We took our time this morning waking up and getting ready. Around 1 o’clock, we grabbed the bus to my host families house and then walked to their son’s restaurant where we had a nice lunch together. After eating plenty and taking a few pictures, my parents (both sets) said their goodbyes and we headed to plaza de Espana, which is just full of photo opps. We spent a good chunk of time there, doing the normal people watching. There were lots of young people playing games, jump roping and also, plenty of tourists doing exactly what we were doing.
Plaza de Espana is right next to Maria Luisa Park where it is common to see horse-drawn carriages. We grabbed one for the five of us and it was a nice 40 minute ride that took us through the main parts of the city. It left us at the cathedral, which was really nice because our apartment wasn’t too far. Once we got there, we just relaxed until I had to run home to get a pair of shoes for my dress for the flamenco show we were attending after dinner. I met up with Ashley and we took a cab back from our houses to the apartment where we all walked together to this Cuban restaurant I’ve been wanting to try. We walked in and no one helped us, then when I approached one of the workers, she walked away from me. Finally she said we could seat ourselves, the place was empty because it was early and then she was like, you can’t move the table together. All the tables were set for four and there were 6 of us. So we tried to make due. After a good 10 minutes we just decided to walk out because no one came over to us. As we were walking out, this large group was walking in, so we trashed talked the place (they were Americans) and went in search of somewhere else. It’s Thanksgiving today and all we wanted was a nice dinner, but that Cuban place was definitely not providing it. We ended up stumbling upon a little Mediterranean place, not exactly what we were craving, but it didn’t matter because the service was phenomenal. We had a really nice dinner and then walked to El Arenal, which is one of the best places to watch flamenco shows. We had a drink included with our show, most of us rocked wine, but it wasn’t the best. Regardless, the show was amazing. If you ever come to southern Spain, you must see a flamenco show. It lasted close to 2 hours and I was awe-struck the whole time. If you are unfamiliar with flamenco, it’s the traditional Spanish folk music, particularly here in Andalusia. It consists of Spanish guitar, violin, singing and dance. The dance is beautiful; lots of tapping and rapid foot movement. The singing takes a bit to get accustomed to; the voices are rough, sometimes whiney and loud. It’s an art. And I loved the show, as did my family and it was a great way to spend their last night in Seville.
Tomorrow we are taking the train to Malaga and spending the night there so they can catch their Saturday morning flight without worries. I’m pretty sad that they’re leaving already, although we have been close to killing each other at one point or another…the typical family vacation routine. I’m amazing at how quickly their time here passed and I really hope they’ve enjoyed Seville; my city, my home. I hope they now have a better understanding as to why I want to stay here for the year...it’s not going to be the easiest thing I’ve done…once they leave tomorrow, I won’t see them until May. That is 6 months from now. But like I’ve told them, it’s just something I have to do for myself, and seeing as how it is Thanksgiving, there’s nothing I am more thankful for than my family and friends who have supported me in all my decisions thus far I my life. Not just have they supported me, but encouraged me and helped me. I couldn’t be where I am at right now, nor would I be the person I am today without them, and for that, I am truly thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Love,
Maribel