  But back to the shells…the part of the beach closest to the water is covered with thousands of beautifully colored whole shells.  Very different from some beaches where you‘re lucky if you find a few intact seashells.  And as far as the guy, I think the nickname explains it all.  

 Me = super excited to be at the beach! Well more like I felt the need to take a picture jumping because that's what people do at the beach I guess. And it looks like I was waaaayyy further off the ground than I really was.

My new roomies and I

a place for everything and everything in its place

Great news everyone, we found an amazing apartment! Words can hardly even express how excited I am about where we are. But since a blog is all about words, I'll give it a shot.  So I'm living with 3 other American girls in a four bedroom apartment.  It's big, clean, bright, and just great. The best thing about it, is that it came COMPLETELY ready to live in. Not only was every room totally furnished (right down do hangers, bulletin boards, little garbage bags, hampers, etc.), but the kitchen has everything you need. We will have to by toiletries and such, but other than that it's great. 

There are two full bathrooms that look brand new, only one has a bidet though haha. I don't plan on using the bidet for its intended purpose, but I discovered that it is the ideal place to shave your legs, no joke. We also have two patios, one for hanging laundry and the other is an interior balcony. I feel so at home in my new room, it's unbelievable. (Consider yourselves warned as there will be many pictures following this post)  Another great thing is all the storage this place has, hence the title of this post. No room is lacking; there really is a place for everything.  One of my favorite things so far about this place is that every time we open a cabinet door or drawer, we find something new. Examples: mini Christmas tree complete with white lights, a huge stack of someone's passport photos, a really intricate tea set, paint brushes, sewing supplies, and a CD labeled "recuerdos de Sevilla" (memories of Sevilla). We have yet to pop that in and see what's on it, but I'm sure it will be interesting. 

Ok before I go on and on and bore you all to death, one last thing - great location.  There is a river that runs through Sevilla and when I studied abroad I live on one side pretty far away from most things except the train station. Now I'm living on the other side of the river in a zone called Triana.  It's quiet, cozy, close walk to the center and the bus station I need to go to as well as many of the parks and the hoppin places in town, and we have multiple supermarkets, stores,and cafes within  a five minute walk. So if you can't tell already, I'm ecstatic. Oh, another last thing, I'm currently posting this entry via stolen internet. The connection is good, but we don't have access at all hours of the day.  But we are going to ride these coattails for as long as possible so we don't have to pay for internet!  In case anyone wants to stalk me on google earth or send me Christmas cards (hint, hint) here is my address:

C/ Luz Arriero 2

Casa 3, Bajo A

Sevilla, Spain 41010

Now come the pictures:

Our fine selection of beverages that came with the place (yes those are forties).

Our living room with patio access.

Our patio view of the interior of our building.

Other view of the living room (you can see the fully stocked and decorated book case)

Our lovely kitchen.

Yes, the washing machine is in the kitchen, and no, there is no dryer. I'm pretty sure driers don't exist in Spain. 

Went to the grocery store the first night (Saturday) and all we bought was booze and chips and salsa. Turned out to be a big mistake because all the supermarkets are closed on Sundays.  Luckily I found an "everything" store that's open every day to hold me over.  By the way, tinto de verano is my favorite drink here. It's red wine mixed with lemon flavored pop. The best thing about it, is you can buy it already mixed. Yes, there are three in there...don't judge.

Hallway with cute book shelf, stocked with really random books. 

First bathroom

<-Second bathroom ->

             

My first meal consisting of all this I bought from the store: a little ham sandwich, yogurt, and drum roll please....Cheeseburger flavored lays.  Oh and I brought the mio with me from home.

My room :)

 



The view from my window to our laundry. Those sheets are from the people above us and it smells wonderful in my room!

I  LOVE my side table.

My lucky elephant, random penny that was left here, and Barefoot Moscato, in case of emergency. 

This is a close up of my armoire, with the door folded down. Insanely organized....let's see how long it stays that way.  

The view of my room from outside on the patio.





And that's it!!