Karla comes to Sevilla!

Karla’s Visit!
One of my best girlfriends from home, Karla, came to visit me the first part of Semana Santa! Karla is studying abroad in Rome and spent her spring break travelling though Spain. She made it a point that she spent a chunk of time in Sevilla!
Karla arrived in Sevilla Wednesday evening. We met up at her hostel and heading into el centro to get a quick taste of Sevilla. They were starting to set up downtown for Semana Santa and there were people everywhere! We just kind of walked around and had a quick tour of the area and saw the river. That night Caroline and I were having our birthday dinner with our Spanish family so Karla and I split ways for the evening. After dinner we met up at a local favorite for a drink and to give Karla the opportunity to see our friend Sean as well. It was great to have a little high school reunion in Spain!
Thursday Karla and her friend Emily went on a day trip to Granada and then Friday, Karla, Emily, Caroline and I all had plans to go to Cadiz. Cadiz is a beach about an hour and a half from Sevilla. We left late morning and made it to Cadiz around 11am by Bus. Once there we grabbed a quick lunch and headed for the beach! I really didn’t know what to expect of the beach in Cadiz. To be honest it kind of just reminded me of a beach at home, nothing to fancy! It was definitely nice to relax in the sun for a little while though. The weather has been great these past few weeks, 80s and up! After a long day on the beach we grabbed some drinks and nachos at a little Mexican joint on the beach and watched the sunset. From here we ran—literally—to our bus and made it just in time to head back to Sevilla.
Friday night we went out with the group of friends and showed Karla and Emily a little bit of Sevilla night life. I think they had fun! Saturday was our day to tour Sevilla a little more. We met up around lunch time and ate outdoors at a little café. After this we headed to Alcazar to tour and see the gardens. This time of year it is absolutely stunning. The gardens are in bloom and the sun is shining! When we were touring Alcazar we passed at least 7 or 8 brides taking wedding pictures, so pretty! After walking around there for a little while we headed to Plaza de Espana. From Plaza de Espana we made our way back toward our homestay. Karla was so excited to meet Paqui and see where we live (our friend Emilee had the same senora last spring!). It was so great to be able to share all this with Karla. She has heard several stories about Sevilla and Paqui from Emilee and me over the past year. In addition, she speaks Spanish so I didn’t have to interpret the entire time! We hung out at the house for a little bit and Karla chatted it up with Paqui. Paqui even showed Karla her flamenco dress and all her accessories. Later that night we took Karla and Emily to flamenco at La Carboneria, it was packed!
Sunday was Palm Sunday. I got up bright and early and met Karla and Emily at the Cathedral for mass. It was beautiful! In addition to the mass all the families were all dressed up and looking so cute. After mass we went to a starbucks (yes I know so nontraditional! But Karla doesn’t have starbucks in Italy so it was a treat!) and grabbed coffee and a muffin to people watch. Sunday was the first day of the important Semana Santa processions in Sevilla. The entire city was in the process of being set up. There were people flooding into el centro and chairs set up everyone. It was a perfect day to people watch!
After a few hours of chatting and people watching we went our separate ways. It was time for Karla and Emily to head back to Rome and me to get back to the house and pack for spring break round 1! Unfortunately I am unable to visit Karla in Rome L, but we will be meeting up in Venice after our programs to head to Greece with our families! Cant wait!