Sunday, 12 April 2009

• Sevilla, Spain - This Is My Symphony

  

  I have rarely felt happier and more content than I was during my regrettably brief week-long stay in Sevilla, Spain.

  In the aftermath of vacations, it is easier to see the glamour that might not have been present during the hectic times of trying to get into museums, finding your way through the crowded streets, and trying to communicate with a foreign language. Yet for me, Spain was glamorous from beginning to end. The extraordinary beauty of the architecture, the friendly and hospitable locals, and the fascinating history was captivating throughout the whole experience.

  I came to envy the Spanish way of life and after anyone learns of their daily schedule, I am sure they would agree as well. The Spanish wake up at a decent hour, work hard for the entire morning, break for lunch, work a little bit more,and then take a two to four hour nap before heading back to work for another hour or so. This daily ritual seemed to make everyone seem so relaxed and not at all stressed out. Can you imagine the sort of difference that routine would cause in our lives if we had that moment to relax and focus on simply being? Of course the drawback to their napping is that during that time, everything is closed. It is a sad tale for a tourist who really has not traveled all the way to Spain to take a nap for three hours along with everyone else. So in that block of time, we all began to learn incredible patience. I enjoyed that time because, even though we would not head back to our apartment for a nap,we would certainly find a place to sit and discuss everything we had seen.

  The Spanish also do not eat their dinner before nine o'clock in the evening, resulting in a normal dinner time of ten to eleven every night. What a glorious experience to see an entire city so peaceful and quite. Everyone took their time enjoying their family and friends without the fast-paced life pressures that so many Americans bring upon themselves.

  One thing that I try very hard to accomplish on any trip is to see how the locals really live so that I do not come away with any misconceptions about the country. I immerse myself in the culture as best I can, living amongst them (not in a "touristy" hotel), eating their food, talking with the locals, and observing them go about their daily lives.

  On one of the last nights in Sevilla, we all dressed up and attended a flamenco dance performance in a beautiful, dimly lit courtyard. The music and sounds of the dance steps of that lovely Spanish past time filled the place as I sat back and enjoyed watching the custom continue on. From touring ancient mosques, medieval palaces and cathedrals, countryside vineyards, to simply sitting at a street side cafe, it was all a lovely dream that I wish could have been prolonged.

  Among my favorites places was the palace that Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand interviewed Columbus regarding his intended voyage, the cathedral in which Columbus isburied, touring the many armory shops, walking along the highly fashionable shopping districts, and sitting at the boutique dessert shops which offered a wide array of death by chocolate options. A choice of dessert along with a rich cup of espresso equals my ultimate inspiration point. Yet at the end of the day, all I wanted to do was simply "be" as I walked along the cobblestone streets, lit by the glowing yellow lampposts, listening to the church bells all around me.

  Life seemed so simple and glorious there. No doubt I am romanticizing it my head, yet the simple standard of Spanish life affected me greatly as I began to realize how wrapped up I had become with the busy events and activities that I ignore the beautiful moments around me. Time nearly seemed to stand still when I would just sit and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. A quote that I had with me and which I included in my travel diary is by William Henry Channing who wrote, "To live content with what you have; To seek elegance rather than luxury, And refinement rather than fashion; To be worthy, not reputable, and wealthy, not rich; To listen to stars and birds, babes and sages withopen heart; To study hard; To think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, Hurry never; In a word to let the spiritual, unbiddenand unconscious, grow up through the common– This is my symphony."

  What have you learned from your travels abroad? What is your favorite city?

  • 5:32 PM
  • 5347 Views
  • 14 eProps
  • 7 Comments