Aranjuez Week 2

It’s hard to believe that we have already spent two weeks in Spain; we have done and seen so much in our short time here and the next two weeks are going to be just as eventful, I’m sure!

This last week, we spent a lot of time getting to know each other and Aranjuez better. We participated in a lot of the local festivities, thanks to el Festival de San Fernando, a seven-day long celebration here in town. There were various activities for each day of the festival, including concerts, dances, bullfights, fireworks, and so much more! We tried to partake in as many events as possible, but there was so much going on that we just couldn’t! Most of us did, however, get to see our first authentic, Spanish bullfight. It was so interesting to be a part of such a huge event; the Plaza de Toros was filled to the max with spectators! There were six bulls in total—which meant six bullfighters, each of whom were very talented, and muy guapo if I do say so myself! There were various elements that made up each bullfight as well—separate rolls that had specific orders and purposes. At the end of the fight, when the bull was finally defeated, the crowd would shout and cheer, and wave their handkerchiefs at the torero if they liked his performance; he would then walk all around the plaza as his fans showered him with flowers and other tokens…it was amazing!!!

Unfortunately, we did not get to do as much as we wanted because it has been raining so much here; I was told that it hasn’t rained this much in twenty years…I am so glad we brought the Indiana weather with us…not. Still, though, I think I can speak for all of us when I say we are having a blast!

Lately, I have been spending more time with my family. They are a very interesting group of people; I am learning a lot from them and having fun too! This past weekend, some of their cousins came into visit from Asturias, a northern region of Spain. They actually taught me a little regional tradition in which you hold a bottle of cidra (basically, alcoholic apple juice) from about a yard away from the glass, pour a little amount, and pass it to someone else…then, that person returns the favor…it was really cool to be a part of such a tradition!

Overall, it has been an exciting week, and there is only more to come! This week, we will embark on La Ruta de Don Quijote and enjoy another extended weekend; I can’t wait!!!

Until next time, ¡hasta luego!

Our Trip to Barcelona

Time is flying by as the third and final weekend has now passed. We have seen so many amazing, indescribable things and have had some remarkable experiences. For me, the highlight of the past week was our trip to Barcelona. Carol, Jamie, and I left from Aranjuez at four o'clock Friday morning to go to the airport in Madrid. We made it to our hostal in Barcelona by 9:00 a.m. We had a full day of sight-seeing on Friday - Las Ramblas, Park Güell, La Pedrera, La Sagrada Familia...Jamie and I also went to a flamenco show, where we met girls from Los Angeles, New York, Florida, and Australia. The show was awesome - the band consisted of a drummer, a guitarist, a singer, and two flamenco dancers.

The next morning, we got up and went to Las Ramblas again and Barcelona's famous market, where we got fresh strawberries, pineapple, and smoothies. Then, we hit the beach; the blue water was a little chilly, but the day was perfect - about 75 degrees, clear skies, slight breeze. We then went to check out a couple of churches with amazing architecture and then headed up a mountain towards a castle. Although we didn't have time to reach the castle, the view was beyond words. It was an incredible trip!

A Day at the Prado

With grey clouds overhead, it looked like it was going to rain cats and dogs. While the breezy winds swept across our faces, we prayed for sunshine so we can take in the full atmosphere of Madrid. As we got closer to our destinations throughout the day, at La Puerta del Sol (a shopper´s paradise), at monuments, or at the famous art museum, el Prado, the glimmering sun followed us, or at least long enough to take a few decent photos!

My favorite destination thus far has been El Museo del Prado. El Prado, a museum is the home to works of Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, Bosch, Raphael, Caravaggio, Fra Angelico, Rembrant, Bottecelli, and many more monumental artists. The museum is a chest full of treasures scattered about throughout the many floors and halls of the museum. Like pirates searching for a treasure chest, Jamie, Kali, and I explored the various hallways, rooms, and floors of el Prado with our handy dandy museum map in order to find many masterpieces. Each room allowed us to travel through periods of time through many locations near and far as we "oohed" and "aahed" in front of a myriad of master works.

Enlaced in gold leaf, the pristine "Annunciation" by Fra Angelico (see photo) is simply breathtaking. Bosch's tryptich of "The Garden of Earthly Delights" is an adventure in itself. These are two of the many "don´t miss"  works. Many Spanish artists including Velazquez and El Greco have a home in this amazing place. But what really caught my eye was the Goya exhibition. The exhbit explored Goya´s artistic techniques and subject matter. On the bottom level of el Prado, a creepy and eerie feeling prevailed as we were lead to the vault of Goya´s gloomier paintings. This level included darker paintings, such as Satan Devouring Child. Numerous pieces displaying royalty or historical events found their place on the main level. Masking a giant wall, many people were spellbound as they stood in front of the Second of May and Third of May paintings.

On the top level, complete with sky lights and light green painted walls, a cheerier atmosphere held some of Goya´s works that depicted nature, happier scenes of people, landscapes, and less formal scenes, all portrayed in brilliant, vibrant colors that made the paintings come to life. With the perfect mix of the environment and the works it contained, I felt that I was trapped in between the pages of a story book. It was a light, happy feeling that can bring anyone back to their youth. In all, the most interesting thing that was portrayed in the exhibit was how Goya´s style evolved as it reflected different subject matter as it changed to such extremes. After 3.5 hours in the museum, it was a satisfying experience that made me wish I could have stayed there the whole day!

Our Trip to Toledo, May 24, 2008

Last Saturday we visited one of the most magnificent and historic cities in the world: Toledo. Our daring and dashing Professor “Indiana Carlos” and our lovely and worldly Professor Ana led us on an expedition through Toledo's maze of alleyways, colorfully adorned for the city’s 600-year-old Corpus Christi celebration.

We visited Visigoth ruins dating from the 6th century, a monastery of nuns who shared with us (okay, sold us) boxes of sweet, delectable marzapán (almond-paste treats). We ventured through passages that delivered us to private patios and lush courtyards known only to Indiana Carlos and lifelong Toledanos.

We visited ancient Jewish synagogues and Moorish mosques and marvelous cathedrals. We studied the haunting and priceless works of Toledo’s most celebrated painter, El Greco. And we visited the resplendent Cloister of San Juan de Los Reyes (see photo).

Finally, weary and hungry, we stumbled into a tavern where we feasted and feted our good health and friendship and discoveries, ever thankful to Indiana Carlos and esteemed Ana for safely guiding us through Toledo’s enchanting labyrinth.

Day 10

Today is our 10th day in Spain. So far, so good. Things are very different here, like the food, the people, the music, EVERYTHING. For the most part, the food is excellent which was a big concern of mine because I don't like spicy or extremely salty foods. My family makes typical Spanish meals everyday, so I always get the chance to try something new. I've also been able to go to cafes and bars with friends to try some drinks and pastries.
The people here are a lot calmer than they are back home. No one is ever in a rush to get anywhere because everyone is late anyways, so it doesn't matter. You can literally go up to anyone on the street and start a conversation, whether you know them or not. It usually happens to me at the bus stop. I only sometimes take the bus to school because I personally like to walk. It's about a 40 minute walk, so I get plenty of exercise and I would much rather not have to pay to take the bus.
My host family is very nice. They are all very talkative and patient with me when I don't understand something. There are four children: ages 14, 10, 2, and 1. The oldest is at that stage where she doesn't care about anything and the 10 year old talks A LOT. Our professor says that's how we learn to speak better but since I already know a lot of Spanish, she's just like any other extremely talkative child. The babies are really cute and don't know how to say hi or yes, so they always say bye or no. The house is also really nice because they only recently moved in. There is a pool in the back yard and I have my own room.
Classes so far are going well. No one really likes grammar but of course that's the only way that we'll be able to perfect our Spanish. Our latino studies class is very interesting because we get to take a look at a variety of issues in the hispanic world. Immigration is our biggest topic. There's so much to learn that goes on in our country that is just the same in others, like Spain. We have our first exam tomorrow. A few people are worried about it but I think it will be just fine. I should be studying right now, actually.

Hasta luego!

We are here!

The first week has been exciting and very busy. Our host families welcomed us with food and warm beds and their kindness.

The university CES Felipe II and City of Aranjuez sent delegations to the inaugural ceremony on Monday, May 19, where the local press took photos and interviewed the students. A feature article on the students is due out this weekend!

On the first day, IU students got a chance to mingle and become acquainted with CES students during a "friendship" gathering organized by Professor Rubio (see photo).

The second day, after classes, we enjoyed a "chiquitren" (or kids' train) ride through the city center and Royal Gardens of the Palace, followed by an amazing tour of the Palace's many colorful and bejeweled rooms.

On Wednesday, guest speaker Jose Manuel Fernandez, who works for social services in Aranjuez, introduced us to the many-faceted subject of immigration in Spain, from its recent history to demographic trends to public opinions about immigration.

On Thursday, after class, a few of us went to Madrid and enjoyed a stroll through the Reina Sofia Museum and "people watched" in the Plaza Mayor (see photo).

Today (Friday), there is a folk music concert on the city plaza--Celtic music is always great on a cool, drizzly evening.

Tomorrow, we're off to history-rich Toledo, for a guided tour, with Professor Carlos Rubio and Professor Ana Orenga.

And on Sunday (May 25), we've been invited to a public feast, as guests of the Mayor of Aranjuez.

The university, the city, and the people couldn't be kinder and more welcoming!

More in a few days...

Latino Studies Goes to Spain

As we prepare for the rare experience of living in and briefly "knowing" Spain, I want to share a poem about the journey that is life:

Caminante, son tus huellas
el camino, y nada más;
caminante, no hay camino,
se hace camino al andar.

Al andar se hace camino,
y al volver la vista atrás
se ve la senda que nunca
se ha de volver a pisar.

Caminante, no hay camino,
sino estelas en la mar.

--Antonio Machado


(translation)