Hola everyone! (WARNING: this is long but contains everything you need to know to date)

I arrived in Sevilla last Tuesday to find my host mother, Mama Maria, waiting for me with a massive lunch set on the table. Little did I know it was only the beginning of many more massive, delicious lunches. My living conditions are wonderful. I live with a host mother and two other students from the same program. Mama Maria is a lovely woman with so much energy and eagerness to learn. She actually reminds me a lot of my Nanima -- she is constantly chatting away on the phone and cooking something super yummy. Also, she used to paint so the walls are filled with gorgeous, brightly-colored artwork. All in all, I feel very comfortable in her home and am excited to get to know her better through hand gestures and random Spanish words.

Speaking of Spanish, there is a very big language barrier here (surprise!). No one speaks English in Sevilla and if they do it is very little. My professor said that the school systems in this city call themselves "bilingual" but the only class that is taught in English is science. They purely memorize the information in English but never apply the language to every day life. This doesn't seem like the ideal way to learn a new language, hence, no one speaks English. I am simply forced into learning the language.

The students in my program connected very quickly. I'd like to think it's because we are all so different. We have students whose ages range from 18 to 27 and ethnicities extend from Puerto Rican to Dominican to Haitian. We all grew up in different states like Iowa, California and Indiana and one student is even fluent in Hawaiian! I am really enjoying the people and know it can only get better from here.

My class schedule got a bit mixed up due to my lack of Spanish knowledge coming into the program. I think this worked out for the best though because I now have a great schedule that leaves ample time for siesta everyday. I am taking a Political Geography class, which I desperately need because I can barely point out the United States on a map (kidding, of course) and an International Business class. In addition, I am in Spanish class for three hours everyday. All the professors come from different backgrounds (including an alumni of UNC Chapel Hill!) and keep the classes interesting and interactive.

As far as Sevilla goes, I am in love. The best way to describe it is modest and quaint. Of course, there are touristy spots but I am surprisingly not overwhelmed by this at all. It is beautiful in a very unique and calming way and I can't wait to explore it more! So far we have seen flamenco and belly dancing, drunk Arabian mint tea, eaten too much tapas, danced at a discoteca (club) till 4 a.m. and booked a trip to Lagos, Portugal! Oh yes, I am going to Lagos this weekend!

I could go into the cultural differences but to be honest I am tired of typing. Maybe later.

Love to you all & missing you lots xo