A Tourist in My Own City

I was held back in Sevilla this weekend for yet another class field trip. As fate would have it, the field trip to McDonalds (of all places) was cancelled, due to scheduling conflicts (of course). Our professor promised us a make-up visit in the near future, in place of a class period. Let’s hope McDonald’s pulls through.

So I was left celebrating the end of midterms in good ol’ Sevilla. Like the tourist I am, I made sure I made the most of my weekend at home…packed from Thursday afternoon (post Finance) until Sunday afternoon.

As you are well aware, this past Thursday was St. Patrick’s Day (and the last day of midterms). As the (metaphorical) bell rang at 4:30PM, my classmates and I rushed out of our Finance classroom and quickly made our way to O’Neils, one of the few Irish Pubs in Sevilla.  When we arrived, we found fellow classmates already comfortable in their outdoor seats, with face paint and St. Patty’s Day hats to get the celebrations started with a bang (see pictures). We spent the whole night chatting about how glad we were to have ended the LONG week, but how sad we were to hit the HALFWAY mark in our study abroad program.  Turkish food and a U2 cover band were also included in the night’s mix.

(Side note: At some point during the night, I realized that it was on this day, one year ago, that I was celebrating St. Patty’s Day with a group of wonderful Kelley’s in GHANA, AFRICA! Here’s a shout out to some of my favorites…and the great memories created that spring break…see below!)

The next morning (Friday), while the rest of my peers were recovering from the previous night’s festivities, I was woken up by BW (at 9:30AM mind you) to finalize plans for that morning. I scurried out of bed, ate some cereal and was out the door for a day of exploring. BW, CR and I were off to Triana to visit its famous market, el Castelo de San George and the Feria Grounds (Feria is a HUGE festival held in Sevilla during April). Friday night, we had coffee with some intercambios (Spanish friends) and practiced our Spanish (while they practiced their English). I also caught up on trip planning, skyping and some cleaning.

Saturday CR and I headed to Plaza de Espana to soak in Spain’s history…and of course a LOT of sun.  That day temperatures hit a high of 88F (yes, I’ve got a healthy glow) and was perfect for touristy fountain and garden pictures. BW joined us for a stroll through the beautiful Parque de Maria Luisa.  We continued the day walking around el Centro and then ended the night with a Tapas Crawl (trademarking that name…it’s the most creative idea I’ve come up with). The three of us and KS went from Tapas Bar to Tapas Bar trying new dishes. BW was the bravest of us all having Octopus, Bull’s Tail and Dogfish (Squid) all in one night. 

My biggest accomplishment of the weekend took place on Sunday. I went on yet another Senderismo (hike), except this one was NINE miles long, in the Northern Sierras of Huelva.  Little did I know that when the program ups the number of miles, it also ups the difficulty level of the route. Oh my, did I struggle at some points of the hike, but I was lucky enough to have three wonderful hiking buddies (MF, AS and EH) to motivate me for five hours. Thank you girls! My words wouldn’t do justice to the beauty I witnessed that afternoon…so check out these pictures!



I’m grateful for having the opportunity to learn more about my city over the past two weekends, but I’m itching to start traveling again. This Globe-Trotter has a packed itinerary for the next 5 weeks (I’ll announce my locations as the weeks progress…there needs to be air of mystery, and a reason for you all to continue reading my blog!). However, I will say that I’m headed to Morocco this weekend and am really excited for this trip. One of my best friends has been studying there for the semester and has absolutely loved his experience. He’s also been kind enough to teach me a few bargaining phrases for when I shop at the Medina (local market).

To end, Navroz Mubarak to my fellow Muslims; I hope this new year brings happiness, prosperity and many exciting experiences for you all.

Madrid: Mishaps and Magical Moments

This past weekend, I spent 54 lovely hours in the city of Madrid.  The capital of Spain, Madrid felt like a cross between Chicago and New York. But first…my interesting journey to Madrid.

Originally, KT and I had booked our bus tickets, leaving from Sevilla, for 6PM Thursday night.  Unfortunately, a mandatory Internship event forced us to change our bus time to the next available: 11PM. As horrible as that journey may sound, KT and I made it through the six hour bus ride very easily. We slept like babies, at least I did…KT had a very annoying bus buddy who was interested in learning more about our Madrid plans. Creepy.

We finally made it to the Madrid Bus station at 5:15AM.  After freshening up, KT and I wasted time observing other travelers, as we waited for the city Metro’s to start running at 6AM.  At 5:55AM, we bought our tickets and entered the tunnel, making sure that our hostel directions corresponded with the colorful maps at the station. 

We had a plan of action: grab the grey line, get off at the first stop and then switch onto the baby blue line and get off at the major stop (aka: Sol or the “Time Square” of Madrid).

But even the best laid plans fail.

KT’s creepy bus buddy jumped onto our Metro car just as the doors were closing.  Once again, he struck up conversation with KT, asking her where she was going and staying.  Flustered and wanting to get as far away as possible from this man, KT and I got off the Metro and then proceeded to get on the wrong line, taking us in the opposite direction of our destination. Some thirty minutes later, we found our way onto the right line and to the right stop.  Once out of the station, we climbed out onto what can only be described as a quiet, dark Time Square-esqe center – La Puerta del Sol.  We quickly found our hostel, rung the doorbell until an angry owner woke up, got our room and took a nap so we could start off the day recharged.

All of Friday, we explored the East side of town (or at least it was the East side on the map we had): El Jardin del Buen Retiro, Puerta de Alcala and Plaza de Cibeles were first on the list.  It was a great day for outdoor sightseeing as the sun was beaming all day. We also had a chance to enjoy El Museo del Prado, home to one of Europe’s best art collection.  For someone who’s artwork can’t get anymore complicated than stick figures, I have come to appreciate various artistic styles, taking an interest in learning more about the inspiration and history behind an artist’s work.

After long day of walking and enriching our minds, we grabbed a very delicious (but pricy) lunch in la Plaza Puerta de Sol. Grilled fish, fried chicken smothered in soy sauce, mussels, olives and luscious Mousse de Naranja (Orange flavored cake) were quickly consumed between the two of us. We left for our hostel to rest up for a night out in the town.

Since it was a Friday, I had arranged plans to attend religious services at Madrid’s Ismaili place of Worship.  A total of twelve people (including me) were in attendance for Friday ceremonies.  Our prayers were recited in Arabic (as always) but most of the other rites and rituals were done in SPANISH! Total cool! I was so stunned because I had grown up participating in these activities in my parents’ native tongues: Urdu, Hindi and Gujrati. 

Afterwards, the family offered me sweets and began telling me about their small community of forty Ismailis.  I asked them questions about why they had settled in Spain (instead of the US, Canada or England where there are large immigrant Ismaili diasporas).  One answer led to another question which led to a story, and then another and another and another.  By the time I looked at my phone, it was close to midnight! I had had a great time with the family and definitely learned a lot about my religious history that night.

Hungry like none other, a friend and I found a local tapas bar to grab a quick dinner before getting on the last metro for the night.  I ordered Tortilla Espanola (a very basic tapa) and Zumo de Naranja Natural (freshly squeezed OJ) for the both of us. We had a chance to catch up and discuss our experiences in our respective study abroad programs. 

The next day (Saturday) I spent exploring the west side of town (or so on the map), with my best friend, while KT met up with her roommates from IU who are currently studying abroad in Madrid. We visited Plaza Mayor, el Catedral de la Almudena, el Palacio Real, Plaza de Oriente, Plaza de España and el Templo de Debod (Egyptian ruins gifted to Spain by Egypt!!!).  All that sightseeing finally led us to Calle Gran Via (Madrid's Michigan Ave).  We stopped by a Chinese Restaurant (yes Chinese) for some long-desired Asian cuisine.  We spent the rest of the day shopping for hip European apparel, taking advantage of the last week of Rebajas (sales) in Spain. 

A sad goodbye and a few promises to plan future trips later, we were off our separate ways.  I arrived back at my hostel and was greeted by KT.  We packed up, had a great night out and went to bed at a decent hour in order to catch our 11AM bus back to Sevilla, the next morning.

Six hours later, I was back at home sweet Sevilla.  I’m still in the process of unpacking and sorting dirty clothes from reusable ones (laundry is done every two weeks at my homestay).  Though I am still a bit tired from the long bus ride home, I am in trip planning mode again!!!

Next stop on this Globe Trotter’s Itinerary: LISBON, PORTUGAL! (T-Minus TWO Days!)

“Those Who Haven’t Seen the Alhambra, Haven’t Seen Anything”

I was able to live out this old Spanish saying this past weekend, in Granada.  Friday, after classes, a few friends and I hopped on a bus and traveled some three hours to see the Alhambra and everything Granada had to offer.

Let’s rewind a bit.

My friends and I chose Granada because we thought it would be an easy “practice run” in preparation for our future trips.  Little did we know that no matter how close or far a location, how expensive or inexpensive, planning a trip required LOTS of work. And I mean A LOT. There was a time, last week, when I began thinking being a travel agent was my full time job. Everything from booking transportation to hostels to activities needed meticulous detailing. Nonetheless, it was an informative crash course in adulthood and traveling.

Back in Granada, CR, AJ and I settled into our hostel at 10PM on Friday night.  We picked an ideal location just seconds away from the Alhambra Palace.  Afterwards, we took a long walk (downhill) in search for a late dinner. On our way up (a very large, steep hill), we noticed how fortunate we were to be lodging right on top of a mountain, overlooking all of Granada.  The lit-up town was beautiful from where we were standing.

 The next morning, our group was reunited for an early morning tour of the Alhambra.  With very few people roaming around the palace at 9:30AM, we pretty much had the palace to ourselves for five solid hours. 

The Alhambra, in all its magnificence was much more of a colossal edifice than we had imagined. Starting off in the Nasrid Palaces, we made our way through the Mexuar, Comares and Palace of the Lions – each built in three different time periods by various Muslim rulers. Next, we explored through one of the oldest parts in the Alhambra, Alcazaba, an area used for military purposes in the 14^th and 15^th centuries.  Here, we climbed up the Round Tower and the Watch Tower (each with calculated heights enhancing the strategic location of the Alhambra) and allowed ourselves to enjoy the breathtaking view.

After making our way through the luscious Generalife (plant life), we headed toward Plaza Nueva, the center of Granada.  Bubbling with life and personality, Plaza Nueva was the nucleus of diversity and artistic creativity.  Displaying handcrafted tile mirrors, carved wooden pieces and intricate jewelry, the stores and people of Granada retold the age old story of how Muslims, Christians and Jews lived in harmony under Muslim Rule. 



HI MOM! This is the closest I got to the Court of the Lions since it was closed for restoration.

Aside from visiting the Alhambra, I had the opportunity to visit the chapel where Queen Isabel and King Fernando are buried, shop in Espana’s most high end stores and enjoy the most delicious FREE tapas (a tradition throughout Granada), all weekend long.

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