I've decided now that I am LESS THAN 2 MONTHS AWAY from the end of my semester, that it is time to make a bucket list of things (mostly in Spain) I would like to accomplish/see/do before my European adventure ends, as well as document the amazing things I already have done! It is also a catch-all for the adventures I've had in between my blog posts. I'll try to keep up with the list and hopefully come June 30, all or at least many of the items will have been completed! Here goes...
(The items listed in bold represent those already accomplished)
- See a bull fight in Sevilla
To the absolute disgust of my roommate from last semester (...), I did indeed attend a "corrida de toros" or bull fight here in Sevilla. It was quite the experience I must say. 6 slain bulls later and it was accomplished--although a little intense, the matador's dance with the bull is simply mesmerizing. If it makes me a "bad person," so be it, but the tradition of bull fighting in Spain has always intrigued me and to have finally witnessed it first hand was an incredible experience.
- Be published
During my stint at The Olive Press, I was able to write 12ish briefs that were included in the latest issue of The Olive Press AND one of my stories got my byline! Although it was a very short article, it is quite awesome to see myself published abroad!
- Attend a futbol game
I never got around to writing a post about it, but I indeed did watch the Sevilla vs. Malaga game here in February. Decked out in my Sevilla scarf, it was a very interesting, and a very Spanish experience to say the least! The crowd chanting in loud Spanish, dramatic plays/injuries, and a very unified ambiance. Now I see why it is indeed the Spanish way of life!
-Botellón on the river/Calle Betis
A SUCCESS! As part of the last Sevilla hooray, a group of us bought our liters of Cruzcampo and headed down to the water's edge on Sevilla's ever-lively Calle Betis! For two hours, we reminisced, talked about everything under the sun, argued during an impromptu game of Who Am I? and enjoyed the last big night out for many of the group. It was something I wanted to do my entire semester and I loved having that be a big part of my send off!
-Attend La Feria de Abril
Pretty much, La Feria is a combination of the State Fair, an exclusive frat party, a horse parade, flamenco and hoards of drinking. Therefore, it is nearly impossible for me to describe. It is a week-long 24 hour party that happens to be about 1.5 blocks from my house. The women are decked out in gorgeous flowing flamenco dresses and the men are looking ever so suave in coats and ties. Also, many of the tents are private, so you are lucky if you have Spanish friends who can slip you an invite--I'll admit I've lucked out a few times and entered into these sacred Feria establishments.
-Watch a quality flamenco show
Although I've been to La Carboneria, the free flamenco show that everyone who is anyone goes to in Sevilla, I wanted to find something a little less commericalized. I had planned on going to a cheap tablao, but in my current economic situation, I can't manage that. However, the other night I went to a FANTASTIC and FREE show at T de Triana, a bar on Betis. I watched a set and a half and was literally fixated on the show--the mournful wailing of the singer, the signature guitar playing and the passionate dancing were all incredible. It was a great way to end my time in Sevilla--perhaps next time I can work out a tablao, but for now, this was pretty awesome too!
-Visit another continent
...and that's exactly what I did when I ventured to Morocco! I now can knock my continent count up to 3--North America, Europe, and Africa! Having the opportunity to visit Morocco gave a really interesting perspective into a culture that is even more different than my own, but I throughly enjoyed the opportunity to further expand my awareness.
-Visit Abbey Road
And check that one off the list! I did indeed make it to Abbey Road during my short stint in London and I loved being able to set foot on a pretty iconic place. Some of my favorite Beatles' songs are off of this album and I love the idea that they simply shot the cover outside of the studios. Also, I got myself on camera and on the internet (that sounds terribly bad, actually)--there's a live camera at the crosswalk that watches everyone cross the street. You can view it right here!
http://www.abbeyroad.com/visit/
-Swim in the Mediterranean
So far, I've only touched the freezing waters of this sea when I went to Barcelona, however I'll go ahead and count it. BUT the real experience was in Mallorca! I spent 4 days with 9 other friends soaking up the sun on the Balearic Island of Mallorca--and naturally spent a good portion of the time on the beach and swimming around in the Mediterranean. With its gorgeous color and relatively warm temperatures, it was quite an enjoyable experience--and one I can now add to my repertoire.
in Barcelona
-Travel to eastern Europe!
I made it! To Prague and Berlin, and let me say, one of the best trips so far! After hearing enormous amounts of raving about Prague from the internet and Cameron Nelson, I finally had my own chance to visit it and I definitely fell in love with the city and all it has to offer. The castle, the strange language, the koruna instead of the euro, the kielbasa, the gorgeous architecture--it all was incredible and I definitely want to return. Berlin was also another city that I want to make it back to--my day long adventure was not enough to the counter culture of this incredibly hip city enough, however I was riveted by the history the city has. And seeing the Berlin Wall in person was quite profound, I'll admit. Eastern Europe has a certain draw to it and honestly I might prefer it to the west (shhh....). I'll be back someday I'm most sure.
-Couchsurf
Couchsurfing has by far been one of the best little perks about traveling in Europe. From my Paris blog post, you probably remember my absolutely FANTASTIC experience with Caro and Vince. Although I only had the opportunity to do it once, it literally has increased the value of my semester tenfold, and let me meet incredible individuals! I can't wait to do it more in the future!
-Paddle boat in the Guadalquivir
We finally did it! Four of us split the cost of a paddle boat and took it out for a run for an hour on my last full day in Sevilla. It offered a really neat perspective of the river and we enjoyed the time to relax (at least those who weren't paddling could) and talk as the semester finished up. It was something I really wanted to do so I am so glad I finally got to!
-Eat fish and chips
Although I had to turn down an opportunity for a Sunday roast, I had some pretty boss fish and chips. And minted mushy peas! While on a free walking tour of London, I met a fellow American who was as gung ho about eating this dish as I was and we made our way to nice little pub for some classic breaded haddock with tartare, mushy peas and chips. As well as a refreshing pear cider to top it all off. I'm going to say I was a huge fan of this.
