He llegado

After nearly 24 hours of traveling, I’m happy to say that I’m writing my first entry from Sevilla. Luckily for me, the worst thing that happened during my flights was spilling orange juice all over my pants somewhere above Europe. Also luckily, I sat next to 2 nice gentlemen on the first 2 legs of my flight (Pittsburgh to Philadelphia & Philadelphia to Madrid).

Flying east at dusk is an almost indescribable experience. There is something unsettling about flying into the sunset, however poetic it may sound. Night falls all too quickly, especially over the ocean. The brain understands that you are flying across time zones toward a later point in the night, but your breath still catches each time the mind asserts that darkness has fallen all too quickly.

The aerial views of the cities, however, are beautiful. I couldn’t get over how level Philadelphia was or what perfect right angles the streets formed. Madrid just before sunrise was equally gorgeous, visible only as concentrated centers of light on a dark earth.

Before I get too carried away waxing poetic, however, I have to admit that I do also have a fear of flying, facilitated mostly by “The Twilight Zone.” When I realized I was overlooking the wing on 2 of my 3 flights, I couldn’t help but recall the famous Shatner episode.

what I saw:

what Shatner saw:

Now I’m writing from the Hotel Bécquer, where I’ll be staying for the next few days for orientation. Although we were escorted here by bus, it was still a self-guided adventure, as was decoding the mystery of international calling using a pay phone. An acquaintance & I have already been asked to switch rooms once the fourth & fifth roommates arrived in our 3-bed living space.

the new room:
















This is all only temporary, though, & what I am hoping is a result of the chaos of check-in. Tonight is our first official group meeting, which I am hoping will provide more information & guidance regarding what’s to come. And once I know, you’ll know. Nos vemos, Le <3.