Phase 1: Newly Arrived

I want to say the first 10 days or so that I've been in Spain have been insanely busy, but in truth, I've just been tired. Like, all the time. Jet lag, obligatory bouts with insomnia, a couple sleepless nights, another couple of long culturally enriching nights, just about does the trick. I feel like I've been here for a month.

Anyhow, today I moved into my first place (bye bye NH Viapol and your delectable breakfasts)! The feeling that I'm actually living here, experiencing life in Sevilla, has begun to solidify. Small things today like a pleasant conversation with the cab driver, whose name I unfortunately don't remember (Jose Antonio or Juan Antonio ... not generic at all), sitting in the staff room during the break amongst five different conversations between the teachers, all happening at once in rapid Spanish, and ordinary stuff like this:

makes the experience feel authentic. I've intentionally avoided taking my camera everywhere to snap pictures of who knows what and branding myself as a tourist. All my touristy photos are already on Facebook from my previous trip.

I'm only staying at my current place for two weeks, then I'm moving to an apartment in a district called Triana in February, which was my first preference. I'm oober excited about that. I find that area irresistible. Will post photos once the move happens, but I'll be living with two other Spaniards. It's also really close to this river that I like to run alongside, and it's super scenic. Sweet deal, right?

There are a bunch of small stories and incidents that have happened, but I just can't wrap my brain around it all right now. But, in general, so far, so good. I really enjoy my school I'm "working" at and the teachers, albeit the Spanish bilingual program is a total joke (save for another post).  I'm constantly practicing foreigner Spanish in shops, stores, bars, on the phone, etc and familiarizing myself with the Andalucian accent (also for another post). Basically life happening in Sevilla, and I've thus far enjoyed the ride.

Sorry, really vague post. I'll be sure to try to post pictures and share memorable stories as they come. Till next time. Hasta luego.