Another week, another blog! This past week, Kate visited Sevilla!!! It was such a treat to have a visitor from home! She's studying in Cork, Ireland and I'm so glad we both have gotten to see the other's temporary home for 4 months! I had an amazing time in Cork, and I'm pretty sure Kate had a great time in Sevilla!

Kate arrived on Wednesday evening, and we really didn't do much because she was pooped from touring around Italy for 10 days! On Thursday, I went to class, and then got to show Kate some of Sevilla! I brought her to Corte Inglés (basically a Spanish Harrod's) and walked around ElCentro. That night, I finally got to use the birthday present Mick gave me! Kate and I went to El Tablao de Los Gallos for a great flamenco show! Everyone in it was so talented, and did everything I have been learning in class! I was so happy I got to bring Kate so she could experience some true Andalusia flamenco while she was in Sevilla! I wish I could have taken more pictures, but they were being sticklers about not letting us! It was still a great experience! Their dresses were so elaborate, and it was so clear how much effort each dancer was putting into it. The guitarists and singers were all extremely talented as well!

On Friday, we were off to Malaga for a couple days at the beach! We took a bus there, and once we checked into our hostel, we went straight to the beach! Our cab driver said it normally wasn't as windy as it had been, but we didn't care! Unfortunately, we started caring quickly after we lay down and started to get whipped by all the sand! So we sadly left the beach and decided our hostel patio would have to do. However, it all turned out for the better! We made a few friends who were doing the same thing, and ended up having a great afternoon sitting out on the patio! At around 8:30, the owner of the hostel (George—not Jorge) set out dinner. We knew it was 6 euro so we were still decided whether to buy it or not but once we saw what he had cooked our decision was made! We did not expect such a big spread! For 6 euro we got couscous, chicken meatballs, chicken kebab, tortellini, and chicken wings—all homemade!!! It was SO delicious; we considered staying another night just for George's cooking!

We woke up Saturday and decided to walk around the center of Malaga. It is such a pretty city!First, we went to the Picasso museum—my second one! George told us there was one in Malaga, Barcelona, and Paris—one in each city Picasso had lived in. I'm pretty proud of myself for making it to two out of the three! The museum in Malaga is definitely smaller than the one in Barcelona, but still very impressive. After the museum, we walked by the Catedral—Spaniards certainly know how to build some lovely churches! We also got to go the central market which had the typical array of stands with fresh fruits and veggies, meats, cheeses, breads, and of course olives! After the market, we walked through the International Fair that we were lucky enough to come across! They had stands from a ton of countries from around the world with different food and gifts! I was so happy to be able to chat with some Brazilians and drink some Guaraná (amazing Brazilian soda)! When we were done walking around downtown, back to the hostel's patio we went to get some final hours of sun in before our bus ride back to Sevilla. We got back just in time to head to a bar and watch the Barcelona vs Madrid Classic! It's the biggest football game of the season, and I was so happy to be in a bar full of Barça fans!! The evening ended perfectly with a Barcelona win; 2-0! What a perfect weekend so far!

Sunday there was an Alternative Fair in El Parque del Alamillo in Sevilla. My sister said she would be at so I figured why not go! It turned out to be really neat! I've never seen so much couscous and falafel in my life! There were stands and stands of homemade gifts, clothes, soap--everything! It was a gorgeous day so it was perfect for just strolling around and looking at all of the stands. I couldn't find my sister though!

Monday was Kate's last day in Sevilla, so after I went to class we went to the Alcazar. It turned out to be a gorgeous day, and we could have walked around the gardens for hours and hours!It was so gorgeous and yet again, another reason not even pictures can do Sevilla justice; the entire place smelled of orange blossoms! We found a musical fountain, a hedge maze, peacocks, and baby ducks! And all of this is free with a student ID—I love Spain! Of course we had to end Kate's visit with a final trip to Rayas—the best ice cream in Sevilla! I wish there was a way to bring some back home with me, but unfortunately I don't think it would work out too well…or even make it to the airport (I would eat it all within minutes!).

Tuesday morning Kate was headed back to Ireland after a long 15 days of travelling around Europe! Luckily we get to see each other again in a little over a month! We're already planning a major scrapbooking party to recap our trips!

My next (and sadly, final) adventure brings me to the Netherlands! I'm so excited to finally visit the country my Dad has raved about since I can remember! There will be many pictures to come, I'm sure!

Oh, and I hope everyone has a fantastic Tax Day!

¡Mucho amor y besitos!