Ganga

ganga = bargain

I learned this word in Creative Writing today. Our professor asked us to write poetry using a list of random words people had written before class, and "ganga" was one of them. Then he asked us to write a poem that rhymed, and used "bufanda, ganga, and cucaracha." Here's what I wrote:

La sucia bufanda
Ya está de ganga
Porque en su lana
Vive una cucaracha

I thought I was funny. No one else did.

He also asked us to write a few sentences about our impressions of Sevilla thus far. I was at a loss for words. I get asked this question a lot by just about every Spaniard I meet, and I never know how to answer.

I know why they ask me. They want to hear the awe-struck way everyone describes the Andalusian city: maravillosa! Every report I've ever heard of Sevilla has been of a romantic and charming city with the scent of fresh oranges in the air and a constant soundtrack of children's laughter. But this just describes the tourists' Sevilla; the ideal city of that Amazing Week in May.

The orange aroma that floats in Real Sevilla is mixed with the smell of churros, car exhaust, dog shit, expensive perfume, and fresh rain. The noises of children's laughter is often supplemented by the chastising "Coño!" of madres, car horns, dropped s's, and foreign tongues. I realize I have ended my honeymoon phase; I no longer feel the need to photograph every traffic sign or pig's leg hanging above a bar. I've entered a phase in which I see the real Sevilla for all it is, benefits and faults, but rather than idolize them as quirks, I am beginning to live with and appreciate them. This place is really starting to feel like home.

But, as for the aforementioned question, the one every person who studies abroad is asked, I don't think it's possible to answer in a few sentences. Sevilla is so many things: picturesque, rainy, accommodating, sleepy, musical, unintelligible, expensive, friendly, creepy, y mucho más. It's hard to articulate in English, let alone Spanish.

So how do I respond?
I laugh nervously and say, "Me...gustan... las...palmeras" (I like the palm trees).