The Way In

Adjusting to life in Seville came with expected challenges, inspiring sights, and the steady beat of a life abroad.

Living in the heart of old Seville is delightful for the seeking eye. Surrounded by historic churches dating as far back as the 1200s, Seville also houses the modern Setas de Seveille, a fantastic wooden structure designed by architect Jürgen Mayer, who won the opportunity to build his design in a competition held by the city of Seville. Still, neither antiquated opulence nor modern elegance has captured my heart as much as the doors of Seville.

Continue reading: The Way In

Doors have long held a magical position in literature. Children step through the doors of a wardrobe and are transported into the land of Narnia in The Chronicles of Narnia; Hagrid taps an unassuming wall in Harry Potter and reveals Diagon Alley, a street lined with shops for wizards. The doors of Seville, though, claim no such magic. They stand silently as symbols of bygone days; their doors forever closed to an era of modernity. They range in material from wood to wrought iron; their colors delight in ebony, walnut and cherry. Brick and colorful paint frame some doors adding richness to their elegance.

Today, the only doors which open are the glass doors of a grocery store welcoming scorched tourists eager for the cool of the AC. I happened upon one such door to pursue a critical endeavor- to obtain my first set of groceries. The culture shock was intriguing:

• All of the labels were written in Spanish. For an individual with dietary restrictions even choosing ramen noodles became difficult.
• Eggs are not refrigerated.
• Produce is bigger than in the US.
• Starbucks coffee is sold in cylindrical cartons.

Other cultural differences I have experienced (and described without judgement):

• Small is the default order size for drinks.
• Water is served upon request and sin hielo (without ice).
• Napkins are not placed freely at tables. One is provided per customer.
• The day begins at 10 am, pauses from 2-4pm, and settles down at 11 pm.

Having arrived from a country that prides itself in its fast-moving pace, Seville is a welcomed change. Meals are savored and relationships are strengthened. Smaller portions provide quality and curb obesity. But perhaps most importantly, with the harnessing of time, the Sevillan culture can be observed, appreciated and loved. So step with me, through the doorway of Andulucia, into the charming cities of Seville and beyond.