Flamenco was a good time. We obviously weren't very good, but I thinking trying to learn skills like dancing gives you more appreciation for the skill that the experts have.
Ronda was absolutely beautiful. It had some breath-taking landscapes. We also visited the oldest bullring in history which was very interesting to learn about. I also tried el rabo del toro. Bull's tail. I didn't like it at first, but I ended up enjoying it! I remember getting off of the bus, looking around, and my friend saying, "I already like Granada better." I agreed, but we spoke too soon. I think I still like Granada better, but I am so glad we were able to see Ronda.
The Albayzín is the part of Granada that has maintained the most Arabic history from the Moorish Rule. We went to see an Arabic bathhouse that is about a thousand years old and still standing. It was very cool to learn about it's history, and I went to a modern, functioning Arab bath yesterday! (Great experience, very cool, very relaxing.) It was also very cool to learn about the history of it's steep, labyrinth-like streets that aided in defense. We have a planned trip to the Alhambra, Seville, Cordoba, the Catedral, the Capilla Real, and a flamenco show. I am particularly excited about visiting the Alhambra today because it is the symbol of Granada.
I think one of the more incredible things about this program is that we are not just earning college credits. We are not just on vacation. We are not just sight-seeing. We are learning so much about the culture and history of Spain. We are experiencing it for ourselves, hands-on. There is no better way to learn! I'm so grateful for this opportunity and for all of the people who worked so hard to make it happen. I know all of those people won't see this, but for those of you who do, thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment