Did you know....a scene from Star Wars was filmed in Sevilla?

Buenos días!

Just finished my final exam in my intensive Spanish course…so glad that class is over.  Not enjoyable at all…now, weekend!  It’s supposed to be super chilly this weekend, so hopefully my many layers will keep me warm.

This week has been a great week, but a busy one!  Monday I checked out the famous Plaza de España, and got a guided tour of it on Wednesday.  It was used in the 1920’s, if I remember correctly, for an exhibition.  It is in the shape of a half circle and facing the river and gardens, which represent different countries – so it’s all symbolic of Spain hugging – dar un abrazo – other countries.  Fun fact…a scene from Star Wars was filmed there!  Check it out, starting around 0:15: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edhLosefD0Q  The bridge they walk on, I walked on, too.  If you can see in the background, as they are crossing the bridge, little murals on the wall, here’s what they are: for the exhibition, each city in Spain was painted onto the walls, with benches by each city and a mural of something that happened there, along with books about the city.  When I was there, many people were sitting out in the sun on the benches, napping or doing homework.  I plan to do that once the weather warms up!  After the Plaza de España, we walked through the park, called Parque de María Luisa, to La Plaza de Palomas, which literally means Pigeon Plaza – pigeons are everywhere!

Classes have been busy…two 600-word essays were due this week, along with a big presentation, and an exam.  Wednesday night I met my intercambio, Fátima Vazguez.  She is 29-years old, and speaks pretty good English.  She brought with a friend of hers, who is teaching here this year on an exchange program.  She is from Springfield, IL.  And one of Fátima’s co-workers was there, too, with his intercambio, so we met up with them, and the five of us, and one other Spanish student, are going to try to hang out more often and help each other with English/Spanish.

I forgot type this last time, too…so while in Amsterdam, Pesach begins.  I searched on Shabbat.com and found a family in Amsterdam who said they are willing to host me and my friends for Shabbos and Pesach – that will be so cool!  OK…off with Miriam to go relax after our exams!

Saludos,

-Jeremy