end of week 9!

Hello everyone-

Sorry it has been so long since I last posted! I've been busy with exams and the like, and haven't done anything too worthy of blogging. Two weekends ago I went to Granada (see pictures from last post). Granada was beautiful- so far my favorite city. It was surrounded by mountains, and had such a peaceful nature feel to it. Yet, it had just enough 'city' to complement it. We visited the Alhambra, the royal chapel, and went to a arab tea cafe.

The following weekend (last weekend) I went on a retreat with my friend Chantal from an Opus Dei center here. That was a really nice weekend as well--I was able to get away and experience a retreat- in Spanish! It was difficult at times to follow along, but for the most part I got the gist of the talks. I love being able to go to Mass & confession in Spanish. :)

Today we took a trip to Cordoba. The mosque/cathedral was really neat to see, but apart from that, there wasn't too much extra-special about Cordoba. i've included some pictures. On the way home, we stopped a bodega (winery) to see how they make wine. that was really neat. of course, it's nothing compared to italian wines :-D (mom and dad, i hope you're smiling at that comment!)

Other than that, things are going well in Sevilla. A week or so ago I went to the Spanish movie theatre... I saw "el nino con las pijamas de rayas" (the boy with the striped pajamas)... it was really sad but a very good movie. ive been spending a lot of time at home with my host family as well... tonight i helped my senora cook... we made fish and potatoes... a plantano shake, and we had arroz con leche (rice pudding) for desert...mmmmm.

the weather has been pretty good.... pants and a light jacket... it won't snow at all, so it's definitely much milder than wisconsin. however, the piso (flat) get's pretty cold... especially the floor; there's no carpet...

Spain (and europe in general) was very excited to see obama win the election. ever since wednesday my host father has been walking around saying, "yes we can!" in a cute spanish accent. haha

Well, im gonna go watch a movie and then read some linguistics for fun, and then go to sleep :) buenas noches