Grant
Monday, August 4, 2008
LAST NIGHT IN SPAIN
Grant
PHOTOS OF MADRID!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
IN MADRID

Monday, July 28, 2008
The (Newest) Castles of Spain
BELOW: students Rachel, Erica, and Jordan detail their castle.
Death in the Afternoon
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.
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.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
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!!
Monday, July 21, 2008
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.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Tomorrow we head south to Tarifa, where the wind really blows. Weather permitting, we are planning to take a boat ride to see dolphins and other sea creatures. Also, we're going to take a short hike through one of the beautiful parks there. It should be another fun adventure for the group!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Great First Full Week
It was very exciting, though, as the students paired off and listened to our guide, Eduardo (a different Edu from the one with us daily) explain how to paddle the boats. After that, we headed off in a big group. It didn't take the students long to realize that their paddles also doubled as splashing devises, and a water battle quickly broke out. Once we left the bay area and headed more into the Natural Park we rowed a bit more relaxed and took in our scenery.
Illana and Kayla accidentally ran their boat aground on a sand bar, but managed to push off it without any trouble. Also, there were tiny fish jumping all around us, and one managed to land in mine and Encarni's boat. Unfortunately, the fish found its way under Encarni's seat and flopped around until Ben could row over and help; I was laughing too hard to assist!
We've been enjoying other activities this week as well, such as visits to the beach, soccer games, shopping, visits to museums and cafes, etc. I'll post more photos this weekend after I have a chance to gather them from the students.
HASTA PRONTO!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Not Your Normal Market
And where do you find these ingredients? Well, you'll have to check out the market. That's where all the locals go. And what about prices? One man has tomatoes for 1.50 a kilo, but they cost less at the stand next door. Only the stand next door has more expensive onions, and you want the best deal possible. Looks like you'll have to shop around.
Can't find the mejillones (mussels)? That's ok, we'll make another pass through the fish section.
Having the city as our backdrop for our classroom helps make class time go by and enriches instruction by making what's being learned more real. Today, we saw the market for the first time--what a site! Many people crowded into the building, getting their groceries for the day. Patrons shouting "Buy mine! They're cheaper!" It was truly a learning experience for all our students, and I hope they return on their own.
We had a treat last night as we saw the last act of the Cadiz Folklore Dance festival, an act from Dublin, Ireland. Stirring music along with powerful and graceful dancers entertained us at the Santa Catalina Castle. I think everyone's favorite dancer, though, was the young man seen here below with our students. He was spectacular, and definately stole the show!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Face To Face With History and Architecture
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Cadiz Res. Is Rolling
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
We have arrived!!
Upon arriving at the residence, the students had "bocadillos", or sandwiches, and then some down time to rest and unpack. We began orientation around 5:30PM, which concluded with a long walking tour of the city, after which the students and chaperones were quite tired. After our "cena", or dinner, the students had more down time to check email, walk around the plaza (which happens to be right outside of our residence), or head to bed. Most chose the latter to conclude a long day of travel.
We are looking forward to getting more immersed in Cadiz beginning tomorrow with more orientation items, an oral "interview" to gauge the students current speaking levels, another tour of the city and possible trip to the beach. So far everyone has had a great attitude, which I'm very pleased to report.
A couple of items of importance:
1. Calling/cell phones--we are working out the details to make communication between us here and those in the United States more smooth. I will post cell phone numbers when we have them.
2. MORE TO COME!