This weekend, since my parents were both off, we booked a hotel in Seville. It was a small getaway with a few family friends – we used to do them all the time but recently it’s less because everyone has their own stuff going on. Nevertheless, even though we were a small group of 11 people, it was wonderful to have some time out and enjoy the sun. Seville is a beautiful city.

In Spain the Easter holidays are a huge deal… and in Seville, Semana Santa is almost a bigger event than Christmas and the Festival of the 3 Kings – Reyes. Palm Sunday (today) was the start of the week-long processions and celebrations in the city so there was a buzz in the air as we walked around. I had forgotten what an important time this was, mostly because even thought I know I am home for the Easter Break, I haven’t really given much thought to when the holiday is and what it means. For me, having the few weeks off is a chance to catch up on some writing, do my coursework and yoga exam and actually relax…

My plans this week at least are to study and to get fat.

Speaking of which… my belly seems to be growing huge and fast! I have put on 5.5 kg since Christmas and I am really proud.

On the left I’m 12 weeks … just married and even still a lot bigger than before I was pregnant… On the right is me this weekend. I still have 16 weeks to go at least.

My Bus Experience

The distinct difference means I actually do look pregnant now… so much so that for the first time ever somebody gave up their seat for me on the bus.

I wanted to post about it on Saturday after it happened but a lack of reliable wifi made that impossible. Plus, since we were with a group of people (family friends), I didn’t want to spend loads of time away being unsocial. That said, on the bus journey into the city I did write a little bit:

“Today was the first time someone gave up their seat on the bus for me… It ws really quite a strange feeling because usually I’d be that person – not that I get use the bus very often at uni, but when I have, or if I’ve been on the London Underground, I am always conscious that other people might be more needy of the seat I am using. 
I was initially taken back slightly and quite happy to stand but after a few minutes of swaying and jerking I was quite glad for the seat. I must really look quite pregnant now then… although even at 24 weeks now I still forget sometimes that I am a human incubator.” 

It was quite an odd occurrence but also really lovely to know that there are people who do give up seats for pregnant women. We spent the entire day walking around Seville as well so my feet by the end were swollen and sore, any respite during the day was welcome and looking back even just that 20 minute bus journey where I got to sit down was a real kindness.

Whoever the girl is who gave up your seat, I thank you…. and to anyone who does give up their seat, for pregnant women or for the elderly or anyone who might need it, thank you. It is people like you and small acts of kindness that reverberate around the world and help heal it.

Happy Easter Everyone!

I am now back home and my little brother has the week off so hopefully we will get some time together… I have studying to do and essays to write so it’s looking like another busy week. I hope whoever reads this has a lovely Easter if you celebrate it or a lovely week if you don’t!