Halloween was great! I'd say about a third of Spaniards were dressed up, and of course, almost all the Americans. Being my creative costume self, I threw together a costume for less than 10 euro and called it: Super España!! I was pretty popular with the Spaniards when we went out; everyone saying, "Viva España!!" and things like that. Quite a fun night. There were a ton of little kids running around my building in costumes. Interesting cultural note: while in America we dress up in all sorts of costumes, in Spain they only dress up as scary things.Elections: YAY OBAMA!!!!! I am so happy about the election news. I'd say the majority of students here voted absentee, which was good to hear. It's always uplifting to hear that youth are using their voices. While it was interesting to see how Spain reacted, I kind of wish I had been in the US to experience such a wonderfully historical moment. My favorite headline was, "Ya no es un sueño" (It is no longer a dream). Seeing the image of Jesse Jackson crying really touched my heart. I am trying to find a way to go to the Inauguration, but we will see.
This past weekend we went to Cordoba. It was amazing. We went to La Mezquita, and I am still in awe that I finally had a chance to see it. (There are pictures posted if you have no idea what I am talking about.) After hearing about it for so long and seeing photos in textbooks, it seemed unreal to be there. Grace and I spent the night in a hostel and went to the Alcázar the next day. It was beautiful, with gardens and fantasic architecture. If you're ever in Andalucía, Cordoba is definitely worth a visit.
I am writing an article (a "fiction" piece) for the student magazine that is published every semester called, "más+menos". I've never really had to write fiction, so it has been an interesting process. I met yesterday with my intercambio to have him translate the text. It will be out in December, so I'll try to bring a copy home with me.
One thing that I really miss from home is diverse foods. We attempted to find a good Mexican food place, and that semi-failed. The "best" restaurant in Sevilla for Mexican food is nothing like good ol' Mexican food from San Francisco. However, we did find a Chinese restaurant that is pretty good, so that will have to hold me over until December.
