Guidelines for living in Sevilla
• Don’t be taken aback if at first it sounds to you as if everyone has a lisp or a mouthful of marbles. Much like in the southern United States, Sevillanos are fond of leaving off the ends of words; they also pronounce c’s and z’s with a thetheo, meaning that both letters are pronounced "th."
• Keep your belongings close. Be wary of anyone asking for directions, especially people who look as though they should know the city well – they could be out to snatch your backpack. Even though you might not believe it, everyone knows you’re an American student and that you might be easily caught off-guard. Though Seville is generally safe, petty theft is the city’s most common crime.
• In a similar vein, don’t stop when gypsies (yes, there are actual gypsies, and they’re pretty easy to recognize) offer you a flower or rosemary. They might grab your hand, “read” your palm and then demand payment. These situations could get ugly.
• Before you go out, have a botellón with your friends. The word translates literally to mean “big bottle,” and it’s a practice that’s grown quite popular in recent years. During the typical botellón, friends meet at a pre-appointed location, bring bottles of liquor, cups, ice, and mixers, and drink in the streets outside the establishment where they’ll be starting their evening. Many Spanish students blast music from car stereos, and it’s not unusual to see people breaking out into sevillanas, a type of dancing performed during Feria, when the holiday week is nearing. It’ll save you quite a chunk of change when you get to the bar or club you’re going to; you can put this money toward weekend excursions.
• Even if you speak English with your friends, make sure you speak as much Spanish as you can at the dinner table if you’re living with a host family, and try to participate in class discussions at the University. You’ll absorb more that way, and by the time you leave, you will probably find yourself more fluent. When you’re confident, speak it even when you go out at night – I found that after a little bit of botelloning, my Spanish flowed much more easily. Even if you think you’re butchering the language, don’t sweat it – after all, some Sevillanas might dig an American accent.
 | ||||||
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
||||
| ||||||
