Pirates of CÁDIZ: At Europe’s End

Okay, so we weren’t really PIRATES of Cádiz, but yesterday we were at the end of Europe. 

Arguably the oldest, inhabited city in all of Iberia, Cádiz was originally named Gadir (meaning “Wall”) by the Phoenicians.  The CIEE program took us on a day trip to Southern Spain to see this Peninsula.

After some two hours on a coach bus, we were greeted by the warm southern weather and salty smells of the Atlantic Ocean.  Our group kinda lucked out experiencing 65-70 degree weather in mid-February (rare for this time in Spain).  Not only did we explore the city, but we had a chance to TAN on the miles and miles of beaches Cádiz is popularly known for. 

My favorite part of the trip was visiting the local Mercado (market) in the town’s Centro (center; downtown).  Straight out of a scene in a Bollywood movie, el Mercado had stands of fresh fruits, vegetables and fish. (Yes, FISH…check out the pictures below). We also climbed to the top of another Catedral (it’s legit become a weekly workout), admired the decorations being set up for el Carnival de Cádiz (a Carnival/festival held in March that makes Little 5 and Unofficial look like child’s play), and bargained with a few street vendors…just to improve our Spanish.

HI DAD! You would've LOVED this place!

Cádiz is also home to a unique Botanical Garden, full of plant life from all over the world.  A few of us had a great time exploring the greenery (check out more fun pictures).

On the Sleepless en Sevilla front, I had a great night with MF, her intercambio Carmen and some of Carmen’s friends. We had a delicious (and filling) dinner in el Centro with great conversation in Spanish. MF and I suspected one of Carmen’s out-of-town friends was crushing on her best friend, Isabel, as we watched the poor guy make pass after pass to grab the girl’s attention. It’s quite entertaining to watch a guy try so hard! But nonetheless, we were really pulling for Carlos!

Afterwards, the group of us headed over to Calle Betiz (the center of nightlife in Sevilla) for some Flamenco dancing! Though MF and I struggled to keep up with the rest of the gang, it was a very fun experience…taking me back to the days of SHS when Bollywood dancing was part of my daily routine. I miss that constant cultural incorporation and am partaking in FREE Salsa lessons, twice a week, to fill that void.

This awesome weekend is followed by homework and readings for this week’s classes.  BUT only FOUR days stand between me and MADRID next weekend. I can definitely get used to hopping from city to city every weekend! ;)

Salud. Dinero. Amor.

Health, Money and Love, three things a Sevilliano is blessed with when he sneezes; rightfully so, as my experiences, thus far, have proven these aspects to be some of the most important of life in Sevilla.

Keeping a long life in mind, Sevillianos pay extra attention to their daily diet.  With dishes based in olive oil, fresh vegetables and the finest meat, eating is an intense affair. Seriously. Over two days, I have consumed tapas after tapas at local bars, restaurants and cafes. And I’m not the slightest bit worried about gaining weight. Why, because it’s a way of life in Sevilla, and all of Spain for the matter.  Plus, the women walking on the streets are the representation of the average Sevillana: tall, slender and fit (therefore, no worries. I hope!).

Aside from stuffing my face every six hours, I have been shown the university where I will be taking my business classes, lectured about the importance of keeping a balance between schoolwork and “playing” in Sevilla and moved into my host family’s cute apartment.  Lola and her husband Manuel have graciously accepted my roommate Amanda and me into their small home and big hearts.

Greeted with a scrumptious lunch prepared by Mama Lola, my roommate and I had the opportunity to learn more about our hosts.  Parents of three grown men and an adopted niece (whose mother and father died while she was young), Lola and Manuel worked hard to raise their children and give them the best life possible.  Now, they enjoy a relaxing, retired life in their cozy apartment. In this society, family is a very important aspect of life cycle.  Having supported their children, the couple now enjoys monetary support from them.  Each individual takes care of the other, by getting a good education and a stable job to contribute to the family. It’s a great concept, one that allows Manuel to paint beautiful murals and Lola to perfect different recipes, in their free time. The power of Money.

And finally, my favorite, Love.  Never have I experienced so much emphasis on love during my travels than in Sevilla.  Spain prides itself with the Flamenco, a style of dance I was fortunate to see yesterday.  One type delineates the sorrow and pain a man/women suffers when separated from his/her lover.  I was able to capture a moment of this emotional dance.

I have felt this love everywhere in Sevilla: amongst older couples, parents and children, friends and even between los nativos y los extranjeros (natives and visitors).  I must admit, it’s a unique feeling being around such affectionate people…it makes me miss home and the good memories attached to it. Hand holding, public displays of affection, you name it…Sevilla’s got it. It’s a beautiful change in scene from the states, that’s for sure.

So the next time you sneeze, remember that I’m sending you blessing of health, money and love all the way from Spain.

Brazos y Besos (hugs and kisses) J