Mi familia Nueva

Hola familia y amigos,

The Triana Bridge. It was designed by the same person who designed the Eiffel Tower. 

Well, now I would love to tell you about my host family and new home. I live in the barrio of Sevilla called, Triana. Triana is an area just outside of the city center across the famous Triana bridge. It is a beautiful, middle-class area that I now call home. I live in what is called a piso. A piso is very similar to an apartment, but a little bigger. It is like a one-story house stacked on top of other one-story houses. It has a living room, kitchen, dining room, 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms. I have my own room.

Funny story about this heater. Let's just say it is the ONLY reason I am even able to sleep at night. In Sevilla, winter is only about 2-3 months out of the year and the rest of the time it is blazing hot. So the houses are built to withstand the heat of the summer time. Which means, the floors are all tile and there is NO heat. So Miguel and Carmen have provided space heaters in our rooms to keep us warm. It is also a thing here to wear shoes or slippers around the house. You are not allowed to wear just socks or bare feet!! I know this from experience as i always try to get away with just wearing socks and then Carmen chases me to my room to get slippers on!

I live with my roommate, Kate, who is from Washington and my host parents, Miguel and Carmen. They are an older couple in their 60's.

When I arrived in Sevilla, I met my host mom, first. She really intimidated me. She did not look like she was in her 60's (but of course no one looks there age here!). I was very intimidated by her because she spoke really fast and had a think accent. We have had a few miscommunications because she speaks so fast, but she is really patient and enjoys talking about all sorts of things. She cooks and cleans for us. I think she is the best cook in the whole world. Her food is delicious!

This was the first dinner she made for us. It was chicken wings made with a Coca Cola sauce and candied carrots. Yummmy!

I really enjoy talking to Carmen in the kitchen as she cooks. We talk about all sorts of things, but it is such a great way to get to know her and improve my communication skills as neither of my host parents know English. I have also been sick this past week trying to get used to eating the food here, but Carmen went to the store and bought a drink to help settle my stomach and made my favorite soup. So no worries parents, I have someone taking really good care of me! She evens calls me hija, which means daughter in Spanish.

Then, I also live with her husband, Miguel. He is a very interesting character because I swear he is grandpa Fraley in Spanish form. He is a sweetie pie, full of knowledge, and has a plethora of stories. He is a retired architectural engineer.  I have learned so much already about the city of Sevilla and Spain through his stories about the World Expo in 1992, cheese, wine, olives, etc. And he can talk about anything for a very long time.  If you get Miguel talking about something at dinner, you sit at the dinner table for an hour or two.

He also really enjoys movies. But only older Spanish movies because today's Spanish films are too political. He also owns a lot of movies, but they are all pirated off the internet!

How he is like Grandpa Fraley:

1. He loves a good movie.
2. He loves to tell stories, especially funny ones. 
3. He loves to tell jokes.
4. He has a lighthearted spirit and just wants to enjoy life.
5. He loves books and even gave me a book to read. 
6. He loves music and usually has his headphones in listening to music in the kitchen. 

Needless to say, I like Miguel. I think he is a pretty cool host dad.

Oh and I can't forget my host family's dog, Goku!!!! He is the best dog ever. He is 13 years old and loves to go for walks, sleep, and eat cookies.

I'm still being good and staying safe!

Love you all,

Courtney