I’ve been falling in love with cities all over the world ever since I can remember, but there was an immediate draw to Sevilla that was undeniably love at first sight.

The bus ride to from Madrid was a few hours—most of which we all spent sleeping.  It was quiet, relaxing, and perfect for reflection, journaling, and imagining what the months ahead had in store. With half an hour left until arrival, quiet whispers between new friends and busmates turned into murmurs, conversations, sing-alongs, and eventually squeals of excitement at the sight of the first “Sevilla” sign.

The bus slowed and on the sidewalk we saw a crowd of people who we assumed to be our host families, waiting to pick us up and welcome us into their homes for the semester.  I remember being afraid to get off the bus, but I also remember being so impatient to get my feet on the ground of this new city.

Everything was happening so fast, but I could not stop looking around in attempt to memorize every single place I saw and step I took. I was so entranced that I could hardly get my words out. Finally, I know how to describe my love.

The moment I saw them, I fell for the bridges over el Rio Guadalquivir and how they looked that first night, lined with lights and shadows. I fell for the first meal my host mom made me: salad and bread, tortilla, and strawberry yogurt for dessert.  I couldn’t get away from the quaintness of our apartment and how comfortable and at home I felt.

More and more, I love the blue shade of sky and sunshine and the fact that every day is just a little more perfect than the one before. I adore the smiles on strangers’ faces when they wave and say “Buenos días.” I can’t stop staring at the orange trees that line the streets and sidewalks, allowing for the fresh scent of citrus that I will forever associate with Sevilla.

I will never get sick of el Torre del Oro, el Catedral, Calle Alfalfa, Metropol Parasol, (or the “mushrooms” as we Americans like to call them), Cien Montaditos, and all the places I have come to love. I love how passionate, open, and genuine the people are.  And I love spending every day learning.

What I love the most is looking forward to the next four months I have left here, because years from now when I slowly forget the little things, I know I can count on the way my heart skips a beat at the very thought of this city’s existence.

This post was written by Christine O., who is studying with us in Seville, Spain.