I'm not leaving Spain / No voy a salir de España

My first week back in Spain has been incredible! I have to admit at the end of last semester, I didn’t know how I felt about Sevilla exactly. Reflecting I knew I definitely enjoyed my first semester experience, but I didn’t love it either. Coming back here, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was nervous because I wasn’t sure how much Spanish I lost while I was home or if my new host mom would like me.

As soon as I stepped off that plane, I felt energized as if I was back at home. I had a little trouble navigating my way to my host mom’s house because I had the wrong address somehow but no big deal. I met Nuria, my new host mom, and she gave me a tour of my new home in the Center. Last semester, I lived in Triana, so it was quite a walk to school and to do other things around here.

Since it’s my second semester, I get to participate in the little trips and tours around the city again. Being here, I’ve noticed things I never noticed before. For example, I went to the Plaza de España often last semester, and I never noticed that there was a statue of the architect who built it at the entrance. I also find myself staring at the intricate details of the buildings, the azulejos, realizing the beauty of Sevilla that I so dearly missed. I don’t think I ever realized how much beauty and history surrounded me every day. Perhaps, because my time is more limited here, I am taking in everything with more heart.

As for Spanish, I came here, and I was surprised that I could understand my host mom and her friend almost perfectly. Well, I shouldn’t be surprised, but since I did spend a significant amount of time back home not regularly speaking Spanish, I expected to have some difficulty. I did spend almost every day studying Spanish in one way or another. I found myself speaking with much more confidence than in September. Anyways, I think that contributes to why I feel so much more at home this semester.

I feel so happy here, and it’s a happiness that I haven’t felt in a long time. I love studying in el Centro Norteamericano again. I love meeting the new students and showing them around. Being in the center also means I am close to most of what happens in Sevilla. It’s a great location. Moreover, I missed the food! I’m regularly eating delicious vegetables, fruits, fish, and living an active lifestyle.

I can’t stop smiling, and I’m twitching with energy all the time because I just want to experience everything all over again.