Otra vez

Well, the past couple of weeks in Sevilla have been pretty tranquilo (peaceful). There's a sense that things are winding down a little bit; don't get me wrong, I'm still here for 3 weeks and looking forward to every minute of it, but people are starting to talk about it. On top of that, people from other programs are leaving. Tonight I went to a so-long party for 3 friends from the US that I met here that leave very soon (one left less than an hour ago). It's pretty weird.

Lo que me queda
So, I don't know how much blogging I have left in me. Probably 2 or 3 more posts after this one. Here's the breakdown of the rest of my time here: a week of exams, a week traveling to the British Isles with Phil, and a week in Sevilla with Phil. I have 3 exams and one paper left for classes, and that's it. I'm not very worried about any of them, but I need to get on the paper, which I have yet to do. I can't wait to go to Dublin and London, and the last little while in Sevilla should be precious.

Lo que hago
The past couple of weeks have been fun just being around Sevilla. I've been hanging out with people from my program and people from the summer program. We go out for tapas or drinks from time to time, but those of us that have been here longer try to keep the spending to a minimum. Classes are about done...I've got literally 2 class periods left. I spend time reading and taking walks every now and again, but the heat keeps me inside more than I'd like...it's HOT here now. Like dead of summer in NC hot. And we don't have A/C. Yeah. Still, it's fun to be in chill mode although I'll be working more this week. I feel like this past month or so I've gotten the hang of living in Sevilla. It's not that I was uncomfortable before, but I really feel like I'm somewhat experienced here, but I think that's partially because of my new housemates...them coming in and not knowing the city or as much Spanish is a kind of ironic confidence boost for me, haha. Not too surprising though I suppose.

Reflexion
So, this get-together I went to was at Martha's place--the same place as the birthday party I went to earlier in the semester. We were saying so long to Jake, Sierra, Rob, and Elizabeth, who all leave within the next couple of weeks or so. Jake, Sierra, and Rob were people that I didn't see a ton of this semester, but I knew we would b great friends if we did. They're enjoyable, respectful, friendly people that are just pleasant to be around, and the times we did have together are great memories. It's weird to think about going back...even if it's for them not me. It's made me think a little harder about it all; I already knew there are things I will miss about Sevilla and things I will look forward to getting back to at home. Still, I really am thinking about what I've gained from being here, why I came here, how things will be different back in the US, and what exactly it will be like when I show up in NC again. It's late now, but I think I'll ponder these things a little and perhaps jot them down another time. Or if something more interesting happens, I'll post that.

"Gay Chicken"
A quick story: a memory of the first time Jake and I met. He engaged in game of what I call "gay chicken" that was really funny. So, we were all meeting in Plaza Nueva at the beginning of the semester to go to a nearby church. Jake and Sierra showed up, and they began greeting all of my friends and I. As you probably know, the typical greeting here is a kiss on each cheek, and they were going down the line (all girls except me) and greeting everyone that way. Sierra greeted me and gave the dos besos, which is fine. Then Jake comes up to me, and I'm thinking, "Okay, what's this guy gonna do...". He proceeds to introduce himself and lean in like he's going for the cheek. I'm just thinking, "Oh gosh"
Closer
"Oh no"
Closer
"NO"
Closer
"Okay, whatever. It's Europe." I start to turn at an angle to accept the embrace and at the same time maybe avoid the impending beso. However, the second I move an inch forward, Jake smiles, yells "HA! Come here!", and bear hugs me. I gotta say, it was well played; for a second, I was scared this guy was actually gonna kiss me on the cheek, haha. Good times...I hope Jake and I meet again someday. We'll see, but for now, I'm yours.