Tanning in February...I LOVE Spain.

         As I am typing this Blog post I am sitting outside of the Hostel in a tank top soaking up the sun before class. Honestly, I never want to leave Spain (Mom and Dad how does moving here sound!?)
          Yesterday before class Adrian and I went on a run that eventually ended up turning into a four mile walk. The weather was just way too gorgeous to be inside at all. We walked along the River, past the Golden Tower, past the city center and more. Every second I am in Spain (with the exception of my Spanish class) I just love life. This country is truly amazing.
       We walked by a cute castle that the Queen of Spain donated to the park and government on our walk. It is an informational center now. There are so many buildings and castles like this one on every corner in Spain.

There was a lot of work being done on the walkway along the river. Adrian and I stopped for a little to watch the workers. That evening when walking by the river again we stopped by the same spot where the workers had been earlier...they had finished their project.

We came across a really nice area right on the water. It was filled with benches to sit on and beautiful trees. 

      Adrian and I walked past a place where you can rent boats- paddle boats, canoes, etc. It was only ten Euro for a few hours. We are going to go next week during the day. The Golden Tower actually just opened up to climb to the top as well. We are going to do that next week too.

      Tomorrow we are going to Portugal... the city in Portugal is called Algarve and is right on the Mediterranean Sea. On Saturday and Sunday we are going to Madrid. 

      At lunch today one of our friends made a comment that the days here go by so quickly. Between class and this gorgeous weather I feel like time is slipping through my fingers. 

     

After Class:

       Today I had another rough Spanish class. I left the class in tears as I was humiliated once again. After Spanish I had Ethics which went much better. I really enjoy my Ethics class and the discussions we have. 

     After class Adrian and I rented bikes. It costs 10 Euro for a bike for a week. The system of renting bikes they have here is really cool and unique. Seville has a really intense bike program because years ago Seville was a very undesirable travel destination because it was so dirty. In order to try and reduce smog and gas exhaust given off by the thousands of cards in Seville the government revamped the transportation system. They encouraged the people of Seville to buy or rent bikes through their convenient and cost efficient system. They redid all of the roads making them smaller and the bike paths larger. They redid their bus system as well making the public buses more convenient and cost efficient as well. They jacked up gas prices and encouraged all to bike or walk it...or deal with hefty traffic and radical gas prices. Lets just say, everyone is constantly walking and biking. There are bike rental stations on every corner. I did not take a picture today of the bike racks...but I will take one when it is light out. 

     We rode the bikes really far all the way to the other side of the city center. From there we bought our bus tickets at the main bus station for our trip to Madrid for Saturday and Sunday. The bus station is about three miles away from campus. We had to bike fast back to campus from the station in order to make it in time for dinner. It was a really nice bike ride though right on the water. When we got in front of the Golden Tower there was a elementary school group of children playing a band concert. We stopped and listened for a little. They were actually pretty good.

     Next Tuesday we have off from school because it is a national holiday in Spain. In Spain they have a policy that where there is a holiday you get the day off before the holiday as well. So, all of the schools and businesses here will be closed both Monday and Tuesday. St. John's is just giving us Tuesday off for our professor's sake. We are trying to plan a day trip to the beach or to some historical ruins.

    I will probably be heading to bed soon considering we have to be up early for Portugal in the morning. I am so excited. Busy weekend ahead! I may not have time to write until Sunday... I apologize this Blog wasn't too exciting...but I wanted to make sure I wrote one before I left!!!

   As always thanks for reading :) Have a fabulous weekend in the States!

XOXO Shann

The Beauty of Seville and a Not So Nice Reality Check...

   Well, the last few days have definitely been a reality check. My Spanish class is ridiculously difficult. In fact, my teacher does not speak a word of English. My class is supposed to be Beginner Spanish, but the majority of the class took Spanish in High School (I took Latin) so our Professor automatically assumed we ALL knew basic Spanish. I do not. Poor Adrian spent three hours with me last night and two hours with me tonight trying to teach me a years worth of Spanish. I learned the Spanish Alphabet in one night, ten key phrases and tonight learned numbers one through twenty-five. Adrian also had to teach me different conjugations for different words and how to use the present tense (all things my Professor just assumed we already knew). Most of my classmates, including the ones that took Spanish in High School, are struggling greatly with this class already. My Professor LOVES to call students up to the board (aka me) and have us recite phrases and words I don't even know. It is embarrassing and feels like 8th Grade math class all over again!
      Today I was scolded for looking at my paper when counting from one to twenty-five in Spanish. Never in my life have I counted to more than ten in Spanish. I had NO idea any number after the number ten, nor was I ever asked to memorize it. Lets just say Adrian has had to deal with many tears these last few days while acting as my stand-in Professor. Lets just hope things get better from here.
     On a much more positive note I had a great morning/afternoon before class. The weather in Seville is to die for. Today I was hot...yes HOT wearing jeans and T-Shirt. LOVE THIS WEATHER!!!
      St. John's had a three hour trip planned for us in the city of Seville this afternoon. We really had no idea what the trip was all about because things really aren't communicated well here in Spain. Unlike Rome, we are not on a St. John's campus, so things are a little less organized and a lot more complicated. Even so, Adrian, Anthony, Nora and I decided to do the trip anyway despite not knowing where or what we were doing exactly. I am so glad we went or we would have missed out on a great opportunity.
  We were taken to a recently built structure in Spain nicknamed "Mushroom" in Spanish because of the look of it. The structure itself was completed just one year ago and is now a very popular attraction in Spain. The structure is modeled after a particular tree found all over Seville that looks like none other than...a Mushroom (hence the nickname)! The trees are massive like the structure and so beautiful. They are such unique trees.

     The reason the structure was built in the first place was because forty years ago it was found that parts of Seville had been built right on top of an Ancient Roman city. In fact, to this day Archeologists in Seville find all sorts of ruins constantly.
    When these particular ruins were discovered forty years ago Seville did not have enough money or resources to figure out what to do with them. So, last year they finally had enough money to build the structure that we got to visit today. The structure covers or as some would say "protects" the ruins. The structure itself was designed by a German Architect and is made completely out of wood. This photo I took specifically really shows the influence that the Seville trees had on this architectural masterpiece.

    The structure was so big that I could not even attempt to get an entire picture of it in one camera frame. Everyone on the trip (about twenty of us) kept saying for some reason the structure reminded us of a ride or attraction you would see at Disney World. It was so modern, yet so classic at the same time. I truly have NEVER seen a structure quite like this one in my entire life. We stood outside of it for awhile taking pictures and admiring in awe.

      Inside of the structure on the first level is where we got to see the Ancient Ruins some dating back 2,800 years ago. The ruins were not only Roman, but also Arab and Phoenician. The Arab's in particular have had a great influence in Seville. Many names and structures have a direct relation to the Arab influence. The ruins reminded me so much of the Ancient Ruins in Rome by the Colosseum. It was sort of difficult to get clear pictures of the ruins because they were all enclosed in glass, but to see them in person was really nice. I love seeing so much history in Europe. Despite a lot of great things the United States has to offer, nowhere in America do you see History quite like this. I feel so fortunate to be experiencing it all.

    After seeing the outside of the structure and the ruins on the first level we took an elevator ride to the top of the structure. From the top we could see all of Seville. What you do not realize from the bottom of the structure is how intricate the structure is at the top. The structure at the top is like walking through a maze and every corner you turn is a different view of Seville. It is very difficult to explain in words. I will do my best through the pictures I took to explain. Hopefully, that will give you a better understanding.

     As I said earlier, I have never in my life seen a structure built like this one. Not to mention, I have never been to the top of a structure quite like this one! It was so worth the trip!!!! I am not sure if we would have come to this if St. John's had not brought us. It was so much fun.
      When we got back to our Hostel/School. Adrian and Nora were off to do their community service. I had three hours still before class so I sat out on our balcony and worked on homework. I got a little more sunburned! oops! The whole time I was out on the balcony I kept thinking...it is going to be a difficult adjustment readjusting to the weather in Paris! If I never see snow or feel the cold ever again I will be perfectly content (my mother's influence probably!)  I want to stay here!
     The beauty of Seville is astonishing. Every single day I fall more and more in love with the city. It has so much to offer. So far if there is any place I would want to come back to after my Europe Trip it would be Spain. I could see myself living here (better figure out my Spanish first though!!!!).
   Anyway it is getting late! Lots to look forward to this week including going to Portugal on Friday!!! Trying to stay positive about this Spanish course. On a positive note I got an A in my Moral Theology of the Marketplace class while in Rome...now cross your fingers I can do the same in my two classes here!
    HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY TO MY AMAZING AND BEAUTIFUL (inside and out) LITTLE SISTER ERIN. It has been a hard year for her...but she has made it through with grace and poise. She is currently in Hawaii and I am SO thrilled for her!!!!! Be sure to wish her a happy birthday today (February 22nd)!
 One last thing...if you are interested in seeing the final video of Adrian and I jumping off the Bridge here it is! Click on the link..this video is taken from my helmet..watch your ears though..lots of screaming! :)
                                           BRIDGE JUMP - VIDEO FROM HELMET

 
XOXO Shann

More pictures from Bungee Jumping!

Jumped off of a 60 foot bridge today and I am still alive to write a Blog about It!

   Sorry mom and dad!! Today was such an awesome day! I got to check something off of my Bucket List! We Bungee Jumped (technically the cord we used wasn't a Bungee Cord though) off of a Bridge about forty-five minutes outside of Seville. The area itself was located in Antalucia and the specific area the bridge was at is called Aznalcollar in Spanish. The bridge itself was sixty-feet tall. The height of the jump also depends on the water level...today it was a sixty-foot jump, but on some days the jump is as high as seventy-feet. It has been opened since 2003 and there has never been a single accident in all of that time. Approximately twenty-six St. John's students went today and the organization we did it through picked us all up right at our Hostel.
    When we first pulled up to the sight I knew it was going to be a great day. Located in the mountains of Seville, is was a breathtaking sight.

     The bridge itself was very intimidating, but despite being terrified I knew I could not chicken out. Adrian and I signed up to jump in the number ten slot. There were other people besides St. John's there jumping including a SEVENTY year old man!! It was his first time jumping. His jump actually got me really choked up. His friend, son and daughter-in-law were all there to watch. He was so excited and all dressed up for the occasion.

If he is brave enough to jump...I must be as well!

Anthony was the first to jump out of our group of friends. He was a little nervous, but definitely the most pumped out of all of us. He has been skydiving before so this to him was a walk in the park!

After Anthony, Adrian and I were up. We were BOTH so nervous!! I was in tears... and I couldn't even help it (pretty sure Adrian was in tears as well!) 

 I am wearing a helmet because for ten extra Euro you could get a video of your fall. I figured why not...this is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The video is going to be emailed to me later this week!

The group counted to three and on three Adrian and I were to jump. "ONE-TWO-THREE!" the group screamed...and Adrian and I just stood there looking at each other like "Omg I can't do this." Poor Ricardo was filming our jump from the bottom of the mountain and had to restart the camera! "Okay no problem." One of the staff members said kindly. "We will pretend like that never happened...now here we go again.." Everyone chimed in. "ONE-TWO-THREE!" and off we went!!!!!!! Want to see the video of the actual jump?! click on "THE JUMP" below!  :)

THE JUMP

 Honestly, I don't really remember the jump really. Neither does Adrian. I am pretty sure my fear and adrenaline blocked out the majority of the free fall. I remember swinging back and forth and the drop into the life raft in which they pick us up in. It was so exhilarating. I wish I had a lot of pictures to share of my first jump...but I was disappointed to find when I got back up that no one was able to catch it on camera :( Thankfully Ricardo did catch the video though! Adrian was able to get some awesome pictures of his first jump! So, I will share those pictures for now...don't fear though...I jumped again!

After Adrian and I went Nora went directly after and Ricardo went about thirty minutes later. They were both terrified, but I am happy to report all twenty-six of us that went from St. John's made the jump!

I might add the weather today was once again beautiful. Nearly seventy-degrees. I have a really nice sunburn to prove it (and I even put on sunscreen today!). Between sunbathing and watching people take "the leap" it was such an awesome end to an awesome weekend. Some people chose to jump in the water after they jumped off the bridge. They staff would release the rope and they would jump as high as they could and splash into the water. I opted out and in fact the only one out of our immediate friends that chose to jump in was Ricardo. On my second jump I came really close to landing in the water while trying to get in the boat. It was scary for a second, but we had a really good laugh after. 

 Because I was really bummed none got a picture of my jump Adrian insisted I jump again. I was really iffy about it...because one jump was definitely enough...but between him and Ricardo encouraging me I finally agreed. I am so glad I listened to them and have a ton of great pictures as a result. Another girl from St. John's jumped with me. You would think after going one time it wouldn't be as scary the second. WRONG. Not only was I once again terrified...but once again I did not go when the guy counted to three. Once I finally went...I think my scream could be heard from the States. Adrian said everyone was cracking up and that the faces I was making really was the icing on the cake. Adrian and Ricardo got some awesome pictures of me...but one of the boys on the trip has a professional camera and his pictures were SO cool. I am in the superman position flying through the air in one of them. He hasn't uploaded them yet so for the sake of timeliness I will have to exclude them from this Blog for now. I promise though I will post them when he does upload them. They are worth it! Even so, Adrian and Ricardo did a really great job!

       Despite being really scared we all conquered our fear. Out of my group of friends not a single one of us said we weren't scared because we all were. I really think that says something. All of us, yes including the boys, admitted they were terrified while standing on the edge of that bridge...yet we all knew we could not let fear hold us back. This is something I did for myself. I wanted to prove to myself that despite hating heights and any sort of roller coaster or ride..this was something I wanted to be able to say I did. I jumped off a 60 foot high bridge in Spain proudly wearing my sorority letters across my chest.... I did it!

      On the drive back from our excursion our driver explained a lot of the things we we were seeing. He really only spoke Spanish so Adrian was translating what he was saying. We passed by a huge set of Almond Tree's...I thought that was so cool...being a huge fan of Almonds! Our driver also explained we picked the best time to be in Spain. By June it can often be up to 113 degrees in the shade. I love the heat...but that might be a little too much!

     After our exciting day a much needed nap was in store. After I woke up Adrian and I went and got dinner. The ONLY place open on the entire strip (because it is Sunday, everything is closed) was a place called  Casa Felix. I was really nervous to eat here because I am picky. Adrian spoke to the owner in Spanish and right away he asked Adrian if he was from Mexico. Adrian responded his father is, but he is from California. The owner was from Mexico too and all excited that Adrian was here. He told Adrian he hopes his restaurant does not disappoint because the food is good, but nothing like Mexican food.

    I ordered an egg and French fry dish, but the owner told me it was really small (ended up being huge). Adrian and I hadn't eaten anything all day...which was not smart considering the activities we took on. He suggested the shrimp dish and wanting to try something new I said okay.  Adrian got Enchiladas, but the owner warned it is not like Mexican Enchiladas. Both of us were nervous while our food was being prepared we were not going to like it. Much to our surprise, it was one of the best meals I have had in Europe yet. The sauce the shrimp was cooked in was to die for and the egg was like nothing I have ever had before. Adrian's Enchilada dish reminded me of my moms Goulash...a little delicious taste of home. 

      When we were paying the bill Adrian told the owner in Spanish it was delicious. I said in English...we are totally coming back! After dinner I relaxed for a little and then off to sleep I went. Today is the first day of classes. GULP!

      I hope you enjoyed my Blog and I hope my mom and dad don't hate me too much now!!! Love you both!!! Have a wonderful work week everyone!

XOXO Shann

Me Encanta España !

    Point blank...I love Spain!!!!!!  I honestly don't know if I will EVER be able to leave. I am obsessed!
   Omgosh...where to start!? Well I suppose with the trip itself. Our flight experience was not so great getting here. Our first flight flew from Rome into Madrid and It was delayed two hours. Our second flight from Madrid to Seville was delayed an hour. We also hit a lot of turbulence on the first flight. Even so, in the end we got to Seville and our hostel safely. We are staying in Interjoven Hostel right in the heart of Seville, five minutes from the University of Seville. The Hostel really accommodates St. John's- we even have a room here where we will be taking our classes, a computer lab and THREE meals a day in the Cafeteria.
     Before I get into orientation and what it has been like touring around Spain...I need to back track a ways!!! All the way back to Italy!!!!! Italy seems like years ago now that we are in Spain. The morning we were to leave Adrian and I got up early and finished packing up our lives in one suitcase to move onto our next five week stop. We brought out suitcases down to the main lobby and were out the door by 8am to see the inside of the Colosseum which was opened for the first time in weeks. Apparently, we made it just in time. My mom informed me yesterday that the Colosseum is all over the news for being closed due to dangerous ice conditions inside. In fact, ironically, there were a ton of construction workers working on the walls when Adrian and I were there.  My mom said that they are afraid the walls of the Colosseum will break off and hit tourists on the head. Scary... I was there just two mornings ago! Adrian and I had such a great time at the Colosseum and got amazing pictures. There is nothing in the world like the inside of the Colosseum. We were so thrilled we made it!!!!

      I loved seeing all the historical architecture in Rome, especially the Colosseum. Picturing the gladiator battles and wild animals all inside the ring gives me the chills. I am so glad we got to do the inside of the Colosseum before we left. I would have been really disappointed if we missed out on that. It was a great way to wrap up five life changing weeks.
     After a long day of traveling and delays we made it to Spain! We got in around midnight and had just enough time to check out the Hostel. We have a balcony right outside of our room... I love it here.
     We had orientation the next morning bright and early. It was informative and pretty brief. St. John's has some really awesome events planned for us while we are here including a day trip to PORTUGAL, a bull fight and a movie at the Spanish cinema. Approximately twenty students did not show up to our orientation. St. John's got really upset because some of the behavior on this trip has been...well lets just say...less than acceptable. They are punishing all of those students by forcing them to have a makeup orientation on the day we are scheduled to go to Portugal. Those students are not allowed to go...uh oh!
      After orientation certain people that are taking Spanish and Language and Culture of Spain were brought to see the service sites in which we will be doing community service at throughout our stay here. I am taking Spanish with eight other people so we were brought to a High School in a poorer part of Spain. It was absolutely fascinating and I am so excited to start working there. We were introduced to some of the students. They are all around the age of sixteen or so. We are going to be teaching them English and practicing our Spanish with them. It is so exciting.
    After that we were all exhausted, but did some grocery shopping for shampoo and conditioner. Everything is SO much cheaper here. In fact, I got a 5 liter jug of water (the size of a two year old child!!!) for sixty cents!!!
     That night we went to dinner at a place called Simon's Food. I am happy to report it was delicious!!!!! I got a "Americano Sandwich" which was eggs, bacon, cheese and ketchup. It is the closest thing to home since I have gotten to Europe. Adrian's Spanish speaking skill is REALLY coming in handy. In fact, a Spanish speaking woman today told him he spoke excellent Spanish and English. It is so helpful getting directions and ordering meals. I am trying really hard to pick up as much Spanish as I can. After dinner a large group of us went to a club in downtown Seville that our friend suggested called Abril. It was huge and packed. The clubs here do not even open until midnight and close at 7am! If anyone knows Adrian and I we do not like staying out late!!! So we ended up leaving around 1:30..which was still WAY past our bed time anyway! We heard this morning a majority of SJU students did not even leave until 6am. Yuck.

      Today was by far one of my FAVORITE days in Europe. We got to really see Seville for what is has to offer and I can not ever imagine leaving here!! I love it so much. We started the day off with a Historical Walking Tour provided by St. John's around the city. The tour left right from our Hostel. The streets here are all lined with Palm trees and Orange trees. It is just simply breathtaking. It was so warm today too...nearly seventy degrees. I did not even bring a coat with me!

       

     

   Our tour guide pointed out to us various buildings within Seville. There are beautiful buildings each dedicated to Spanish speaking countries around the world all around Seville. There is a building for Mexico, Columbia, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Guatemala, Morocco and more. Adrian was especially happy when we came across the Mexico building. The building is now owned and used by the University of Seville...just a five minute walk from where we are staying!

   The walk through Seville was breathtaking. It is an environment like none other I have ever experienced. It was a mix between Florida and California...with the historical aspect of Rome. Towards the end of the tour Adrian and I were behind the group taking some pictures. The group left without us! We didn't have anyone's phone numbers because we lost all our contacts when we got to Seville. So, we decided we would just do our own thing. We got lunch at a cute little restaurant on the strip, where the heart of Seville really is. We ate outside...baking in the sun. It was wonderful. I was so thrilled to be able to get a salad!!! And an inexpensive one might I add. Everything here is SO inexpensive..but yet high quality. It is a dream come true!

    After lunch we found a Starbucks also on the strip! There wasn't a single Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks in all of Italy...and we found two Starbucks and one Dunkin Donuts all within fifteen minutes of each other. Adrian and I had a great laugh when the Starbucks man interpreted my name "Shannon" as "Janet".

While drinking our Starbuck's coffee Adrian and I relaxed outside in the sun people watching. We both kept saying we feel like we are on vacation. When classes hit on Monday it will be quite the reality check!!! After Starbucks we ventured around Seville...we ended up spotting a Castle. We decided to go see what it was. Little did we know the Castle was actually the Golden Tower- named because it used to house Gold from the "new" America. 

         As we got closer to the Gold Tower we saw it was on the water! Adrian and I got so excited we practically ran the rest of the way. The river the Tower was located on is called the arabic word "Betis" but often referred to as "Rio Grande" or Big River now in the modern day. Originally, all of this land was owned by the Ancient Roman Empire. 

     The water was gorgeous. Lined with all different historical buildings, we couldn't resist going on a boat tour. It was pretty cheap for an hour and a half tour and more importantly It was so much fun!!! Our tour was in many languages- Spanish, English, French, German. I learned so much about all of the buildings and what Seville has to offer. It was such an AMAZING experience and made me fall in love with Seville even more. 

       We saw so much history on our boat ride I wish I could write about it all. I am just going to touch on a few things. First of all we saw the first maritime college built in all of Europe which was later turned into a Seminary and is now a building owned by the Parliament. 

    After that we saw a boat that was used in the 1929 exhibition. It was located in front of Maria Luisa Park. Personally, it was one of my favorite sights. 

         

   We saw approximately five famous bridges in Seville. One was in the Guinness Book of World Records, another was built in the early 1900's and another built during the 1992 exhibition. Each bridge was unique and different in its own way.

    We also saw the Theme Park of Seville called Magic Island- we may try to go to that before we leave. We also saw the Monastery of St. Mary of the Cave which was later turned into a Ceramic Factory. Also, the Royal Pavilion which was used in the expo of 1992 as well. A majority of the buildings, including the Golden Tower, are located right off of Juan Carlos walkway. The walkway was the same one we walk on to get to our hostel, it is right on the water. All day today people could be seen laying out, walking, running and riding bikes on the walkway.

   On our boat tour we also got to see the second largest bull fighting ring in Seville. 

We also saw a building...well more like a flat slab of wood high in the air titled towards the sun with a garden on top. It almost looked like some sort of "green" project. They did not explain it on our tour, but I couldn't take my eyes off of it. 

                                       

A majority of our tour was just so clam and relaxing. I even got a tan (more like sunburn ...but I tried!) Adrian and I had SO much fun. I cannot say it enough...it literally was a blast. After our boat adventure we made our way to the center of town where the Cathedral where Christopher Columbus' remains are located. It was by far the most gorgeous Cathedral I have seen yet in Europe...Yes, believe it or not it even beat the Cathedrals and Churches in Rome. 

     It is hard to tell from the pictures just how magnificent the Cathedral was. No picture could do justice the majority of things I have seen in Seville so far. It does not surprise me that Seville has the most historical architecture out of any city in all of Europe. I feel like even in my five weeks here it will be nearly impossible to see absolutely everything. This city is so rich in culture. The Spanish way of life is quite beautiful and  quite familiar at the same time. A lot of the culture here in Spain reminds me of America. Seville truly is a hidden gem within this world.
      While in front of the Cathedral Adrian and I walked by a Flamenco Dancing advertisement booth. He decided to stop and talk to the woman working the Concierge. The woman immediately fell in love with Adrian as he was able to speak Spanish to her fluently and then turn to me and translate what she was saying. We decided to go see the Flamenco show which she was advertising located at a nearby restaurant that night. We honestly would never have had the opportunity if it wasn't for the fact Adrian could communicate with the woman. The connections he has been making just because he speaks the language is absolutely astonishing. I feel like through him I have been able to immerse myself in the Spanish culture even more...and its just day two!
    The Flamenco show took place at 10pm and ran until 11:30pm. It was worth every single penny. For those that do not know Flamenco is a traditional dance created and done by the people of Spain. Sometimes people recognize the dance as the women with the long "poofy" dresses that use clappers on their hand or are snapping their fingers above their heads. Yet, it is also so much more.
      Little did we know before we went, but the place we went to named El Arenal has been one of the most prestigious and popular Flamenco clubs in Seville for the last thirty years. It is known around the world and even the New York Times commented on it saying El Arenal is the best place in the world to experience the art of the Flamenco. It was such an intimate and personal place. Adrian and I could touch the stage from where we were sitting. No pictures were allowed to be taken..and though disappointed at first, once the show started we understood why...it would take away from the show if people were trying to take pictures the whole time. The show itself was mesmerizing. For nearly two hours I did not look away from the stage once, except to catch Adrian's reactions. No words...truly no words..can describe the art of the Flamenco.
       It is an artistic, sensual, emotional and a passionate dance all in one. Obviously, the performance was in Spanish. Despite not really knowing what the singers and actors were saying I could still feel their emotion. Through their movements, through their expressions and through their dance I felt like I was on stage myself. At times the Flamenco performance was extremely loud. Guitarists strumming hard and the singers belting out their words. At other times the guitars were soft while the singer whispered about the pain she was feeling about a lost lover. Towards the end it was just plain exciting. Two different couples dancing with clappers, stomping and smiling.
    The passion was what stuck out to me the most. One woman had tears in her eyes as she sang (sounded like opera...absolutely gorgeous) about the pain in her heart (corazón!). The voices, the movements..everything was so filled with such emotion and passion. On the walk home Adrian and I just kept saying "I can't believe that!" "Omg!" "I don't know how to put in words what we just saw!" at one point Adrian said "How are you going to Blog about this?! How can you explain this dance show!?" I am not sure I responded...but I am going to try. 
   I was able to get a few pictures of the outside of El Arenal and the stage itself. Once again..does not do justice!

    Included with the fee to see the show was one glass of Sangria which is the traditional Spanish wine mixed with fruit. I actually thought it was delicious! 

    After the show instead of taking a cab Adrian and I decided to walk the two miles back to our Hostel. It is such a beautiful walk and a spellbinding night out we couldn't resist.
   I cannot believe I have only been in Seville for two days. It feels like in two days I have accomplished so much...yet there is so much to Spain I have yet to see. I have already taken a boat tour, saw countless Historical buildings, seen a traditional Flamenco show and toured the heart of Seville. I am obsessed with Spain and my five weeks is just beginning. I beyond excited to see what more Spain has to offer!! Thank you for reading...I apologize for the delay in posts... as you can see it has been a busy few days! I promise to start writing more regularly and more detailed. I want to remember every single second of my time here in Seville. Have a great rest of your weekend! Rest up! :) Love you all!

XOXO Shann