So my classes ended on the 14th and now I find myself back home in good ol' Indiana (at least until February when I head down to Perth, WA!!!). I have to admit that I was ready to go, especially because the last week of classes was absolutely crazy (four final exams, three papers due, 2 presentations...and I was only taking four classes) and its getting so close to Christmas and all the good holiday fun. Its strange, though, because I feel like Sevilla is still so close, as if I could choose to go walk down calle Castilla and cross the puente de Triana anytime I feel like it... So far no "reverse culture shock" has hit me (I must be immune to this culture shock thing; didn't really affect me on the way there either) although I'm slightly annoyed because my suitcases got lost on the way back and have yet to appear. The entire trip back was awful, actually but I don't want to think about that. Anyway, since I wasn't so good at posting regularly I figure I'll just note a couple of highlites/reflections regarding my time in Spain...
First off, I have to say that one of my favorite things were my dance lessons in sevillanas--the traditional Sevilla folkdances, although they are still very popular today. Apparently everyone comes out and dances sevillanas all night during the Feria de Abril, so it kind of sucks that I won't be around for that. I was the only American in my class, so it was a very nice Spanish immersion experience and the girl I usually danced with and I really got to be pretty good friends. When she heard I was leaving, she was like "Who am I going to dance with now?" It was sweet.
Second awesome thing: trip to Morocco...if any of you get the chance to go with the program Morocco Exchange, I'd recommend it. It was really cool because we didn't just go around seeing touristy things (although we did ride camels). We talked to a lot of people there about Islam, women's rights, Iraq, etc, all the hot topics. In Rabat we also got to spend an afternoon with Moroccan students, and it was amazing how nice they were and how immediately we were able to relate to them just as other "young adults" and all. Although one interesting thing about that experience was the Moroccan nightlife, or lack thereof. Most girls there aren't allowed by their families to go out at night and being a Muslim society, they don't drink. So when we went out with our student buddies, we were at the Pool Hall playing pool and smoking hookah and the only girls there were us. We couldn't stay out that last because our host families were freaking out (it was 11 pm), but apparently no one there stays out that late (in contrast with Spain where people are still out at 6 am). So Morocco was different but way cool.
Okay, no more time to write now. Maybe I'll reflect more later...
Hasta luego!
