“Cinco . . . cuatro . . . tres . . . dos . . . uno!”
Suddenly, the dark streets were agleam! Between the gentle glow of the dazzling lights and the cheers of the crowd echoing down the avenue, it was a tell-tale sign that Christmas season had officially begun in Seville. It was also a bittersweet reminder that my time here was quickly coming to a close.
Although I unfortunately missed the moment that the lights were first switched on, I was amazed at how the city transformed into something more vibrant. The decorations, which I had seen sparkling in the sun for weeks before, suddenly had a whole new personality.
Coupled with the largest nativity market in Spain, the streets of the city center were filled with sounds and color that brought out a festive charm.
As I wandered down the streets soaking in the holiday spirit, memories of my adventures in the past few months came flooding in.
Early flights/train rides for weekend trips, weaving around people walking in the bike lane, laughing with my host family, sloshing through pouring rain for 40 minutes just for a bocadillo, being absolutely awe-struck by amazing Flamenco performances – all of these are a part of something that I am eternally grateful to have experienced.
