Across the Pond

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Understanding the World

I had one of the most adventurous summers this past summer. I had the opportunity to travel to Spain to study abroad for two months. I was skeptical at first; I felt like I didn't have enough Spanish skills or the knowledge of the Spanish culture to be able to survive in a foreign country. It felt like the day would never get here when I would step on that plane to fly 4000 miles across the Atlantic to the unfamiliar grounds. But when I landed in Spain and took the first deep breathe of the Spanish air, the anxiousness and the nervousness turned into excitement and anticipation. Looking back, it was such an incredible experience, and I would recommend it to anyone whose openminded and openhearted about life outside of our everyday places. I wrote this blog to share with you some of the memories and the moments that I got to experience and will always cherish. You can jump to next page to the beginning, and I hope you will enjoy.

Jason

Alcala de Henares was a beautiful city. With a population just over 200,000, it was a place where you could feel a sense of community and hospitality. In 1998, UNESCO designated the city as one of the World Heritage Sites. Walking the brick streets and taking in the views of ancient buildings truly made me feel connected to the city itself.

Clock tower in the Plaza de Cervantes.

Rose gardens in the plaza.

Many families took the time to stroll along the plaza every afternoon.

Kids playing in the plaza.

Statue of Cervantes

Took this on Calle Mayor, which is the main street that runs through the middle of the city. The main street is outlined by restaurants and shops.

Plaza at night. Many people eat outside in Spain; it's part of the culture. Many people come out for a glass of wine at nights.

On my last day in Madrid, I visited Caixa Forum, which is a cultural center in downtown Madrid. This is the outside of the building. In the picture is the famous "tree wall"

We took the time to visit the business district in Madrid, which is the home to four of the tallest buildings in Spain.

This building was in the shape of a long pyramid. When you stood directly underneath, it felt like the building was leaning over you. Cool optical illusion.

Spain isn't known for its tall skyscrapers but this area is becoming highly industrialized and technologically advanced.

Park area in the business district.

the capital city

Our group studied in a city called Alcala de Henares, which is a suburb city of Madrid. Madrid was close by (30 minute train ride) so we took many day trips into the city.

Protesters in Madrid. There were adults and kids of all ages protesting against the government.

Kid protesting with a flag.

We visited the famous Prado Museum. Art work and sculptures from all around the world were exhibited.

Statue outside the royal garden.

Plaza de Toros. Bullfighting stadium in Madrid.

Corrida de toros or bullfighting is one of the most famous traditions in Madrid.

Seats in the shade were more expensive, but it is definitely worth the money.

Some of us weren't fortunate enough to get the shady seats.

These guys with the pink capes got the bulls worked up then afterwards the bullfighter would step in with a red blanket.

Many people complain that bullfighting is inhumane. It is banned in Barcelona already and the government is contemplating on banning of fights in all of Spain.

Zoomed out view of the stadium.

Bullfighter with the red cape.

Costa del Sol

San Juan is a holiday in Spain; they called it a "fiesta" day, which translated into "party" day. We were fortunate to have the day off from school, so few buddies and I took a trip down south. Southern coastal region of Spain is known as the Costa del Sol, and its party atmosphere and the beaches are well known.

Streets of Malaga. Big tourist city. Marble walkways and balcony outlined streets.

Concert on the beach for the San Juan Festival.

Got to see the Argentinian singer, Carlos Baute. The crowd was unbelievable.

Next we took an hour bus ride towards east to a city called Nerja. Nerja is known is the balcony of Europe and its old history and laid-back lifestyle was a fun experience.

Maroon Friday on the Mediterranean.

We visited the caves of Nerja. They are over 25,000 years old. By far the oldest cave system in the world. These were mammoth caves, and the largest area was well over 60,000 cubic feet.

Houses on top of he hill in Nerja.

Of all the places, I found this in a small convenient store outside the villas we were staying in. Had a little bit of Spanish kick to it but definitely worth a euro.

View from our villa.

One of the meals in Nerja. Roasted ribs and rice and veggies.

Carriage ride in Malaga.

Burriana Beach

Aquaduct system in Nerja.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Barça, Barça, Barça!

We had the luxury of having free weekends, so we took the opportunity to travel to different parts of Spain. Each part of Spain was decorated with variety of languages, culture, and food. Our first stop? Barcelona.

Here are some of the views.

The metro we took to the airport

In the Madrid Airport; beautiful lighting

We took a trip to downtown to visit the famous Saturday morning market.

They sold everything. Check it, AK 47 on sale for 65 Euros ha.

Antique book store in the market.

Of course, the girls got their shopping on.

Afterwards, we visited La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece.

Inside La Sagrada Familia. Looking up.

Gaudi's inspiration for the design of the architecture of the building was incredible.

We visited the Magic Fountain at night. This was a sweet treat.

By far the biggest fountain I've ever seen. About 50 yards wide.

This is a famous castle by the fountain which we attempted to spell out MSU with our bodies. The S is a bit sketchy, but it's all we had.

The next morning, we walked the streets of Barri Gotic. This is outside the Cathedral de Barcelona. Old folks were getting down and dirty in the plaza just outside the cathedral.