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.
Monday, June 25, 2007
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
