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!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
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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