Que curioso

Since tomorrow is my final day of classes and my last full day in Sevilla, it seems appropriate to sum up my thoughts on Spain so far:

First and foremost, I love this country. I'm not sure I could live here long-term because, let's face it -- I bleed red, white, and blue (thanks, Dad!), but I certainly appreciate the experience I'm having at this point in my life. The people I've encountered are so sincere, and incredibly helpful -- from the woman and her dog who walked with me in the direction of my school on the first day of class when I asked for help, to the older ladies in the grocery store who said, unsolicited, "Pasa, pasa, nina," when I only wanted to buy one apple and there was a line of 7 people, to my teachers who demonstrate extreme patience when I sit in silence for what seems like an eternity because I can't think of the right word... I only hope that I will be so hospitable to visitors to the US in the future.

If I had to sum up Spain in a phrase, I'd say it was a country without reason. This can make things a little difficult -- why are stores open on a national holiday, but closed the day after? Why can drivers run red lights, even when cars are coming from the other direction? Why can some people enter the Alhambra late, while others are denied entrance? I've found the answer to be this: because someone feels like it. Sentiment is huge in Spain, and I love it. Having no reason isn't so bad, once you get used to it. However, I don't think I'll ever understand why Spanish women, who can be so beautiful, want to wear MC Hammer pants, or why it's necessary to hang the entire leg of a pig -- hoof and all -- in plain sight in a bar or restaurant, and cut the ham straight off of it? But who am I to question their reasoning?

Something I really admire about the Spanish people is their passion for their country, culture, and language -- I've heard some people, Spaniards included, call this stubborn, but I think it's endearing. Everyone seems to know the history of the country and observes tradition -- they even argue about the region in which things originated so they can exude pride for whatever it might be. And I love that people are constantly in the streets, enjoying every single minute of the day, and greeting each other as if it's been 10 years since the last time they met (even when it's only been a few hours). There is a zest for life here that I haven't really witnessed elsewhere, and the Spanish people are proud of this culture -- I would be, too. As for their passion for the Spanish language: there are many words that do not change across languages: "fiance," "rendezvous," "Google"... the first day of class, my professor asked me where I work, and when I said "Google," she was truly puzzled. Finally, she said, "Ah, Google [pronounced Gooo-glay]." I even found the verb "googlear" in my Spanish dictionary. I think it's funny that Google doesn't localize its name in any country, but Spain has done it for us :o) One of my professors, Javier, summed it up best: if there's a word that doesn't exist in Spanish, they'll slap an "e" on the beginning of it and throw in a few accents, and voila. Spanish.

Sevilla is a phenomenal city, with extraordinary people, but I'm actually ready to see some other parts of Spain. I will be back, that's for sure, but I'm looking forward to a few weeks without the obligation of classes and homework. God help me if I ever go to grad school.

After classes tomorrow, I've been invited to dinner with one of my professors... what a great way to finish out my time here! Then Saturday morning, I'm off to Malaga. Until then, besos.