Primera Bebida Entera!

For those of you who understand Spanish, you know where this is headed based off the title, but allow me to give you a little background... 

It's day 4 in Spain and tonight we went out for "tapas" with the whole group, some professors and friends.  We met at the school and that is where I met my "intercambio" or English-Spanish exchange partner.  His name is Kike (short for Enrique)!  Immediately we hit it off talking about his trip to Chicago, his band where he is base guitarist, his opportunities to share about the Lord before his audiences and so much more.  I could tell that he enjoys working with this program and had many friends on staff.  Little did I know that Kike would be the best guide and insight into the local life.

The tapas place was colorful with painted tiles from floor to ceiling.  We sat on large tile steps that served as steps and seats and tables - quite unique.  The tapas included potato salad, seafood salad, strong cheese, ham and fried bread, bocadillos or mini-sandwhiches, and drinks all around.  Most everyone had coke or the ever-popular Fanta, but I wanted to try something new.  Julie Anne told us that a popular Spanish drink is called "tinto del verano" which is red wine mixed with sprite or lemonade.  It sounded pretty harmless.  I ordered my first alcoholic beverage (a mixed drink) and it was great!  Afterwards I could walk in a straight line and everything.  It really didn't have an effect on me, any silly reaction was because it got to my head that I just had my first drink in Spain.  There.  It's out.  I am familiarizing my taste buds with the fruit of the vine.  Everyone is very responsible and cultured with their drinking here, so it's a very safe environment.

On the walk home from tapas night, my three friends and I heard music coming from by the Guadalvivir River...  We followed the sound as it grew louder with each step.  An impressive wave of trumpets swept through the night air, luring us closer to the river.  Upon our arrival we saw 40+ men in casual clothes talking loudly and playing their trumpets when their part came in the song.  This was one of those moments that reminded me that I'm in Spain!  We sat for a song or two, later realizing that we witnessed a practice session for a religious procession the following day.  What a beautiful evening!