Noche alegre en Sevilla y bike ride

Alright, this is the VERY last blog I'm writing today. First off, I gotta write something about my night out in Sevilla.

I awoke about 3 hours after I was supposed to wake up (for the siesta) to a bunch of drunk guys outside singing very poorly. I woke up, took a shower, then walked outside the hotel room to see if I could find anyone to hang out with. As it happened, one of my API friends invited me to hang out with her and her friends, since Alex and the guys had long since left the hotel.

I go to their room and theres about six or seven API people (all girls) tellin me about how a large group of drunk soccer fans serenaded them and mooned them. We then all decided to head to this OLD bar (like three or four hundred years old) where Miguel Cervantes used to hang out. There were legs of pigs hanging from the ceiling and a medley of drink lining the walls. I got a tapa and a beer (Cruzcampo is about the only beer you can get in Sevilla). After the old bar, we went off in search of another bar because all the girls wanted to take shots. We finally agreed on this really small bar a few blocks away, and the bartender was happy to teach us malapalabras and other dirty phrases. I also learned how to drink with a Russian (which is very fun, and you might wanna try it sometime). Basically, you toast to each other, then cross arms and drink, then kiss on the lips. Very fun shot.

Afterwards we finally all got back to bed, although I stayed up and continued talking to a few people before one of the girls and I went out again. We had a great time complaining about how bad Spanish vodka is and trying to find our way back. We apparently had a better night than a few other API people, who got their camera broken, lost 20 E trying to get it back, and then one guy out of the group got punched in the face a few times.

The next day, we all got our free breakfast then went on the bike ride. I have to say, I was half and half about going back to the hotel and sleeping some more or going on the bike ride...so glad I went on the bike ride. I don't have all the pictures yet, but here are a few.

Look! Its a replica of Nao Victoria! Wouldnt that be a crappy ride across the Indian Ocean?

For some odd reason, some trashcans in Sevilla are domes with artwork on them.

Here are some photos of a palace we rode to in Sevilla. George Lucas used this palace as inspiration for his Star Wars movies (probably episodes 1-3).

You can't tell from here, but the sides are lines with pictures of all the cities and towns.

Anyways, after the bike ride, we got some tapas before getting supplies for Carnaval. That story WILL have to wait until tomorrow, because I gotta go to my History class (which isnt that interesting actually, oh well). Anyhow, more pics and stories to come, hasta luego

Sevilla pt 2

And I told you this one would come real soon. I literally got tired of formatting and reformatting the damn blog so it would flow after I added pictures (which, for whatever reason, screws up the formatting of everything). I just had a nice break from writing, during which I thought about the guitar I'm getting real soon!!!

Anyways, back to Sevilla...

After Alcazar Real, we went to Sevilla Catedral, also known as Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See). Basically, the fourth largest Christian cathedral in the world, and crazy intricate design everywhere. The catedral holds the remains of Christopher Colombus and has an altar made of pure gold where only three marriages may take place per year (and only the super rich, wealthy families get to do this). There's also some cool arches and pictures and loot in the castle. If I were an awesome thief, I would totally plan a heist there.

Here's a bunch of pics of the Catedral:

The catedral from the street

Look at that MASSIVE door!!!

Here's what remains of Colombus

Here's that altar made of solid gold...sick

Take a look at that LOOT!!!

PURE GOLD and SILVER!!!

Anyhow, after walking around the Cathedral with Alex (one of my API friends), we got separated from the tour group, so we just decided to climb up the tower (Giralda). The view from up top was amazing!!! It was about 30 something stories, and really freakin high! Along the way you could look in these little rooms at pieces of bell tower machinery or whatnot, as well as take a peek along the various windows. We couldnt get to the very top, but as high as they allow tourists (I did see one lady attempt to pick the lock so she could climb higher). Here's some pics:

Look at that view.

The bells on the bell tower.

After spending about half an hour just taking in the view, Alex and I decided to head back to the hotel, just as our tour group was making its way up the stairs. We got back, and I decided to siesta while Alex left to hang out with his buddy who lived in Sevilla. I ended up oversleeping and didnt get to hang out with the guys that night, instead I hung out with about 6 girls from API. That, is a story for another day. Anyhow, might write one more today before class, pero a ver, no? Pues, voy a pasear en la calle para encontrar una tienda de dulces y caramelos (tengo un poco de tos). Hasta luego!

Sevilla and Carnaval

Wow, so much has happened since the last time. I guess its only fair to recount my adventures in Sevilla and at Carnaval. To be fair, this will probly be a two-five parter, so I can get in all the photos and such.
Last weekend, we got on the bus to go to the airport at 6am, which really sucked. After passing out in an uncomfortable position (on top of the tray table) I left the plane full of expectations.

HAHA!

Sevilla was so beautiful! The streets were lined with restaurants and costume shops and the like, and some of the architecture there blew my mind. First we visited Real Alcazar castle, which was cool because of the Arabic influence infused with Christian themes. I won't get into too much detail (I'll do that next blog) but the fountains and gardens were pretty amazing, with trees from around the world. Next we visited the Sevilla Catedral (once again, I'm leaving the details for the next blog) and climbed this huge tower to get a look at the entire city. After some sight-seeing and tapas, we finally got back to the hotel to relax and prepare for the night ahead, which is a story in itself, so wait for the next blog.

The next day we did some sightseeing on bicycles and then prepared for Carnaval. By the way, if you have seen my Carnaval costume, I'm not sure what I exactly was...some kind of Irish pirate with leis and a gun and a sword...Anyways, the train to Carnaval was a bit of an experience as well, and Carnaval rocked. Long story involved with Carnaval though, so that will have to be its own separate blog.

Anyways, I'm heading out to chill with some API friends, so hasta luego!