It’s very true that time waits for no man. The past months, we’ve echoed the same thing: “Don’t worry, we have time.” That statement wasn’t untrue then, but time will eventually pass you by, and things end. These photos capture some of those instances in which I identified emotions, places, people, and experiences that I’ve had and interacted with over this short time.
Moments may be fleeting, but there are lasting impressions and images of Seville that I could replay in my head forever.
You’ll see this heart symbol in a few places throughout the central area of Seville. It’s a tag that has become recognizable across the city, and once you see one, it’s impossible not to notice the others. What was once unfamiliar to me has become an image I look for and one that instantly brightens my day.
I change my alarm sounds every now and then based on how urgent it is that I wake up at a certain time, but I haven’t really needed to here. In my homestay, my room sits right by the street. When the city wakes up, you hear children off to school, people on their way to work, birds, dogs barking, and early morning conversations in Spanish that I try my best to comprehend while half asleep. It’s always a little different each morning and beats being scared awake by my ’80s phone call alarm.
Seville is a lively place, but in my time here, I haven’t seen it come to life more than during Feria. It’s a week-long celebration following Semana Santa, where people come together to dress up, dance, eat, and drink while honoring long-standing traditions at the fairgrounds in Los Remedios. It’s a beautiful sight and adds even more color to this already vibrant place.
The Plaza de España boasts beautiful architecture and intricate tilework honoring Spain’s provinces and history. It’s a popular tourist and photo spot, teeming with people. However, when you focus on the scenery and truly appreciate it, the crowds dissipate, and it feels like it’s just you in the space. The same can be said for some of Seville’s other monuments.
Some friends and I hiked the Caminito del Rey in the province of Málaga, not too far from Seville. The trail takes you through a gorge and was once considered Spain’s most dangerous hike, though it has since been rebuilt into a safe path. As we moved along, we couldn’t help but think of all the people who had gone on the trail before us—especially before it was rebuilt. It almost didn’t feel real being in such a place.
There’s a park not too far from where I live, but I could swear the sun shines differently there. I’ve braved the worst of my allergy symptoms to still go because it’s that beautiful. I plan my visits so I have my speaker, a book, and nothing but time to sit and appreciate the space. The grass is vibrant and green, and being there for even five minutes is grounding and rejuvenating. It also reminds me of a park back home when I get homesick.
One of the things I’ll remember most about the city as I prepare to leave is how it’s lit. From the warm glow of streetlamps at night to the vast array of candles during Semana Santa processions, it gives the city a distinct mood. Even in daylight, that feeling remains, and the preserved antiquity of Seville is always apparent.