Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

So, as the final weeks of my program are approaching, I find myself needing to be constantly moving because when I sit for too long I start thinking about the end...and then I want to cry. I have a mixed emotion of being excited to be home because I miss certain things so much: my family, friends, dogs, routine, American food (please, please, no more jamon). Yet, I have grown so attached and used to my "study abroad" life: Maria, my friends, the beautiful city I am in.

This coming week, is the "Puente" which is a 10 day break for us CIEE-ers. Now, this ten day break provides the opportune time for final travel plans. This is my last big trip with friends and it is so weird that it is here, because it is the first travel plans I made when I arrived. Thank goodness for discounted airtravel and planning ahead, my last trip will consist of Paris and Ireland. *Intereuropean travel is fairly low-priced if you book ahead of time. For example, my flight to Paris was about 20 dollars. The only catch is, I can only take a small bag - therefore, I will be living out of my backpack for a week - travel adventure here I come!!*

A lot of people have already left for their trips, although my friends and I are leaving in a couple of days. During our days here, I have been trying to get my final papers and projects done. When we get back from our trip, we have finals that week and the program ends. However, with the anticipation of everything that is upcoming, you can guess that the last thing I want to do is study. Therefore, I have forced myself out of bed and to turn off PanAm (Great new show) and to walk to the nearest Starbucks to do work (don't judge - they have unlimited Wifi and play American Christmas music).

With Christmas around the corner, Sevilla has started their holiday preparations. For example, the "Puente" is happening because of the Immaculate Conception and a couple of other religious holidays. There is also a market selling solely Nativity sets outside of the Cathedral, the city FINALLY turned on the Christmas lights that have been hanging for weeks draped around the city (such a tease to hang lights and not turn them on), and there are chestnuts being roasted by vendors all over the streets.

Oh, so, for Thanksgiving, CIEE provided us with an "American style dinner". This included Turkey (A MEAT I RECOGNIZE!), mash potatoes (...with cherries?), steamed veggies, wine (course, its Spain), and a apple-tart-flan thing. Although it was in no way home, I cannot tell you how much I appreciated what they did. It was so thoughtful to think of a holiday that would be hard if we weren't with our families.

The weather here has been a mixture of really cold or perfect. The homestays dont have central heating, so at night, I am usually bundled up like an eskimo since the flooring is all tile. During the day outside it is brisk. Last weekend, the weather was amazing and my friends and I took advantage of it and went on a paddleboat along the Guadalquivir:

Another big update: Someone asked me for directions and recommendations around Sevilla when they were in Starbucks, I replied (in Spanish) and then saw that their map was in English, so I asked if they spoke English. In short, they thought I was from Sevilla and were very surprised to learn that I was just studying here for a semester. Oh, how I could have given her a hug for making my day and giving me confidence that my Spanish has improved. Earlier this week, I also met two people from Holland that when they found out I was American said "Well, you dont speak loud for being an American"...uhm, thank you?

Although I love travelling all around, and this has only made me want to see more of the world: Germany, Brazil, CENTRAL AMERICA!, really....I could go on and on...I have come to appreciate all the things I have in my life so much more and have grown so proud and grateful for all God has given me.

I hope that everyone is having a safe holiday season.

All my love.