Taking it for Granted

This weekend I had two friends studying abroad come visit me here in Seville, one from Prague and the other from Florence. I was so excited to show them my little study abroad world here in Seville but also a little nervous. I wondered, “Will they like it as much as I do?” “Will they be able to see the culture and traditional values?” “Will they think it’s as fun and exciting to be here as I do?” So many questions ran though my head and now that they are both on flights out of Seville, I can say I had one of the best weekends of my trip because I was able to see Seville through the same lens I had upon arrival. My friends were constantly commenting on how lively and engaging the locals are as well as the employees of tapas bars and restaurants who loved to strike up conversations with us. I realize these last few weeks of being here I have taken for granted all the amazing things Seville has to offer. I’ve been too Plaza de España plenty of times but this time I actually took a moment to just sit and take in its beauty. We strolled through Parque de Maria Luisa and admired how lush and green it is in there amongst fellow travelers as well as locals spending quality time with family and friends. I usually don’t eat out because I have a host mom but I know some of some great tapas bars and traditional Spanish restaurants. When I took my friends to these places they were amazed at how easy it was to find local places that served traditional food as opposed to fast food or more modernized restaurants. Overall I had a great weekend showing them around and it was the wake up call I needed to remind me that I am so lucky to get to spend this time living in such an amazing place and as the trip quickly comes to an end I want to be more present and aware of my surroundings, because here in Seville they are truly amazing.