Spain

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