Parent's Visit/Feria/Mallorca

1.  Parent's Visit- Thank you guys so much for coming to see me.  I was getting a little bummed to leave, but once you guys came I was reminded how great my home is and how much I truly missed you.  Thank you for the great trips through Southern Spain that we took- Tarifa, Gibralter, Carmona (which was my favorite.  We had the most fabulous lunch overlooking the campo).  The bullfight was epic, as well.  I can't believe we stayed the whole time.  Our initial shrieks may not have made us too many friends, but it was an interesting experience.  I love you guys- can't wait to see you in less than 4 weeks!

 

Tarifa

 

 

Carmona

 

2.  Feria- The Feria in Sevilla is quite the spectacle.  Women dress up in flamenco dresses that are so beautiful.  I have decided that my wedding dress is going to be flamenco dress inspired.  I just love it.  The upper class owns casetas- little houses- and have private parties there all week.  There were a few public casetas that we explored but it was more fun to peek into the casetas and see how they were decorated and to catch a glimpse of the fabulous people inside.  I went on a few roller coasters, drank rebujitos (manzanilla, a type of sour wine, and 7 up) and hung out with people on my program.  My friend Steph's intercambio had a caseta and even gave her a dress to wear for a few days!  She looked great!

 

 

Portada de Feria

Rides!

3.  For the second part of Feria, my roommate Kirsten, Steph, and our friend Allison went to Mallorca.  We stayed at the Iberostar, which is an all inclusive resort.  I had so much fun with them.  They all feel like such old friends, but we've only known each other a short period of time (except me and Steph, who are sorority sisters).  We couldn't believe that we only have a few more weeks here.  I'm leaving on June 1st. 

Today I had class from 8:30-6:30 with two one-hour breaks.  It was also super hot here.  I have so much work to do, it's unreal.  I am actually reading a book in Spanish for my center class without a dictionary.  I read part of it in Mallorca and am really liking it.  It's called "Soldados de Salamina" by Javier Cercas.  The receptionist at the Iberostar told me it made her cry.  I'll let you know.

 

Our mini kitchen

 

Right before sunrise