day 4: first day of school

Monday was our first day of school at the Giralda Center. We had to be in at 830am to take a test to determine our levels and what class we would be in.

This is a view of our school from across
the street. It's very nice. 

I was super nervous about this test though because the last Spanish classes I had were last summer in the Dominican Republic.  Sadly, I was right to be nervous. It was super hard, had 65 questions, and we weren't given much time. I didn't even finish about twenty questions at least. Luckily I wasn't the only one with issues - everyone I spoke with said it was impossible. I wish it had an oral or listening section. BUT I know I'm still taking 4395 and 4195 despite the test. I think the test is more for the school here to measure how students improve during the program. They use the test as a starting point for each student.

But, after that was all done and graded we switched into our classes and started talking about Sevilla and its history. Classes ended around 1pm and we were able to go home for lunch. My mom here is a great cook!

She made spaghetti, tuna salad (with onions, peppers, cucumbers)
and potatoes with peas and calamari. 

Living here with a host family I'll try whatever she makes because A it's usually amazing and B I don't want her to get offended. The food was all very delicious! I'm a texture person and I wasn't a huge fan of the calamari because I prefer it when it's fried. I mean what isn't delicious when fried, let's be honest.

After lunch we had siesta time, which is usually my lay in bed and work on my journal for school here or on the blog.

Around five we all met back up at the school for our first excursion.  We had a guided walking tour around a neighborhood here called Santa Cruz. It started in the flower gardens across from our school and took us past several cute shops, pretty plazas and buildings.

I really like this one! I took it when we started our
tour in the gardens by our school. The two below as well.

After the park we continued on to see several other plazas and buildings.  Man was I snapping photos.

So close together! I love walking
around here.

This next building below was on la avenida de construcción. I love its intricate design on both the front and sides. Well, all over really.

Love the tile work.

And I love the rooftop terrace on this building. Such a cute spiral staircase too.

These next ones are from our walk past the cathedral.  We are visiting it by itself another day.

And the carriages outside:

After the walking tour, one of the other girls, named Tristin, and I broke off and did some more exploring and shopping. I bought wine bottle stoppers and a spoon rest. 

We walked around and ended up doing dinner on calle San Fernando. We ate at Cristina & Co. and the food was amazing. We sat and talked and shared tapas and beers till about ten then each walked home. All in all: another win. I mean 13€ each for delicious tapas and like 4 beers each? I'll take it :)