LAST NIGHT IN SPAIN

We concluded our visit to Spain last night with a super meal at the restaurant La Giralda IV, located near the Retiro park. I have to say that this has been a fantastic group of young people to work with, and on behalf of all our staff--Encarni, Eduardo and myself--thanks to everyone for all their support. Best wishes to all,

Grant

PHOTOS OF MADRID!

The students standing in front of the Palacio Real.

Walking across the Paseo del Prado, after visiting the museum. Amanda and Rachel enjoying a street performer in the Plaza Mayor.

The Boston girls, Becca and Maddy, along with Lindsey make a new friend.

Caroline and Lindsey prepare to do battle in a sword store in Toledo.

The group photo overlooking Toledo.

IN MADRID

We are in the final days of our trip now. For us here, it is hard to believe almost an entire month has passed. We spent our last few hours in Cádiz together telling stories, eating ice-cream, (trying) to pack and fit everything in our suitcases.

Our first activity in Madrid was a visit to Santiago Bernabeú, the home pitch of Real Madrid (best soccer team in the 20th Century). Later, the students rested before going to the Plaza Santa Ana for some free time and dinner. Today, we go to Toledo, a fascinating city with a rich history.

Look for more pictures posted througout our stay in Madrid!

The (Newest) Castles of Spain

During the Middle Ages, what we now call Spain was comprised of smaller kingdoms and lands constantly in conflict with one-another. The Christian people of the North spent the better part of seven centuries trying to recapture the lands of Southern Spain held by the Moors. As a result, many castles were built in order to protect the lands along with their people and wealth. During class on Monday, we introduced the students to a few examples of castles in Spain and the basic parts that make up these fortresses. After this brief history lesson, it was off to the beach where the students became architects and built their own fortresses...out of sand.

Each group designed its own unique castle following the models we presented them, paying close attention to make sure their fortifications would provide ample protection for the "inhabitants." The incoming tide posed a small obstacle to construction, but the students quickly acted to reinforce their front walls.

Our work inspired others on the beach to start their own sand castles. Also, we received many compliments from people passing by. We were all pleased with the work the students did, and it was very fun seeing them enjoy a beach day while learning about some of Spain's historical treasures.

BELOW: students Rachel, Erica, and Jordan detail their castle.

BELOW: students Lindsey Clark, Zach, Caroline, Maddy, and Kayla "multi-task" and work on different parts of their castle at the same time.

Death in the Afternoon

Ernest Hemingway once said "Bullfighting is the only art in which the artist is in danger of death and in which the degree of brilliance in the performance is left to the fighter's honor." The timeless American author had a lot to say about one of the most controversial and perhaps misunderstood aspects of Spanish culture. Opinions on the subject range from "It's nothing more than cruelty to animals" to "It is pure and artistic." On this trip, our students have approached bullfighting in a mature manner, and the Advanced class debated (in Spanish!) whether they were against the tradition or not. Later they asked Gaditanos (people from Cadiz) about their opinions in order to gain an idea of how this tradition is viewed by native Spaniards.


On Sunday, we offered the students the option to view a bullfight in person, and nine students chose to attend. I was very proud of their behavior during the exhibition: they asked questions, took photos, and tried to follow the action of the fight. The showed great respect to the tradition.


I am also very proud of the students who chose not to attend based on their feelings regarding bullfighting. As I mentioned earlier, this subject is very difficult--especially for foreigners--to grasp and understand why it takes place. However, I am pleased we have introduced the theme and I hope the students continue to explore their beliefs and develop their arguments regarding this tradition.


ON A LIGHTER NOTE, we enjoyed our second group dinner in Cadiz Saturday night. The students chose from many different traditional Spanish foods, including Paella, Ensalada Mixta, Adobo, Filtetitos de Ternera, Pescado Variado and Cazuelas de Merluza.








The students impressed us once again with their appetites!



The photo below is one of many photos taken by Ilana Bondell during an "art photography" activity.

Beach, Salsa, New Faces, More Flamenco

We continue to have fantastic weather here in Cadiz...not too hot, but very sunny. We've taken advantage by exploring new beaches. Yesterday we went to the Playa Cortadura, which is located in New Cadiz (about a 10 minute bus ride from our residence). The waves were a bit larger, so some of us tried body-surfing. At one point Ben went for a walk with some students and got a tattoo.

Korke, our Salsa instructor, returned this afternoon for our second round of lessons. He and his partner, Clara, raised the bar this time as the boys and girls paired off and danced to new choreographed moves. Since we boys were at a numerical disadvantage, we had to dance twice as much while the girls resting were able to have a laugh at our expense. Every guy, however, gave it his best to mimic the magic feet of our instructor. The ladies, as seen in the photo, really got into the Salsa spirit, too.

Switching dancing gears, we went to see our last Flamenco performance of the trip tonight as well. This group was somewhat more contemporary than what we had previously seen, mixing in a flute and saxophone with the traditional sounds. Were it not for the crowded conditions of the concert, I think the students would have enjoyed the performance more.

Also, tonight's activity joined our group with the Cadiz Homestay 2 group, who will be here in Cadiz as well during our final week. I think the students enjoyed meeting some new people and sharing their stories from the trip so far. It's hard to believe we'll be heading to Madrid in a week!

Ben's tattoo is fake, by the way, and should come off in a few days. Check out the video if you can!!

From the Edge of Europe to the Tip of Africa

Departing from the southern most part of Europe, Tarifa, the group headed out by boat to the Straight of Gibraltar for a two-hour dolphin/whale watching experience that was quite exciting. We came within 5 kilometers of the Morrocan coast. The weather was much nicer than the day before, but the sea still managed to toss us around a bit. Nevertheless, we were able to see some real sea mammals in action!

After the conclusion of the boat ride and a brief rest on dry (stable) land, we headed to Bolonia, a Roman city with a beautiful beach. This beach was unlike any we have visited because of its location "off the beaten path."

We also had our first "group dinner" on Saturday night in the new part of Cadiz. Thanks to Edu for selecting an unbelievable restaurant, and Encarni for choosing the dishes. This was one of the best meals of my life! We had more food than we could eat, and we all shared in the various dishes. The restaurant, called Show de Tapas, specializes in contemporary Spanish cuisine, with chefs preparing customary dishes with an array of new culinary techniques. A nice change from the residence ;)

**I hope the video works!! First time trying to post one.