Day 21

I'm laying low tonight after a long day and a late dinner of Lima beans/scrambled eggs/ham (Spanish version of green eggs and ham, anyone?) and even though I've already put up several blog posts lately I just think I'm in the mood to write. That's sort of the beauty of my time here; if I want to do something, I can. So I'll write what's on my mind... and that is stress (ironically).

Stress- its practically unavoidable. I think if a person says they live a stress-free life they're lying just a little bit. But a lot of the things I usually stress about (i.e. school, time management, career-planning) aren't really stress-worthy here. And still, I find ways to stress. Like if I don't know how I'm going to get a good work out in for the day, or if I haven't scheduled a flight/found a travel buddy for a trip I really want to take. I find myself consistently wondering if there is something else I should be doing rather than what I'm currently in the middle of here. I'm grateful that I have been given the time to recognize this about myself so that I can work on it. 

Although I know I shouldn't be, I'm stressing about missing yoga. I'm actually having withdrawals from it. But since I've been here I haven't trusted myself enough to believe I can have a fulfilling self-practice, and since I haven't found a class that fits me yet, my mat has just been rolled up in the corner of my room. Well today I found out that a woman who worked at my studio in Charlotte recently lost her battle against cancer. I read that she practiced at home with a space heater on her bathroom floor when she could no longer make it to the studio. I didn't know her personally by any means but this touched me. If I want to do yoga, I can. Cold floors and small spaces shouldn't stop me. I am all at once deeply saddened and encouraged by this story, and I know I came across it for a reason. I need to quit thinking about where I'm going next, or where I should be, and just be where I am, doing the thing that I'm doing (or not doing, and being okay with that). 

It's my 21st day in Sevilla, España. 21 days. It's flown by and it's felt like a year. I've got more than 21 weeks left to "make Spain mine" as Grandaddy worded it, and I want to soak in every minute and do just that. There is a prose poem my mom used to have framed and I remember learning the words when I was really young. I read it again today and realized it breaks down nicely into 21 sentences-- seems fitting. I'm working now on really listening to the words as opposed to just memorizing them. 

The Desiderata 

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. 

As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. 

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. 

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. 

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. 

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. 

Especially, do not feign affection. 

Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. 

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. 

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. 

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. 

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

El Real Alcázar

I'll keep it short because the pictures will speak for themselves. We took a field trip here, a little (and as it turns out, not so little AT ALL) place tucked back behind el centro. I never knew it existed, and I've walked past its gates tons of times already. El Real Alcázar was the central location for the king and his family, all government and judicial functions, and the military in the 8th century. Gardens and patios separate each building, and so much of it is still preserved today. This place was beautiful. I was freezing so I didn't experience it to its fullest potential for sure, but I can't wait to go back in the spring when I can pack a picnic and read somewhere. 

so much vegetation

pavos reales (peacocks)

detailed ceramic on every wall

insane ceilings

I can't get over all the detail

The main plaza

So. Much. Detail.

.......

Ceiling of tiny specs of gold and mirror so flame reflected off, making it look like the sky

The king's bath.

A little calm before a busy day ahead

...well I don't actually have a busy day ahead, at least in comparison to a busy day in Chapel Hill. But my 9:15 language class with Angeles- its one of those where you literrrralllllly look at your watch thinking class must be over and its only been 4 minutes- was cancelled this morning. I still have 10:45 culture class with Fernando, but at least I have this little bit of morning to myself. I love sitting at the kitchen table to blog versus on my bed. My room is really the only place to "hang out" in when I'm home- the living room and kitchen are sort of Cristina's domain- so whenever I'm at the house, whether I'm sleeping/reading/lounging/trying to navigate around the international blocks to Netflix/Hulu etc. in order to watch my shows/doing homework/really, you name it...I'm in bed. We have a desk but it's taken up by the space heater, and I don't dare move that. Anyway, Cristina sleeps in in the mornings so if I sit at the table in the kitchen, I can sit peacefully, eat my breakfast, and drink my hot tea. 

Today I did a makeshift version of yogurt/banana/granola that I like to have at home: yogurt [it is NOT the same here], pear slices, and this cereal...which I hate

But I had to get a good breakfast in since I went to the gym this morning and did Insanity, and maybe it was because it was 7 am and no one was really awake yet, but I didn't get kicked out. I sat in the sauna and stretched for a while after and showered there- also nice not to have to worry about taking too long of a shower if I'm not using Cristina's water. And now I have time to sit and blog before class! Today's going to be a good day. 

Speaking of the gym, other things I've noticed that just strike me as funny since I work at the gym and am there all the time at home, and here customs are just so different: 

• there are more guys than girls in group fitness classes, and I've never seen a girl instructor
• girls don't wear shorts ever, but guys do (short ones, too) and capris (?)
• the gym is a social setting...people stand on treadmills and chat rather than utilizing the function that they are meant for (exercising)
• people don't sweat that much, and since I do I get a lot of funny looks
• in the locker room, women get cute before working out (i.e., checking their make up in the mirror, doing hair)
• even though there will be a class listed on the Horario de Clases (group fitness class schedule), it is really up in the air as to whether or not that class is actually going to take place. Twice I've tried to go to one and there was no such class to take. Still don't get it
• the classes that do happen play all American music, and the instructors don't know any of the words (I remember one barbells class I took where an instructor played "Welcome to the Jungle" and would just sing "la la la la la la" over top of the music)

Enough of that. Last night I went on a walk with Cristina and MC around the neighborhood. MC asked if we could meet any of her neighbor friends, kind of as a joke, but then she decided to take us to see Marisol, one of her best friends (we think, she talks about her a lot anyway) who happens to be a host mom for another guy on our program. We went up to her apartment building, and Cristina proceeded to buzz every apartment on the 3rd floor since she didn't know her exact apartment number. After the 4th or 5th buzz Marisol answered and we awkwardly asked to say hey. She went to her 3rd floor window and we talked from the street...it was so interesting to me that even though they were great friends, it would not be appropriate for us to come into her house to visit. The house is pretty much entirely reserved for family; hanging out with friends would only occur in public. We asked to say hey to Matt, and the two decided to come meet us in the street. 

Snapped a shot of our late-night hang out: Cristina and MC, Matt and Marisol

One thing I'm learning quickly is that there is always a story worth telling whenever I do something even as minuscule as taking a walk around the block with MC. I love that about her! She's spontaneous and outgoing to anyone we meet, and I think that is such a great quality to have. So thankful for her! 

Random blog post, I know, but as I'm thinking of how thankful I am for such an awesome roommate, I'm just thinking back on some highlights of the weekend other than Córdoba.

1. Peanut butter: MC's friend gave her a Jif To Go pack that she brought with her from the US as an early birthday present. She shared with me (and I don't know if I would've done the same haha) and I made a half peanut butter and jelly sandwich for breakfast. HEAVEN. PB&J/B/H....I miss you.

2. Adventure runs, and a city that provides surprises around every corner. On Sunday we ran through el centro and took a turn that led us to Las Setas, large mushroom-like architecture that goes all the way across the street below. You can even climb on top of it...on my list of to-do's for sure. It's gigantic- couldn't capture it all at once.  Also took a different route home only had stopped for directions ONCE. We're making strides.

3. Mexican food. They share language (sort of), but they don't share the same cuisine. These chips and guac were perfection. See you soon, Tex Mex. 

4. An all-in-all hilarious house mom, Cristina. Wish I had the videos to prove it, but she came in to our room dancing the other day asking us to play "Hips Don't Lie" by Shakira. When we did she got SO into it. If I ever figure out how to get the video off my phone, I'll be sure to share. And she would love knowing I did...I think when she sees herself on camera its like she's been bumped up to celebrity status. 

So that was my weekend in a nutshell. Today I have class, a hat and perhaps some more warm clothing to shop for, lunch, a siesta, class at 6, perhaps some coffee and tapas, dinner, and who knows what's up after that. Ah the struggles of a semester abroad... LIFE IS GOOD.

Viaje a Córdoba

Yesterday (Saturday Jan 26) everyone on my program left at 8:30 on a bus to Córdoba to visit the mezquita/catedral that we've all learned about from our history and art textbooks throughout my high school and college life...its one of the more well known in Spain. I've seen tons of pictures; I've studied its architectural designs in AP Art History and the history of how it came to be in Span330. I've learned about the history of Córdoba, that it used to be the cultural center of Spain and really of all of Europe many centuries ago- a center for tolerance with an appreciation for knowledge and learning in the midst of strife elsewhere in the ancient world. Recognize the photo?

Well it looks similar to everything I've seen in textbooks, but this photo-- I took. It was a cool experience seeing for my own eyes something I've been tested on in the past. A little background info- Spain is a place that has been conquered and reconquered over and over throughout history. This place is a prime example of how different cultures have utilized and transformed the same building to fit its purposes; it's interesting because it's one of the only examples of original architecture dating back to the 8th century in tact alongside architecture all the way through the Renaissance period. More often than not, old structures got destroyed to build new, but somehow the city of Córdoba- although not as populous and buzzing as it was in ancient times as I image- remains today. 

Original 8th century Muslim architecture 

9th century architecture, replica of the Moors' style but in a basilica, Christian-style edition to the mosque

Original 8th century mosaic

Renaissance edition 16th century

Baroque influences 17th century

But what was even more interesting to me than the mezquita (mosque) was the city of Córdoba itself. When you arrive, you cross Roman bridge into the city where you are immediately surrounded by narrow, winding streets, small cafes with salmorejo as the first thing on every menu (Dad: this is the birthplace of salmorejo), flowers everywhere, and picture perfect views around every corner you turn.

en la calle de las flores...one of the most captured views of the city

at the Alcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos

view from the top of the tower of the alcazar

Even though it was absolutely freezing for most of the day, I have to be thankful that it wasn't raining. We've had rain the past couple days and it is actually miserable to walk around. We spent Friday afternoon watching Mary Kate and Ashley movies in bed because we didn't want to deal with the misty coldness that you just can't get away from once you set foot outside. Maybe it was the rain that got to me, or maybe I'm just making that my excuse, but the past week has gotten the better of me. I had a midterm (joke), but I don't think that was it either. I think the initial shock of everything new is beginning to wear off, so there's less to distract me. 

Mom sent me a letter and a bunch of pictures of me and family to show Cristina, and I think it let me get a little homesick. Certain comforts of home just aren't here, but I haven't quite found a niche to plug in to here that I can attach to and call "home" for here. It's just that transition period. Naturally I've been reverting to my old ways of trying to pack my schedule full of things, wake up early, be productive, get ahead, etc. etc. because that's what I know and am used to. When I slept until 12pm today I couldn't believe it. I just don't do that. So this weirdness of trying to find a schedule that doesn't quite fit the lifestyle here mixing with my resisting change has resulted in some homesickness and some unease. But I'm totally recognizing it, trying to accept it, and trying to make conscious decisions to move on. One goal I have is to not plan the next day. I always plan when I'm going to the gym the night before, what time I'm going to do homework, when I'll have time to go on errands I need to go on. No, not here. Tonight I'm going to go to sleep with the only thing planned for tomorrow is the time I need to wake up in the morning to make it to class on time (9:15ish, emphasis on the ish).

                                 

P.S: speaking of not planning things, I booked my spring break (#1) trip with Caroline and Kelsey today! Florence, London, Scotland, Ireland babyyy. It's set in stone in my agenda and I can't wait! This will be my good note to start the week on.

Our adventurous night of nothing

Before I recount my night, here's a recap of the day: 

So I did join a gym really close to my house, but its somewhat expensive and I'm just testing it out for the month to see if its worth the money. I've been trying to go to classes/use different things there to make it worth it. The other day I went to a yoga "breathing for the elderly" class. I was the only person under 60 in there I'm pretty sure. And it was like nothing I've ever done before...as in I've tried meditation and whatnot but this wasn't even that. It was like a stretch class for someone in their first day of physical therapy. Turn your head to the right. Turn your head to the left. Look down. Look up. Lay flat on your back for 5 minutes. Repeat. So I tried something different yesterday during the day. I went into an empty group fitness room to try to do insanity but was immediately kicked out. Strike 2 for the gym. But then I decided to take a cycle class on a whim...Kelsey you'd be so proud. I had no idea what the instructor was shouting but the music was loud and everyone was so happy. People actually hollered at the top of their lungs when we would turn up a gear or go from position 1 to position 2. It was hilarious. The bikes didn't have a computer part to them so I had no idea what my heart rate was or BPM or anything like that, but every time my neighbor turned the knob to go up a gear, I did it too. After the class I went down the locker room and remembered that there was a sauna...I hopped in and for the first time since I've been here, I think, I was warm. It was the best. I was the only one in there so I just stretched and lounged for like 30 minutes. When I got back home I took a 2 1/2 hour nap. So that was my day! 

I've resorted to yoga en la sala de mi casa for the time being

MC and I told Cristina that we were going out to dinner with a bunch of people from school...really we just didn't want to eat at home so late. On our way downtown we stopped in a supermarket to take pictures of the items we want her to buy, just to make it super easy for her (Special K Red Berries, strawberry Greek yogurt, leche desnatada (skim, not whole milk), and peanut butter.) 

Also took pictures of what not to buy; i.e. ham-flavored chips

We got down to el centro around 7:30 with the intention to go shopping, but when we walked by Alfonso XIII (gorgeous hotel) we wanted to stop in to get a drink and just sit in their nice bar area. 

It's a beautiful hotel, so it was a great idea, right? Wrong. We were hungry but we weren't about to pay three times as much for tapas than for a meal so MC got a coke and we ate some nuts as we sat and talked. From there it was our real goal to make it to the shopping district of downtown, but we passed by frozen yogurt, which we had to sample, and then by our favorite ice cream place which also served churros y chocolate. Cristina talks about these nonstop, so we walked in and MC made the impulse purchase- churros y chocolate for dinner. 

The hot chocolate is essentially just chocolate sauce...no complaints here.

By the time we got to where the stores were, most were closed. Sooo...we meandered around for like an hour and a half and I got some night shots of Sevilla.

So we didn't actually end up having dinner anywhere, and I'm still no closer to understanding any menu here, but even when there's nothing to do and nothing special has happened, I end up having some kind of story to tell. And I love that.