Ramos, 36, was engaged in studying ancient animal cults and rituals in the Ancient Near East when the security situation deteriorated. He had arrived in Tel Aviv shortly before a ceasefire with Gaza, and the city had seemingly returned to normal until the conflict erupted.
“"Tel Aviv is very Mediterranean, very lively, it was easy for me to feel at home. No alarms and no risks. In fact, in January, the state of alarm was lifted."
However, the situation dramatically changed on February 28, Andalusia Day, when emergency sirens began to sound, forcing him to spend much of the day in a shelter. With airspace closed and the state of war confirmed, and after receiving a call from the Consejería de Turismo y Andalucía Exterior, Ramos decided to make the journey back to Seville.
The archaeologist began his journey on March 4, taking a shuttle bus from Tel Aviv to the Egyptian border, crossing the Negev Desert. After reaching Taba and taking a taxi with an Argentinian family, he traveled through the Sinai Desert to Sharm el-Sheikh, from where he was able to fly to Turkey and, finally, to Seville.
“"Now it's common for five or six alarms to sound daily in the area."
Currently, Ramos is teleworking from Carmona, keeping the alarm on his phone to stay informed. He expresses his desire to return to Tel Aviv once the conflict ends, as his contract is for two years and he considers the project a great opportunity. The Consejería de Turismo y Andalucía Exterior has provided support and advice to over 685 Andalusians affected by the situation in the region.
