Our title refers to the commonly sported mullet in this city. This phrase, meaning "business in the front, party in the back" accurately characterizes Sevillanos-- bigger on partying than working. A fellow CIEE'r, Omar, introduced Amy and I to this phrase (in addition to other coloquial/crude/street sayings missing from our Spanish phrasebooks) over dinner the first night of Amy's orientation. Amy began orientation on Sunday (picture first day of high school where no one has any friends and everyone is awkward) which meant we were being split up for the first time as Amy packed a backpack and went 10 minutes down the street from our apartment to stay in a hotel. Of course separation anxiety got the best of us and we have successfully not gone 24 hours without seeing each other.
Aside from the already overwhelming aspect of being in a hotel in Sevilla with 200 Americans, never had Amy been around so many people from the Midwest (living in Chicago excluded) and Texas. Subsequently, this also led to the first time someone asked her about the presidential debates and the election forcing her to stop and think, maybe they're not Democrats. And realizing, albeit an ocean away, that there are Americans who might actually support McCain.
We were reminded, however, to not make quick assumptions as Amy's roommate, Jess, from Omaha, is downright fabulous. Example: she brought 25 books she is going to share with us (although she is teaching an hour away from Sevilla). At one point over dinner, we mentioned how we missed American sports, divulging our favorite players, teams, and allegiances. When Omar mentioned the Seahawks, Amy and I commented simultaneously "the Seahawks? They're like the Bengals" (ie: they're one of those teams that doesn't really matter). Um, maybe we have been spending too much time together...
After tapas and wine, last night's entertainment consisted of a guitar playing Spaniard celebrating his birthday singing Beatles and Bob Marley covers in Spanish with audience participation. He plays at the same bar around the corner from us every Tuesday night, where Amy and I will soon be regulars.
While Amy has been gallivanting with Americans who are not me, I've been continuing the job search rather uneventfully. I'm currently tutoring an older gentlemen who told me he was disappointed I wasn't British but would get over it and a soon to be 15 year old girl who is a surfer. Both of these people live off any of the maps I have so getting to and from their houses has been quite the experience. I have mastered, "Donde esta la calle.....?"
Things for you to ponder: how do you define "should"? And, how long will it take for your mouth to get sore after practicing the pronunciation difference between "where" and "were" - answer, 20 minutes.
Other than that, I've been discovering markets (as in cute food and art markets, not the ones that are crashing like crazy in the States) and taking advantage of the beautiful Maria Louisa Parque which looks like how I picture Neverland. However, yesterday my phone was stolen in said park so the experience is kind of tainted now.
It's a little more than 24 hours to go until Palin and Biden take center stage. Rest assured Amy and I will be watching on our laptops Friday morning. I had a half hour conversation with Arturo, one of the men responsible for finding us our apartment, today about the state of American affairs. He wants to know why people are not rioting in the streets. Sadly, I had no answer for him but I certainly share his sentiments.
*note* as I write this we can hear an accordian playing outside our window
P.S. Congratulations to the Cubs AND White Sox for making the playoffs! It very well could be a crosstown World Series. Wow.
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