The Locals

From the moment I arrived to Sevilla in September, I noticed the welcoming nature of the people. Interestingly, I am not referring to the regular passerby on the street or to my homestay family who has taken me in these past months.  I am most referring to the nature of the seemingly large young population of Sevilla that, in my mind, is the most accepting of American students. Throughout this semester, my friends and I have had the privilege to meet a variety of locals in the restaurants, cafes, and bars in Sevilla. All are around our age, and they all instantly invite us out with them and their friends, get our numbers, and actually follow through in texting us to meet up and go out together. We speak with them in Spanish, and almost as intercambios, they challenge us to say knew phrases and learn new words as we go back and forth throughout the night in communication. Oftentimes, I am struck by their extent of friendliness. I imagine myself in their shoes in the states, and I know that I would never extend the same amount of friendliness to a foreign student in my own city of Chicago. I might interact with them in the bars or restaurants and ask how their time is while travelling abroad, however, I know for a fact that I would never think to invite them out with my friends and I so that I could play hostess for a night. The concept is so new to me in fact, that whenever I do meet another local who wants to go out or receive a text from one who is trying to coordinate plans I never want to take it for granted. I love this aspect of the culture, and I think it is so special to see people my age—who have no responsibility or tie to me—being so welcoming and engaging. I think it is one of the best aspects of Sevilla.