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.
Friday, July 6, 2007
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!
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