To satisfy curiosity and perhaps alleviate concern, I shall share about my Saturday night that blended right into quite the Sunday morning.

I began making plans at about eleven, and by quarter to midnight I was on my way, strolling down Calle Bettis--one of Sevilla's better known tourist locations, one which I wouldn't recommend unless you want to take a shot named after your state or see your school's banner on the wall--to meet a friend, Lauren, at the metro station. We arrived in Nervión after midnight after my first metro ride, and walked a few minutes to meet our gathering group of friends. After the botellóncito on our friend's patio, we headed to Abril. (Somehow, I have mastered walking in heels, which is a good thing; because after the momentous occasion of buying my first set of heels in years, I've had many an occasion to trek around in them over Sevilla's cobblestone streets or wear them at all hours of the night. Now, I just recalled that I've only been here a week...but for some reason I feel like I've worn them a whole lot. Maybe it's because heels are a ridiculous design for one's footwear. I tend to favor my moccasins for the daily hike to school: so much more comfortable.)

Imagine what you think a Spanish club would be like at one AM: include a man at the door handing out cards for a free drink at the bar, a line of 45 made-up people outside and then exaggerate the original thought and you'll just about have it. We strolled in without a problem and without showing IDs. After three hours of dancing with friends to much American music, I left accompanied by my friend Caitlyn. At three AM I had decided arbitrarily, and rather experimentally, to leave around four. I was glad to end the night on a good note, leaving after the rap version of Hide and Seek beat out its rhythm. (I thought of Lara and Laura and our swell, recent rendition of the original.) On the way out, we passed a long line of sevillanos waiting to enter. What on earth? I couldn't have enjoyed even staying out past such an hour: much less arriving then. I had fun, but it can only last so long.

The atmosphere here is magnetic. There's something oddly comfortable, yet disconcerting, in knowing there are no rules. It isn't a question of how late you stay out: it's not unheard of to stay out literally all night, have breakfast with your friends and then part ways. Therefore, partying until a certain hour of the morning and then heading home will never be considered extreme. There is no limit, as far as length of time goes.

New experiences are fun. I just won't have too much fun, heeding my dear friends and family's advice. I want to both enjoy myself and be safe: as I told Susan and others, I shall be "responsibly wild." Now, don't be dubious. I can do it. My behavior here hasn't been wild in any estimation though, so no worries!

More to come regarding my taxi cab adventures and accidental exploration of Seville (read: lost) and the rest of Sunday, which marked my one-week anniversary of being in Spain.