Destination: Seville

I wrote last night but my phone died because I couldn't figure out the electricity converter. That is just one of the many little things that is different here in Spain so far.
I live in a little neighborhood called Mairena del Aljarafe.  I feel like I'm living in a postcard!  The city is so colorful and beautiful, full of artisan.  There is a lot of Arabic influence here in Sevilla.  The vibrant ceramic tiles, the red clay rooftops, curtains covering the patio, & narrow streets.  Everything is within walking distance.  The school and the mall are only 20 minutes away.  Everybody walks more, the city is more alive with people laughing, conversing, drinking un café.  The lifestyle here is much more relaxed, one of my favorite parts of the day is sitting around the table for El Almuerzo (like lunch time) around 2 or 3 in the afternoon.  Spaniards care a lot about their food, they take their time.  The olives are very strong but delicious, & the melons are the sweetest things I have ever tasted! The grapes and tomatoes are huge!  The meat is delicious and you can tell they feed me very well here!
My room is cozy, I have a wardrobe, a desk, a comfy daybed,  and lots of shelves.  My fan is currently my best friend.  I even have an American flag hanging on my wall as a touch of home.
There is something special about my room, it leads out onto the balcony/patio.  It's the best part about the house!  Because of the Arabic influence the houses are built close together and on the inside courtyard all the neighbors share a pool!  I can see it from my balcony.  The courtyard is where everyone gathers around to watch a game of soccer (very important here) and cook and visit.  My neighbors are very sweet.
 My family here is the sweetest kind of people I have ever met, I already feel like a part of their family.  We cook, we dance, we sing, we eat, and we laugh all day!  Jared is my new little brother, he is 12 years old.  He is super mischievous and playful and very guapo!  He can also be very sweet.  So far we've had a long talk next to the pool, he's saved me from the cat Celeste several times (she hates me because I 'stole' her room) and have had many laughs.  He treats me like I'm his sister.
Today I taught him how to play ninja destruction, & now I have a feeling we will be playing that very often..  I also taught him how to wear a snapback correctly.
 I could go on, and on but the time difference is 7 hours apart and I am still jetlagged.  I have to wake up early tomorrow to go to the beach in Huelva!  Wooohoo!

I wanna give a shutout to all my friends back in Utah and especially to my family.  Mom, Dad, Cassidy, and Ixchel!  I miss you guys so much but I want you to know that I am doing just great over here.