Many other terrorist groups that are not affiliated with the widely known terrorists group, Al-Qaeda, from the Middle East, are present around the globe. Out of the many other foreign terrorist groups, ETA happens to be one of the largest from Europe. Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) is a leftist organization from northern Spain and southwest France who strive for independence from the seven regions of the Basque area.
After visiting Spain and seeing ETA spray painted on walls and Basque flags displayed on t-shirts and souvenirs, I was motivated to uncover who ETA is and what their goals are. Euskadi Ta Askatasuna stands for Basque homeland and freedom, which is what the Basque people strive for: freedom from the Spanish government to be an independent country.
It all started in 1937 when Franco took full control of the Basque regions and denied self-government to the Basque people. As time passed, people were becoming enraged because they were not allowed to speak their native language, Basque, or practice their own choice of religion. Soon in 1959 a group of young student activists who were furious at Franco’s containment of the Basque language and culture joined to create what is now known as ETA. Their one goal was, to regain independence. Before ETA began to be noticed as a terrorist group, they mainly protested, destroying infrastructure and Spanish symbols and hanging forbidden Basque flags.
Over the last four decades, ETA has killed over 800 people (abc news). In July of 1961, ETA attempted to derail a train on its way to San Sebastian carrying Franco’s supporters to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the occurrence of the Civil War. The attempt to derail the train did not result in any deaths although it did give police lead to some prime suspects and many were tortured and arrested. It is said the first known deadly attack took place in 1968 by ETA member Txabi Etxebarrieta, a native of Bilbao, was killed by Meliton Manzanas (wikipedia). Manzanas who was the chief of the secret police in San Sebastian and also known as a torturer for Franco, rid of Etxebarrieta while stopping him at a road check. Later Manzanas was gunned down on the doorstep of his own home. That was the stroke that led to a deadly retribution, which was the first assassination for ETA. In December of 1973, Prime Minister Admiral Luis Carrero Blanco is assassinated in Madrid on account of the execution by the government of Basque militants. Placing a bomb under the sewer in a spot where Blanco usually parked every day did the assassination. Once again, ETA succeeded. On September of 1998, ETA confirmed its first truce on cease-fire. Unfortunately ETA continued to take action and attack on account of lack of communication or agreements between them and the Spanish government.
Although nowadays ETA does take part in deadly attacks, they target mostly national and regional officials and government buildings in Spain. Unfortunately there are occasions where ETA makes an attack and innocent bystanders are wounded and killed. A distinctive action ETA does on some occasions to distribute them from most terrorist groups is they call authorities with just enough time ahead to give innocent bystanders time to evacuate and not do extensive damage. Not only do they assassinate but they also perform abductions and their most used tactics are car bombings. It was interesting to see red wet paint plastered on a government building one night in San Sebastian. As we passed the building I wondered if it had anything to do with ETA and brought even more interest to me.
In recent activities, Last year of March 2006, ETA announced a permanent cease-fire with the objective being to compel the democratic process. Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the Spanish president, took a brave stand and decided to make negotiations with ETA. Spain’s conservative party did not agree to take such actions and withdrew support for the peace talks and began protesting against the negotiations in Madrid. In December 2006, after months of heavy peace talks and no steady ground, ETA attacked again in a parking garage at the Madrid Barajas international airport killing two men in a car bomb. Consequently in June 2007, ETA announced to end the cease-fire and that they are planning attacks for late summer. One of the biggest bombings to occur recently in Madrid that brought direct attention around the globe was the metro bombing. On March 11, 2004, between Alcala de Henares and the Atocha stations in Madrid, with ETA being responsible by a backpack bombing, they took the lives of 30 bystanders and wounded many. This went down as one of most destructive bombings in Europe since the Lockerbie bombing of 1988.
So is it a fight for freedom and independence, or is it just another burden to our world? I believe it could be both, although it does take the cost of innocent blood shed to grasp what you think is rightfully yours from the beginning. ETA is an organization standing up for their people and their cultures lineage. If only peace could be that easy, the world would be a safer place.
One night in San Sebastian Paul and I came across graffiti possibly done by ETA supporters.
http:///abcnews.go.com/Internaational/wireStory?id=3345798.
“BBC NEWS ETA: Key events.” 2007/01/02. 10 Jul 2007
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/world/europe/545452/.stm.
“Basque Fatherland and Liberty.” Council on Foreign Relations. 2007. 10 Jul 2007
http://www.cfr.org/publication/9271,
“ETA,” Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia. 2007. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., 10 Jul 2007
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETA#During_Franco.27s_dictatorship.
Katz, Samuel M., (2004). At any cost: national liberation terrorism. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications,
Kurlansky, Mark, (1999). The Basque history of the world. New York: Walker.
Nunez, Luis C., (1997). The Basques: their struggle for independence. [Cardiff] Wales: Welsh Academic Press.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
The big difference!
June 3 Tuesday
The traditional class room experience: Just another day in San Antonio at Palo Alto College with your professor in the front of the class room lecturing you on some palace in another country with much more beauty than the book itself can show. You nudge your fellow student who is falling asleep slouching in the seats while the time is dragging. Its hard to concentrate especially since you can’t stop thinking about tonight’s episode of House that you have been dieing to see and would not miss anything for it, not even your prompt on the journal entry for that day which the professor just announced. Eventually the hour passes by and it is time to leave the class and go to work or run errands as usual.
The study-abroad experience: Hurry up! Do not miss that wake up call, you do not want to be late and have the bus leave with out you to the next city in Spain. Try to make it for breakfast because we have a long day ahead of us. What a hassle it is lugging around your suite case but it’s all worth it when you get to the next hotel. Spain is our class room and the teacher is not in front of you, but all around you. And instead of wondering how big that palace really is, I can walk right through the entrance and find out for myself. At the end of class I don’t just go home, I explore whole different world. As night falls I am reminded that tomorrow will not be like today. In Spain, everyday is a new adventure.
I enjoy both learning experiences. Although studying abroad helps expand my thoughts and keeps not only my body on the go but my soul as well.
This has been the first time I have ever traveled with out my family, especially to another county overseas. I loved comparing our country to another first hand. I have learned great deal, I did not imagine it would be so much. I have formed new friendships and in a short period of time. This is well worth it. Maturity is at a whole new level for me. I would definitely take in consideration a semester studying abroad.
The traditional class room experience: Just another day in San Antonio at Palo Alto College with your professor in the front of the class room lecturing you on some palace in another country with much more beauty than the book itself can show. You nudge your fellow student who is falling asleep slouching in the seats while the time is dragging. Its hard to concentrate especially since you can’t stop thinking about tonight’s episode of House that you have been dieing to see and would not miss anything for it, not even your prompt on the journal entry for that day which the professor just announced. Eventually the hour passes by and it is time to leave the class and go to work or run errands as usual.
The study-abroad experience: Hurry up! Do not miss that wake up call, you do not want to be late and have the bus leave with out you to the next city in Spain. Try to make it for breakfast because we have a long day ahead of us. What a hassle it is lugging around your suite case but it’s all worth it when you get to the next hotel. Spain is our class room and the teacher is not in front of you, but all around you. And instead of wondering how big that palace really is, I can walk right through the entrance and find out for myself. At the end of class I don’t just go home, I explore whole different world. As night falls I am reminded that tomorrow will not be like today. In Spain, everyday is a new adventure.
I enjoy both learning experiences. Although studying abroad helps expand my thoughts and keeps not only my body on the go but my soul as well.
This has been the first time I have ever traveled with out my family, especially to another county overseas. I loved comparing our country to another first hand. I have learned great deal, I did not imagine it would be so much. I have formed new friendships and in a short period of time. This is well worth it. Maturity is at a whole new level for me. I would definitely take in consideration a semester studying abroad.
Riot in the metro!
June 27 Wednesday
Today we were up and down going all over Sol in what I like to call downtown Madrid. We got a lot done, starting with taking the metro to Sol from the hotel and using the Internet cafe and phone booths to call our families at home.
Krystal, Geraldo, Sarah, Caroline, Erica and I were all walking to the metro and somehow we ended up getting a bit confused. I think in Madrid or in San Antonio, it could happen to anyone. Especially if you are hungry and have been walking in the sun all day like we were. We were all just so tired and could not wait to get back to the hotel and fall on bed in the fresh, air conditioned room to rest for a few minutes before dinner with the rest of the group. But meanwhile back at the metro station as we waited patiently for our metro to arrive, we could not understand why it was taking longer than usual. I began to think it was just me being inpatient, so I just leaned against the wall with all the other bystanders waiting for the same thing.
IAfter a while we began to hear dogs barking and men speaking louder than usual. As curious Americans, we began to shuffle our way down the crowd to the other side of the station. To my surprise, I saw many police officers rushing through trying to get inside the metro train.
Thankfully, this was all happening on the other train across from the one we are to be boarding.
As soon as the police shoved their way in the train a sudden burst of mace was shot into the crowd. Overhearing the locals talking, I understood it was only some hooligans acting up. Then, without notice, an officer began to clobber some guys in the head and a man got hit. It was all so sudden and from all the commotion, it looked as if it could have been a terrorist attack. Thankfully, it was only "punks" as one local put it.
This was such an interesting, yet chilling, moment that I will always remember when I see a metro or subway.
Today we were up and down going all over Sol in what I like to call downtown Madrid. We got a lot done, starting with taking the metro to Sol from the hotel and using the Internet cafe and phone booths to call our families at home.
Krystal, Geraldo, Sarah, Caroline, Erica and I were all walking to the metro and somehow we ended up getting a bit confused. I think in Madrid or in San Antonio, it could happen to anyone. Especially if you are hungry and have been walking in the sun all day like we were. We were all just so tired and could not wait to get back to the hotel and fall on bed in the fresh, air conditioned room to rest for a few minutes before dinner with the rest of the group. But meanwhile back at the metro station as we waited patiently for our metro to arrive, we could not understand why it was taking longer than usual. I began to think it was just me being inpatient, so I just leaned against the wall with all the other bystanders waiting for the same thing.
IAfter a while we began to hear dogs barking and men speaking louder than usual. As curious Americans, we began to shuffle our way down the crowd to the other side of the station. To my surprise, I saw many police officers rushing through trying to get inside the metro train.
Thankfully, this was all happening on the other train across from the one we are to be boarding.
As soon as the police shoved their way in the train a sudden burst of mace was shot into the crowd. Overhearing the locals talking, I understood it was only some hooligans acting up. Then, without notice, an officer began to clobber some guys in the head and a man got hit. It was all so sudden and from all the commotion, it looked as if it could have been a terrorist attack. Thankfully, it was only "punks" as one local put it.
This was such an interesting, yet chilling, moment that I will always remember when I see a metro or subway.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Goya
June 15 Friday
When we visited the Prado the next day we arrived in Madrid, I saw the size of the paintings done by Goya, The Second of May and The Third of May. I was amazed by how immense they were. I did not expect for Goya to paint such a large painting of the war when Napoleon invaded Spain. It was marvelous.
I believe Goya depicted the horrific events that took place in 1808 when the people rebelled against Napoleon and unfortunately suffered a terrible blood bath. Goya makes sure you see that in his work. He shows you who the bad guys are because they are obviously wearing dark clothing and have guns, whereas the good guys are in white and in the light.
When we visited the Prado the next day we arrived in Madrid, I saw the size of the paintings done by Goya, The Second of May and The Third of May. I was amazed by how immense they were. I did not expect for Goya to paint such a large painting of the war when Napoleon invaded Spain. It was marvelous.
I believe Goya depicted the horrific events that took place in 1808 when the people rebelled against Napoleon and unfortunately suffered a terrible blood bath. Goya makes sure you see that in his work. He shows you who the bad guys are because they are obviously wearing dark clothing and have guns, whereas the good guys are in white and in the light.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Back to square 1
June 25 Monday
We just arrived back to Madrid where it all started earlier today around 6:30 pm. The bus ride was long but it was all worth it knowing it was the last, we will surely miss Ricardo who is the best bus driver I have ever seen. Today we have exactly one more week here in Spain. I am looking for to going home but i will be returning with a life changing experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
From the out side it looks small and colorless although walking through the huge wooden double doors it began to change its image. Soon I began seeing arches that looked like bent candy canes in the shape of arches as far as my eyes could see. Because it was invaded and destroyed by the Moors then later rebuilt by the moors, it has a Moorish influence. It has beautiful large dark oil paintings hanging on the wall, some cover the entire wall space. It was quite dark inside but gave the building a sense of tranquility and piece of mind. I enjoyed this place and it was actually one of the mosques on my list to see on this trip and I'm pleased to have experienced walking through.
We just arrived back to Madrid where it all started earlier today around 6:30 pm. The bus ride was long but it was all worth it knowing it was the last, we will surely miss Ricardo who is the best bus driver I have ever seen. Today we have exactly one more week here in Spain. I am looking for to going home but i will be returning with a life changing experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
From the out side it looks small and colorless although walking through the huge wooden double doors it began to change its image. Soon I began seeing arches that looked like bent candy canes in the shape of arches as far as my eyes could see. Because it was invaded and destroyed by the Moors then later rebuilt by the moors, it has a Moorish influence. It has beautiful large dark oil paintings hanging on the wall, some cover the entire wall space. It was quite dark inside but gave the building a sense of tranquility and piece of mind. I enjoyed this place and it was actually one of the mosques on my list to see on this trip and I'm pleased to have experienced walking through.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Reconquest
June 21 Thursday
In Granada, I experienced a long journey looking for a lavanderia, washateria. It was not a question of if I should wash, it was a must. So we set off at first in a large group of about eight and we walked and walked but found nothing. Krystal, Paul, and I did not give up that easy. we kept walking and asked everyone and anyone who came across us for advise. For about 45 minutes, we circled around the small centro of Granada and decided to go back to the hotel and ask Gary, our tour guide, for directions again on how to get to the lavanderia. So here we go again. The only difference was that was Krystal and I who were navigating the way. We finally arrived to the place, and it was the most expensive washateria I have ever seen even though we were desperate. Some of the other guys from the beginning of the group had found the place and washed with us. We finally finished, even though we missed dinner with the rest of the EF group. We had clean, fresh clothes and ate Pizza Hut in Granada. How great was that!
Chapters 4 and 5 in The Story of Spain explain about the reconquest between the Moors and Christians, and how the Moors had the greatest influence on Andalucia.
Today we had a tour around the Alhambra in Granada before we arrived here in the Costa Del Sol. It really changed my way of thinking about the Moors and who they were as people and about their creativity. The palace was so peaceful and simple. At the same time, it told a story about its history with the distinctive poetry all over the walls that was in Arabic, a beautiful language, yet difficult th understand.
In Granada, I experienced a long journey looking for a lavanderia, washateria. It was not a question of if I should wash, it was a must. So we set off at first in a large group of about eight and we walked and walked but found nothing. Krystal, Paul, and I did not give up that easy. we kept walking and asked everyone and anyone who came across us for advise. For about 45 minutes, we circled around the small centro of Granada and decided to go back to the hotel and ask Gary, our tour guide, for directions again on how to get to the lavanderia. So here we go again. The only difference was that was Krystal and I who were navigating the way. We finally arrived to the place, and it was the most expensive washateria I have ever seen even though we were desperate. Some of the other guys from the beginning of the group had found the place and washed with us. We finally finished, even though we missed dinner with the rest of the EF group. We had clean, fresh clothes and ate Pizza Hut in Granada. How great was that!
Chapters 4 and 5 in The Story of Spain explain about the reconquest between the Moors and Christians, and how the Moors had the greatest influence on Andalucia.
Today we had a tour around the Alhambra in Granada before we arrived here in the Costa Del Sol. It really changed my way of thinking about the Moors and who they were as people and about their creativity. The palace was so peaceful and simple. At the same time, it told a story about its history with the distinctive poetry all over the walls that was in Arabic, a beautiful language, yet difficult th understand.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
I spy colored tiles
June 20 Wednesday
Along with beauty, Barcelona brought abstract architecture to Spain. Great artists such as Antonio Gaudi helped change the face of architecture. His modern, yet still, under construction cathedral, La Familia Sagrada, and the colorful tiled park, Parque Guell, bring an enormous attraction to Barcelona.
In a very modern way, Gaudi reminds me of Pablo Picasso and his art work. Picasso created the art form of cubism and in a modern form, Gaudi used cubism for his tiled work. Gaudi´s art work has a touch of modernism and medieval twist to them. When I first saw the cathedral, I was amazed. I had never seen another like it. Gaudi was creative when he thought of making 18 towers, 12 for the 12 apostles, 4 for the 4 evangelists, one for Mary, and one for Jesus as a part of the cathedral. The Cathedral has distinctive color and beautiful objects with important biblical meaning.
To me it looks as if Gaudi was playing with his art and having a good time creating it for the world. The Parque Guell has beautiful landscape with bright catchy colors and a splash of different colors tiled all over the park make marvelous statues and seats. Casa Mila, which he also created, is very different and reminds me of a beautiful soft cave.
Gaudi has a distinctive creativity. If you were to see his art, you would know it was his. Gaudi was inspired by Spanish Gothic architecture while putting his own touch of creativity. It is marvelous, and I encourage anyone who appreciates art and architecture to make a trip to see these works of beauty.
Along with beauty, Barcelona brought abstract architecture to Spain. Great artists such as Antonio Gaudi helped change the face of architecture. His modern, yet still, under construction cathedral, La Familia Sagrada, and the colorful tiled park, Parque Guell, bring an enormous attraction to Barcelona.
In a very modern way, Gaudi reminds me of Pablo Picasso and his art work. Picasso created the art form of cubism and in a modern form, Gaudi used cubism for his tiled work. Gaudi´s art work has a touch of modernism and medieval twist to them. When I first saw the cathedral, I was amazed. I had never seen another like it. Gaudi was creative when he thought of making 18 towers, 12 for the 12 apostles, 4 for the 4 evangelists, one for Mary, and one for Jesus as a part of the cathedral. The Cathedral has distinctive color and beautiful objects with important biblical meaning.
To me it looks as if Gaudi was playing with his art and having a good time creating it for the world. The Parque Guell has beautiful landscape with bright catchy colors and a splash of different colors tiled all over the park make marvelous statues and seats. Casa Mila, which he also created, is very different and reminds me of a beautiful soft cave.
Gaudi has a distinctive creativity. If you were to see his art, you would know it was his. Gaudi was inspired by Spanish Gothic architecture while putting his own touch of creativity. It is marvelous, and I encourage anyone who appreciates art and architecture to make a trip to see these works of beauty.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Upon arrival!
June 19 Tuesday
Upon ariving here in Valencia I was sound asleep on our uncomfortable tour bus on account of the night before staying out late in the town of Barcelona. I began to open my eyes and slowly slid open the green curtin from my window side. As soon as I moved it I was so excited to see the sun shining in. I had not really seen any sun in Barcelona or in San Sebastian. As the bus stopped we had to quickly exit because where we were parked was not intended for busses. Stepping out of the fresh air conditioned bus i imediently felt the warm sun on my skin and eyes. What a wounderful feeling it was to strech my legs and finally feel warm sun rays.
As we got off we had no time to waist, we are always on the move here in Spain. Today we visited the Holy Grail in a Cathedral located in front of Plaza la Reina. To see the actual cup which Jesus had drank from at the last super gave me chills all over my body. It really has religious value to me and many others on this trip im sure. It is truely a sight to see and could not believe I was there.
I was not afraid of the gypsies we were warned of although to see some of them holding babies and pictures of their children tore me up. I is hard enough with everything having to be so expensive there. To see them makes me appreciate who and what I have at home, everything i need.
Upon ariving here in Valencia I was sound asleep on our uncomfortable tour bus on account of the night before staying out late in the town of Barcelona. I began to open my eyes and slowly slid open the green curtin from my window side. As soon as I moved it I was so excited to see the sun shining in. I had not really seen any sun in Barcelona or in San Sebastian. As the bus stopped we had to quickly exit because where we were parked was not intended for busses. Stepping out of the fresh air conditioned bus i imediently felt the warm sun on my skin and eyes. What a wounderful feeling it was to strech my legs and finally feel warm sun rays.
As we got off we had no time to waist, we are always on the move here in Spain. Today we visited the Holy Grail in a Cathedral located in front of Plaza la Reina. To see the actual cup which Jesus had drank from at the last super gave me chills all over my body. It really has religious value to me and many others on this trip im sure. It is truely a sight to see and could not believe I was there.
I was not afraid of the gypsies we were warned of although to see some of them holding babies and pictures of their children tore me up. I is hard enough with everything having to be so expensive there. To see them makes me appreciate who and what I have at home, everything i need.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Coversar con los locales!
June 18 Monday
Today is the first week we have completed, and Barcelona is the sixth town in España we have visited. It has been a long but adventurous week for all of us.
I am enjoying eating the local food and listening to locals converse and conversing with them, as well. The hardest language to understand is Basque. To me, it is nothing like Spanish or Catalan. I overheard a woman ordering fish in the mercado the other day in Catalan. The only way I knew she ordered fish is because the merchant handed her a fish that looked like tuna, also the tag read tuna.
I also heard a young boy and his father playing futbol with their dog in the street. Every time the dog would get in front of the boy to block the boy's kick, the boy would yell "fetcha" which means to fetch.
It was amazing to see and hear these people live their lives in a different language. It almost feels like I am in a different world except they are no different then you and I. It is amazing to see that mostly all the people are very thin and healthy, I can see why, their main transportation is the metro and good old walking. The people seem to be pretty laid back and not in a hurry unlike us Americans who are on a time schedule and are usually late. We live in a fast paced society where as Spain is in a leisure schedule.
Today is the first week we have completed, and Barcelona is the sixth town in España we have visited. It has been a long but adventurous week for all of us.
I am enjoying eating the local food and listening to locals converse and conversing with them, as well. The hardest language to understand is Basque. To me, it is nothing like Spanish or Catalan. I overheard a woman ordering fish in the mercado the other day in Catalan. The only way I knew she ordered fish is because the merchant handed her a fish that looked like tuna, also the tag read tuna.
I also heard a young boy and his father playing futbol with their dog in the street. Every time the dog would get in front of the boy to block the boy's kick, the boy would yell "fetcha" which means to fetch.
It was amazing to see and hear these people live their lives in a different language. It almost feels like I am in a different world except they are no different then you and I. It is amazing to see that mostly all the people are very thin and healthy, I can see why, their main transportation is the metro and good old walking. The people seem to be pretty laid back and not in a hurry unlike us Americans who are on a time schedule and are usually late. We live in a fast paced society where as Spain is in a leisure schedule.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Por que te deve importdad?
June 14, Thursday
So why does it matter to you in America what I am doing here in Spain? Ill tell you why, we Americans do not appreciate the beauty of eating in portions and jamon. I have had to learn to eat in portions and in three course meals. There are some Mc Donalds and Burger Kings here, but I have do not even eat fast food at home. I hate it that they are here, but America makes an impression. I have had the opportunity to eat like the locals here, and it’s a beautiful experience. I have eaten so much cheese, bread, and jamon but I don’t mind! I am getting a taste of a different country, and I advise anyone whoever gets a chance to not pass it up.
At first I thought I was not going to miss home, but when I began to notice the different environment and personality, I began to feel homesick. I am not too homesick to where I want to go home right now, as expected. I miss my grandma's tossed tortillas and the constant noise we make to cause the headaches of our family members.
I am going to miss this county when I step on that plane. I have started using
new things, and I even picked up a few fresh Spanish sayings.
I have made so many comparisons between our home city and my temporary city of Madrid. It is a beautiful land, but there´s no place like home! I can t wait to see the rest of Spain.
Hasta maña!
So why does it matter to you in America what I am doing here in Spain? Ill tell you why, we Americans do not appreciate the beauty of eating in portions and jamon. I have had to learn to eat in portions and in three course meals. There are some Mc Donalds and Burger Kings here, but I have do not even eat fast food at home. I hate it that they are here, but America makes an impression. I have had the opportunity to eat like the locals here, and it’s a beautiful experience. I have eaten so much cheese, bread, and jamon but I don’t mind! I am getting a taste of a different country, and I advise anyone whoever gets a chance to not pass it up.
At first I thought I was not going to miss home, but when I began to notice the different environment and personality, I began to feel homesick. I am not too homesick to where I want to go home right now, as expected. I miss my grandma's tossed tortillas and the constant noise we make to cause the headaches of our family members.
I am going to miss this county when I step on that plane. I have started using
new things, and I even picked up a few fresh Spanish sayings.
I have made so many comparisons between our home city and my temporary city of Madrid. It is a beautiful land, but there´s no place like home! I can t wait to see the rest of Spain.
Hasta maña!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
First day in Spain!!
June 11 Monday
We finally arrived here in Spain at 11 p.m. here. I was feeling a little jetlag from the flight, and I was kind of tired and wanted to rest some more. As soon as we left the airport, my mind had changed totally. I was ready to take the day and make it mine. We visited the Royal Palace here in Madrid and had a chance to see where the king eats and meets with other people. Every room in the palace was breathtaking and had beauty in every corner my eye could see. We then went to La Plaza de Espana and took pictures with a statue of Don Quixote and his trusty sidekick Sancho Panza. It is funny that as a child I remember my brother watching a cartoon movie about Don Quixote. My parents had a medium statue of him at their work as well, I finally get a chance to see his actual home land and real monuments in his own country. After that, we toured a little more, then we headed for dinner at nine. We ate at a nice restaurant. Since the locals here are accustomed to eating dinner later, the owner of the restaurant had to open it in order for us to eat. It was great. We had a three course meal with the last being ice cream. My first impression of Madrid, Spain, is not what I expected, it is better!
Hasta Mañana!
We finally arrived here in Spain at 11 p.m. here. I was feeling a little jetlag from the flight, and I was kind of tired and wanted to rest some more. As soon as we left the airport, my mind had changed totally. I was ready to take the day and make it mine. We visited the Royal Palace here in Madrid and had a chance to see where the king eats and meets with other people. Every room in the palace was breathtaking and had beauty in every corner my eye could see. We then went to La Plaza de Espana and took pictures with a statue of Don Quixote and his trusty sidekick Sancho Panza. It is funny that as a child I remember my brother watching a cartoon movie about Don Quixote. My parents had a medium statue of him at their work as well, I finally get a chance to see his actual home land and real monuments in his own country. After that, we toured a little more, then we headed for dinner at nine. We ate at a nice restaurant. Since the locals here are accustomed to eating dinner later, the owner of the restaurant had to open it in order for us to eat. It was great. We had a three course meal with the last being ice cream. My first impression of Madrid, Spain, is not what I expected, it is better!
Hasta Mañana!
Friday, June 8, 2007
the begining chapter...
June 6 Wednesday
Mariana assigned the class to read chapter 3 in the book we will be taking along with us on the trip called The Story of Spain. This book is about Spain’s history although to make it more interesting Mark Williams, the author, wrote it in a way that it sounds like a story.
The reason why Spain is named the Iberian Peninsula is because it takes the name of the first settlers who happen to be the Iberians. Along with themselves they brought agricultural, the craft of working with metals, making weapons and as well as jewelry. Other groups who were influential on Spain were the Greeks, Phoenicians, and the Romans.
The Greeks helped by influencing the art and culture. Unfortunately for the Greeks, they were not in control for a long period of time.
Upon the arrival of the Phoenicians, the Iberians were introduced to the Mediterranean culture. Eventually the Phoenicians took over the Atlantic trade while trading manufactured goods for copper and silver. Not only did they share their culture with the Iberians, they also shared their alphabet in order to have a language they could speak and write as well.
Last but certainly not the least of the group was the Romans. Bringing with them language, law and order, the Latin language, Christianity, and architecture. As we know, the Romans introduced the arch and brought forth beautifully structured buildings.
It is definitely interesting how so many different cultures came across the Iberian Peninsula and molded it to what it is now. It fascinates me that all these diverse cultures bring about so much beauty in one whole county. What an interesting history!
Mariana assigned the class to read chapter 3 in the book we will be taking along with us on the trip called The Story of Spain. This book is about Spain’s history although to make it more interesting Mark Williams, the author, wrote it in a way that it sounds like a story.
The reason why Spain is named the Iberian Peninsula is because it takes the name of the first settlers who happen to be the Iberians. Along with themselves they brought agricultural, the craft of working with metals, making weapons and as well as jewelry. Other groups who were influential on Spain were the Greeks, Phoenicians, and the Romans.
The Greeks helped by influencing the art and culture. Unfortunately for the Greeks, they were not in control for a long period of time.
Upon the arrival of the Phoenicians, the Iberians were introduced to the Mediterranean culture. Eventually the Phoenicians took over the Atlantic trade while trading manufactured goods for copper and silver. Not only did they share their culture with the Iberians, they also shared their alphabet in order to have a language they could speak and write as well.
Last but certainly not the least of the group was the Romans. Bringing with them language, law and order, the Latin language, Christianity, and architecture. As we know, the Romans introduced the arch and brought forth beautifully structured buildings.
It is definitely interesting how so many different cultures came across the Iberian Peninsula and molded it to what it is now. It fascinates me that all these diverse cultures bring about so much beauty in one whole county. What an interesting history!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
interesting life experiences
June 5, 2007
In the society we live in today, there is a great deal to do, see, and write about. We as the new generation are compelled to grasp what is in front of us and make it ours for the better. The things I find most interesting are what relate to me, what are totally opposite to me, because I can point out the differences between the two. I want to write about the children who make changes for children. I believe young people who listen to stories like these will grab a hold and inspire them to make a difference in the shady areas. The world is a canvas, and we are the paints. We have to take big strokes. My dream is to travel the world before we destroy it. I want to find people from all over and see if I can find someone who made a change in their generation and their society.
I was fortunate to experience a diversity of neighborhoods and the personalities within. A neighborhood is what makes you who you are; it helps shape and mold your character. Weather it be because you are used to hearing loud music or people arguing untill two in the morning, or if you are used to listening to the coyotes howl at the moon and the horses stomping on the Earth's surface. Whatever it may be, it is a big part of your life.
As for me, I grew up in several different areas of San Antonio and the surrounding towns, as well. I have experience from the loud music and hearing the shootings at three or four in the morning. Because I was younger, I was not as cautious, but I thought of it as adventurous and I was always curious about who it might have been. I have also listened to the stomping of the horses. It kind of sounds like drums on the ground. Also, waking up to the sound of roosters, even before my alarm clock sounds. At times, the roosters were my alarm clock. Then the people from the towns and down the road are helpful when you're not home; they tell you who came by and what color their car was. When I was living in the small town of Poteet, I had gone to visit my friend at her house. Although she was not home she said to go right in, her house was unlocked. What? I said in a shocked and worried voice. I later learned that around town, mostly everyone knows everyone and there is a kind of trust within the community. I thought this was a beautiful thing since in some of the areas I had lived in before we were only allowed to go play outside when my mother was home or watching us outside.
I would like to write about the differences and personalities of the neighborhoods in which I have experienced. There is so much culture and individuality in these areas and you can see it in the people and makes them beautiful.
In the society we live in today, there is a great deal to do, see, and write about. We as the new generation are compelled to grasp what is in front of us and make it ours for the better. The things I find most interesting are what relate to me, what are totally opposite to me, because I can point out the differences between the two. I want to write about the children who make changes for children. I believe young people who listen to stories like these will grab a hold and inspire them to make a difference in the shady areas. The world is a canvas, and we are the paints. We have to take big strokes. My dream is to travel the world before we destroy it. I want to find people from all over and see if I can find someone who made a change in their generation and their society.
I was fortunate to experience a diversity of neighborhoods and the personalities within. A neighborhood is what makes you who you are; it helps shape and mold your character. Weather it be because you are used to hearing loud music or people arguing untill two in the morning, or if you are used to listening to the coyotes howl at the moon and the horses stomping on the Earth's surface. Whatever it may be, it is a big part of your life.
As for me, I grew up in several different areas of San Antonio and the surrounding towns, as well. I have experience from the loud music and hearing the shootings at three or four in the morning. Because I was younger, I was not as cautious, but I thought of it as adventurous and I was always curious about who it might have been. I have also listened to the stomping of the horses. It kind of sounds like drums on the ground. Also, waking up to the sound of roosters, even before my alarm clock sounds. At times, the roosters were my alarm clock. Then the people from the towns and down the road are helpful when you're not home; they tell you who came by and what color their car was. When I was living in the small town of Poteet, I had gone to visit my friend at her house. Although she was not home she said to go right in, her house was unlocked. What? I said in a shocked and worried voice. I later learned that around town, mostly everyone knows everyone and there is a kind of trust within the community. I thought this was a beautiful thing since in some of the areas I had lived in before we were only allowed to go play outside when my mother was home or watching us outside.
I would like to write about the differences and personalities of the neighborhoods in which I have experienced. There is so much culture and individuality in these areas and you can see it in the people and makes them beautiful.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Wild imaginación!!
June 4, 2007
We are still here in San Antonio counting down for the day to come. Anticipation is rising and excitement running wild, "I wonder how the water tastes in Spain?” I ask myself. Of all the things I can wonder how the taste will differ, all I can think about is the water. It’s not the only thing on my mind, it's just I can only imagine what I will see, hear, smell, and most of all, taste!! This will be my very first time leaving overseas, which is very exciting yet intimidating. I really do not know what I will be expecting to see and soak in. What I do know is I will be returning with a memory that will last for a lifetime.
Yesterday at the potluck, we had a chance to meet and greet with the rest of the crew who are also going on this learning adventure. I appreciated the good food and snacks that were brought. They were delicious! I thought I could not get any more excited until we started chatting about the food and sights we will be enjoying next week. Just to think about a city that never sleeps is so overwhelming with passion and invigorating with liveliness.
My thoughts on class today are not really what I had expected, they were better! I was not expecting to have so much fun doing school work.
My mother tells me not to talk to strangers. Who else better to ask than the locals in order to find directions on how to get to the hottest local beach? To get the best tan? Or, you never know the stranger might end up giving me directions to the highlight of my life? Of course, I won’t leave with the strangers, just get directions and tips from them.
I am an aspiring amateur photographer looking forward to be enthused by the beauty of Spain waiting to capture the different senses of the country to bring it back and share with my friends and family. Since I am a psychology major, I am curious to see how the locals will react to our visit. Since they live in a totally different world, as we see it, I wonder how their personalities differ from we Americans who have different morals and ways of living. I was shocked and a little disappointed to hear I could not wear shorts or tank tops because it is frowned upon, although it is probably hotter than July. I will have to learn their way of culture and respect their views and morals.
España, aquí vamos!
We are still here in San Antonio counting down for the day to come. Anticipation is rising and excitement running wild, "I wonder how the water tastes in Spain?” I ask myself. Of all the things I can wonder how the taste will differ, all I can think about is the water. It’s not the only thing on my mind, it's just I can only imagine what I will see, hear, smell, and most of all, taste!! This will be my very first time leaving overseas, which is very exciting yet intimidating. I really do not know what I will be expecting to see and soak in. What I do know is I will be returning with a memory that will last for a lifetime.
Yesterday at the potluck, we had a chance to meet and greet with the rest of the crew who are also going on this learning adventure. I appreciated the good food and snacks that were brought. They were delicious! I thought I could not get any more excited until we started chatting about the food and sights we will be enjoying next week. Just to think about a city that never sleeps is so overwhelming with passion and invigorating with liveliness.
My thoughts on class today are not really what I had expected, they were better! I was not expecting to have so much fun doing school work.
My mother tells me not to talk to strangers. Who else better to ask than the locals in order to find directions on how to get to the hottest local beach? To get the best tan? Or, you never know the stranger might end up giving me directions to the highlight of my life? Of course, I won’t leave with the strangers, just get directions and tips from them.
I am an aspiring amateur photographer looking forward to be enthused by the beauty of Spain waiting to capture the different senses of the country to bring it back and share with my friends and family. Since I am a psychology major, I am curious to see how the locals will react to our visit. Since they live in a totally different world, as we see it, I wonder how their personalities differ from we Americans who have different morals and ways of living. I was shocked and a little disappointed to hear I could not wear shorts or tank tops because it is frowned upon, although it is probably hotter than July. I will have to learn their way of culture and respect their views and morals.
España, aquí vamos!
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