Sevilla,
I still remember arriving to you after the bus ride from Córdoba. As we drove to the bus meeting point, I stared out the window at the streets that I would eventually learn like the back of my hand while feeling the most overwhelming combination of emotions I’ve ever felt in my entire life. What if my host mom doesn’t like me? What if I don’t like her? What if she’s mean? What if she doesn’t show up? So many irrational questions zipped in and out of my head on that bus ride. When we finally arrived to the meeting point, I remember stepping off the bus and searching through the crowd of host parents until I found my host mother at the very end of the line. She hugged my roommate and I, gave us the infamous Spanish besos, asked which one of us was “la vegetariana”, called us guapas, and took my suitcase from me as we set off down the street to our apartment. This was my first impression of my family for the next four and a half months.
Sevilla, you are a city like no other. You are big enough to wander, but small enough to feel like home to me. Walking through your streets every day brings a smile to my face. No matter what day of the week, the tables of all the local cafés and bars are always filled with people. As my host mother and many of my friends’ host parents constantly say, “la vida está en las calles” meaning that your social life is lived not in the house, but rather in the streets. This way of life allows for people to take some well-earned time to simply relax and enjoy the company of their friends and loved ones. This is something that is so rare to come by in America and has been so refreshing to experience for myself!
I will miss all the wonderful tapas bars you have to offer. From jamón iberico y queso at El Rinconcillo to patatas bravas (sin aioli!) at Bar Europa, you never failed me. Oh and I could never forget the delicious gelato at Bolas, Amorino, or one of the other 12 trillion gelato stands! I will miss going out to the bars and having a great night out with friends, especially miss the 1 euro chupitos of cheap tequila and pitchers of Agua de Sevilla in Alfalfa. The walk home after a night out was always worth it because of the promise of churros at the Triana Bridge or Kebab (pollo, lechuga, tomate, sin cebolla y yogur con salsa picante, por favor!) and/or Patatas Queen in Alfalfa. As I write this letter to you, I am sitting with a friend in Puerta Jerez talking about how hard it is going to be to leave you.
I love the people that live in your city; they have forever left an impression on both my mind and my heart. For example, the wonderful bartender at the café near my apartment that sat down to chat with me one Saturday that I was hard at work on a paper I had due that Tuesday because it looked to her like I could use a break. We talked about life, love, and the history of Sevilla (and yes, this was all in Spanish). Did she know that her small gesture would have such a lasting impression on me? Or what about my friend Allie’s lab who welcomed me into their little family as though I always belonged there? From the very first time I met them, they treated me as though I was a part of their family, inviting me to Spanish BBQs, caseta hopping at Feria, outings for tapas and drinks at science themed bars, and more. I have never experienced such kindness and genuine appreciation for my company from complete strangers.
What I love most about you, Sevilla, is that you are the place where I truly discovered who I am and because of that, I feel more alive and invigorated than ever before. I have laughed, cried, loved, and lived more in this semester than I have my entire life. I stepped out of my comfort zone, saw personal growth happen right before my eyes, and discovered that I am strong enough to endure any of life’s obstacles that come my way all while experiencing a new way of life and exploring new places. Each of the countless life lessons and daily challenges that came up throughout this roller coaster of a journey have made me a stronger person. I learned who my true friends are and that theirs is the only friendship that I need in my life. I discovered that I am capable of being vulnerable, that every moment counts, and that it is always necessary to stop and smell the roses – or in your case, the orange blossoms. I will carry what I’ve learned these past couple months with me for the rest of my life.
Most of all, Sevilla, you taught me that the happiness in life isn’t measured by the amount of money you have in your pocket, but rather by the experiences you’ve had and the people with whom you’ve shared them. You are my home, Sevilla, and when I get on that plane tomorrow, I will leave a piece of my heart here with you.
Nos vemos muy pronto, mi amor.
