Day-to-Day

A culture that shows a knack for presentation and luxury.

The apartment I'm staying in is freezing cold; slippers are essential. Our landlady says it's because most buildings in Seville are built without insulation. We have a couple of space heaters but we aren't allowed to put them on too high otherwise we'll use too much electricity, so basically I'm frozen solid all the time. Apparently it gets extremely hot here though so I'm looking forward to the coming months. They say the apartments are so cool and interior here so as to protect from the harsh summer sun.

I have to start getting used to eating at different times too. I've noticed that Sevillans have a coffee or croissant around 5-6pm which is usually my dinner time at home, and then dinner around 8-10pm. AND people drink all day, it's definitely acceptable to order a beer here at 11am with breakfast. This cycle fascinates me... I definitely need to adjust.

I have no idea what the difference between Iberian ham and regular ham is but everywhere I go for groceries or to eat it says "Iberian Ham". Also the ham here doesn't even look like ham you might find in the states, in fact I haven't seen that kind of ham here at all! The sliced ham in Seville looks like raw bacon or prosciutto honestly but it tastes incredible and I like it better than the ham I've always grown up eating.

I can't wait to get further acquainted with Seville. The fact that there are old women walking around every day all made up and dressed to the nines in the streets makes me think this is an irresistible place to live.

I love the architecture and cobblestone streets (typical American thing to say). But I really do love it because I'm from New York and although it's beautiful there it's very modern. It makes Seville seem so authentic and untouched. The coffee is strong here too. Everyone prefers espresso! I think if a local watched me make my coffee they might wince. I love the strong coffee though, but the serving size is so dainty. I like to have a big mug full of it, but I am getting used to having a smaller, stronger cup.

I can't wait to get further acquainted with Seville. The fact that there are old women walking around every day all made up and dressed to the nines in the streets makes me think this is an irresistible place to live.

I should also mention that the reason why I started this post by saying Sevilla maintains a culture that has a knack for presentation and luxury, is because THEY REALLY DO! I ordered tea at the hotel my father was staying at when he came to visit me, and the waiter brought me a beautifully organized tray with my own little kettle full of water, two tea bags, a bajillion sugars, a little jar of honey, spoons, steamed milk, etc.!!!