It is so exciting to finally be studying in Spain, as I have been looking forward to this semester for a long time. I was very nervous about the language coming in since I didn't take Spanish last semester, but after being immersed in the culture for a few days and being spoken to solely in Spanish by our program directors, all the years of the language are coming back to me. Our directors Miguel and Luis are very warm and enthusiastic. They are clearly passionate about what they do and are invested in making sure that we are comfortable, happy, and taking advantage of every opportunity presented to us.
And now... my journey thus far:
I met up with the group at the airport in New York. We are a tiny group, a mere 10 girls. There are 7 from New Paltz and three of us from other SUNYs. They are wonderful, kind, adventurous individuals, which is very comforting since we will be spending the next four months together. We sat separately on the plane, which was a long eight hours during which I was only able to sleep for an hour and a half! You can imagine how exhausted I was when we arrived in Madrid. The airport there was huge and beautiful, much more like a mall than an airport. We had a 5 hour layover there where I got breakfast and read my book because again, I couldn't sleep. After that we took a one-hour flight to Granada on a tiny plane. Our program directors, Miguel and Luis met us at the airport and brought us to The Carmel hotel, which was absolutely beautiful. Upon arrival, we put our stuff in our rooms and then ate lunch. After lunch we went right to our rooms where I took a much needed nap until dinner. Then we went out to explore the city for a couple of hours before returning to the hotel for night of real sleep.
Monday was our first real day of exploration. We went to the Alhambra which is a gorgeous palace in the mountains of Granada. The Alhambra is the most Arab-influenced area of Spain, so much of the architecture and history is a reflection of the culture of the Muslim ruling back in the 1400s. It consists of gardens, fountains with running waters, column arcades, reflecting pools, geometric patterns, and painted tiles rich in color. Luis gave us a comprehensive tour in Spanish in which we learned all about the history of the structure. From where we were, we were able to see the tallest mountain in all of Spain. After that tour the bus took us to a mountainous terrain that was largely residential and had a gorgeous view of the Alhambra. I can't believe people actually wake up to that view outside their very window! It was really cool to have a different visual perspective of place we were just in. I loved simply walking on the steep hillside amidst the beautiful Arab architecture while Luis continued to tell us about the area surrounding us. The streets were filled with students, tourists, and locals, many of whom were playing and singing Flamenco music. There was just a very exciting hum to the city. After that we walked back to the hotel and had lunch, followed by a siesta and a tour of La Catedral de Granada.
The Catholic Monarchs ordered the construction of the Cathedral after acquiring the city in 1492. The construction lasted 180 years and reflects both Gothic and Renaissance designs. It was absolutely stunning, the artwork was immaculate. The main chapel contains two kneeling effigies of the Catholic King and Queen, Isabel and Ferdinand. It has enormous pillars and columns, high ceilings, and many pictures of Jesus on the cross. Luis gave us another comprehensive tour, and two little Spanish ladies hopped onto it! They were giddy and smiley, acting like little girls who stole cookies from the cookie jar without their parents knowing. It was adorable and fun to have them there.
After that tour Miguel and Luis took us for chocolate con churros, which is hot chocolate and churros which you dip inside. Hot chocolate in Spain is not like it is in the US though; it is thicker, almost like a pudding, but not quite that texture. It's delicious.
Tuesday morning we got on the bus in the morning to head to Marbella, which is in the region of Costa del Sol. It is a city and municipality in Southern Spain that belongs to the province of Málaga. We are staying in a beautiful resort right on the beach called Atalaya Park Hotel and Resort. Yesterday we spent the day swimming, walking on the beach, lounging, and putting our feet in the Mediterranean. In the evening we had a delicious dinner in the dining room. Afterwards, all of the girls went to a Piano bar in the hotel with Miguel and Luis. Those of you who know me (which I hope is all of you if you're reading this) will be surprised to know that I was too tired to join them and passed out at 9:30. (I know, Mom, I haven't fallen asleep that early since fourth grade) But I'm still recovering from those sleepless travel days.
That brings me to today, our last day in Marbella. We spent the day walking on the beach and lounging out before lunch. After lunch we hung out some more by the pool and then went into the city of Marbella to explore, shop, and eat tapas. That brings me to now. Right before my last dinner at the Atalaya, ready to go to Seville tomorrow, my home for the next four months. I will be living in an apartment with 4 girls from New Paltz.
Now I am off to bed. I will try to post in this blog at least once a week. Thanks for reading!
Hasta pronto!
Elyssa
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| Behind me is Luis |
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| The group at the Alhambra |
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| Beach in Marbella |
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