Spain

When most students study Valencia, Spain they automatically think-”Beach Time!” However Valencia showed us one of the most amazing aquariums in the world. With more than 45,000 examples of 500 different marine species (sharks, Beluga whales, walruses, sea lions, penguins and manta rays ) the Oceanografic aquarium has some of the best attractions in the world. The aquarium offers 9 underwater towers that represent some of the worlds best ecosystems.  Mediterranean habitats, the polar oceans - the Arctic and the Antarctic, the islands, the tropical seas, the temperate seas and the Red Sea. Who needs Sea world? One specific attraction that students enjoyed the most was the dolphinarium. Here we witnessed trainers actually surfing their dolphin co-workers! Some of the other ecosytems we visited were the Red Sea, Mangrove Swamps, Marshlands and several different garden area which displayed over 80 different plant species. This was by far one of the best locations here in Spain.

- Scott M.

At the City of Art and Science--Valencia

Buenas dias. We have arrived in our next to last stop, the coastal city of Valenica. After a long bus ride yesterday, we walked about the old town to get oriented before a late lunch (or early dinner). This is a mix of the old and new in Spain with the Longa de la seda, or silk market, and massive city gates from earlier centuries standing in stark contrst to the Ciudad de las Ciencias y Artes, the ultramodern new focus of Valencia. The city grew tired of battling floods of the Turia River so they diverted it several years ago and built the arts and sciences center in the dry river bed. Today we toured the cathedral which is a mishmash of architectural styles. The key point of the tour is  a chalice that legend has is the Holy Grail. So much for Monty Python and Indiana Jones’ searches. It was here in Valencia all along.  Hasta Leugo.

Kent Rhodes, guia de los estudiantes.

View of the Alhambra

Hola readers!! I am Kathleen S., reporting on our last day in Granada. We arrived on Thursday afternoon with hungry stomachs. The bus ride was longer than we had expected and with only one student being smart enough to bring her Ipod charger, we were all getting anxious and bored. Our hotel is down a tiny alley and located near alot of great places. Next door we have a Spanish grocery store with huge hams hanging in the window! Across the street is an internet cafe, which is were I am right now. They only play the same spanish c.d and I have been here so much, I think I´m starting to learn the words. Anyway, our first day in Granada, Dr. Rhodes took the group on a walk about of the city. He told us we would be doing a good bit of walking but I was not prepared for what was ahead. We climed to the top of the city to a look out point where you could see the whole city. We could see the Alhambra and the snow capped mountains. It was weird to see snow on top of mountains when it was so hot out! The next day we visited the Alhambra. I was smart enough this day to wear tennis shoes instead of sandals because of the hike to the top. They only let a certain number of visitors into the Alhambra everyday so we had to wait to enter the Alcazar until our reservation time. It was a lot bigger in person than I had expected and almost overwhelming. There was so much to see! We had audio guides which helped. But it was peaceful to just wander around the gardens and smell all the flowers. After the Alhambra we had freetime and then dinner as a group. I ate bulls tail and it was delicous! Dr. Cox made me try everything at the table and I´m glad he did. After our bellies were stuffed, Dr. Cox, myself, and some of the other students hit up a street cafe for drinks and tapas. Today we visited the cathedrial where Isabel and Ferdinand are buried. There was something eerie about the cathedial. After our visit to the cathedrial and Royal Chapel, our group split up. Some went to see where the Gypsies live in caves and other went shopping or exploring the city. Tomorrow we leave for Valencia! Finally, Spanish beaches! Don´t worry, we will keep you posted!

Adios!
Kathleen

At the Real Alcazar

Sarah and Quandra at the Real Alcazar in Seville

A quick report from Dr. Cox: The score at the end of the bull fights on Sunday in Seville was bulls 2 and matadors 1 as two bull fighters ended up on the wrong side of the horns. Seven brave students decided to join the locals in the weekly festivities–as spectators, not participants. Kathleen offered to jump in the ring and assist a fallen matador but was restrained by Scott, Gracie, Amy, Debbie, Christy, and Emily. At the end of the day everyone was OK and had the experience of a life time.

After a three hour lay over in ATL we were off! It was a seven and half hour flight to the beautiful city of Madrid. We found Dr. Cox and another student in our group that had taken seperate flights, and immediately grabbed our luggage and ran. It was 9:30 am. and we had a entire day planned. Keep in mind that it is impossible to sleep on a plane that is packed full of American college students.

     We quickly oriented ourselves to the city of Madrid with an extensive fast paced walk around. However, everyone had a great attitude depite the fatigue. The day ended at 6 pm and we had the rest of the evening to ourselves. Most of us slept.

      Day two, we had yet another full day ahead of us. The first stop was the world renowned Prado art museum. It was exciting to finally see all of the wonderful art that we have been learning about for the past semester. The next stop was the US embassy where they informed us that if we get arrested there is basically nothing that they can do, but visit us. The third and final stop, which seemed to be the majority´s favorite, was the Royal Palace. We were able to see the actual throne that the King and Queen of Spain continue to rule from to this day. This was a very long day and once again we were all exhausted, but in good spirits. The night however was young, and we refused to call it an evening. All the students gathered at a local resturant to share wine and food. So far the trip has been wonderful. Until the next blog…..Adios!!

Logan B. and Debbie D.

We arrived in Spain to bright sunshine and cool breezes. No rain in the plains of Spain to make us disdain this day. Upon checking into our beautiful hotel, we discovered that our afternooon reservations to the Palacio Real had been cancelled due to an official function going on at the palace. No worries though, we made some adjustments to the schedule and the day proceeded. After settling in, we started our walkabout to get our bearings in this lovely capital. We began at Puerta del Sol at the heart of Madrid and a lively junction of humanity which is right outside our hotel. From there we made a quick stop at the Gran Via where students can gleefully swipe their credit cards in the high end shops during their free time. We made a lunch stop at the Plaza Mayor and watched the many street performers lure in the tourists. One of the group commented that it is rather sad to see such historic and wondrous locations in Europe fall prey to the kitchy tourist devices of such performers. Food for thought.  From the Plaza Mayor we headed for our first tour of the trip, the Reina Sophia, our substitute for the Palacio Real.  Most famous for Picasso’s monumental Guernica the museum also displays a variety of works by Dali, Miro and other modern artists.  Nearly all of the students were taken aback by the magnitude of the Guernica canvas.  The power of the imagery and the messages that Picasso sends are magnified by its sheer size.  The JBIP prep class had several readings about this piece so the students also were able to appreciate the accompanying phtographs by Picasso’s mistress Dora Maar, who photographed the evolution of the work as Picasso created it.

Whew!  It had been a long day trekking about Madrid and jet lag was setting in.   Some headed back to the hotel and a few of the group was off to lie in the cool grass and shade of Parque Retiro.  Another discovery here by the students - PDA’s are more prevalent in European culture.  At the park Debbie D. videoed Sarah K. “reporting live”  in Retiro about the monument to Alphoso XII.  We’ll see if that makes it to YouTube.

That’s all for now.

Kent Rhodes, Professor

Dr. Steve Cox has reported that the group arrived safely in Madrid.  More reports and pictures from their adventure will follow.

The Spain: History, Art and Architecture group will be leaving soon.  Check back here for updates on their adventures as they loop around the country from Madrid to Barcelona.