The Days Go By So Quickly!

Hola amigos!

After our busy day in Segovia and Pedraza, we let the students sleep in for a bit. We had lunch, and then, we took a bus to Madrid.

First a few food pics. Lunch before we left for Madrid.

Plate 1:

Plate 2:Warning vegetarians!!

 Roasted baby pig (called cocina) This is a special dish in Spain. 

After our big lunch, we headed to the bus station to catch our bus to Madrid. Below is a pic of our walk from the hotel to the bus station. I like this walk because it usually meant I was going somewhere exciting!

On the curvy bus ride, a few students unfortunately learned my experience with motion sickness. However, in my handy dandy travel purse, I (of course) had some Bonine! (motion sickness medicine). Over the course of our study abroad experience, I definitely handed out quite a bit of Bonine.

I also had some advil for someone who needed it, a few wet wipes, and then when Dr. Sicius needed a pen, I had one right there. When did I become this prepared? This is quite unlike me! Dr. Sicius asked me if I was a girl scout? Nope, I wasn’t, but apparently, I was paying attention to Dr. Campbell's packing lecture that she gave to all of us before we left! (And, yes . .she was a girl scout!)

In Madrid, Dr. Sicius took us on a beautiful walk through the park, and then we walked down Gran Via to Puerta de Sol where he gave us a chance to do some shopping (the students definitely took him up on that). Below are some pics of the park and our walk through Madrid.

See the horse statue n the picture below. Legend has it that a former STU student climbed on top of this statue, and broke a piece of it when he, of course, fell off of it. I would like to report that no 2012 STU summer in Spain students attempted to climb the horse! Yay!

Then, my camera battery died so I don't have more pics of this great day in Madrid, but it was a really fun day! So, we will just have my writing and your imagination.
I was reserving my money for later travel (I typically do my souvenir shopping at the very end of the trip to make sure I have money for the whole trip) so rather than join the students on their shopping, I followed Dr. Sicius and the guys (Juan and Jose) to try some tapas! This is when I discovered bacalao (cod)  . . we tried some small pieces of bacalao frito (Think fish and chips, Spanish tapas style). Delicioso! (For my dad . . This would be one of your Spanish favorites! Remember the fish & chips in the Bahamas? This bacalao rivals it!) Then, we went to taste some ham at the House of Ham (seriously!) The Spanish do NOT mess around when it comes to jamon (ham), and on this trip, I really grew to appreciate and love Spanish ham. (Last year, I was already a huge fan of paella and tortilla . .this year I added a variety of jamon and bacalao to my list of favorites).

We then met back up with the other students, went to Plaza Mayor (I have pictures of this for a later blog post) and started our tours of the Food Caves in Madrid. We started with the House of Patatas Bravas (my family would love these . . .basically Spain's version of a cross between french fries and home fries), and then the House of Mushrooms (Meson del Champinon), and then the House of Tortilla (my favorite!). Tortilla (for those who don’t know) is a very popular Spanish food that looks to me like a cross between quiche and an omelet (cut in triangle style pieces like pie). It is mostly eggs and potatoes . .right up my alley!)

Then, some of the students decided to go to a very famous club (Capital . .not sure I'm spelling that right) that has 7 floors (or was it 6 floors?, I can’t remember . . needless to say . .it was a big club!). They planned to stay in Madrid and take the 5:30 am bus back to El Escorial . . (A few students, Dr. Sicius, and I went to the market for some desert, and then took the very very very very very long walk back to Moncloa (the bus station) to catch the 1:30 am bus to El Escorial. (For those of us with swollen feet, it was a very long walk. I'm not exactly sure why so many of us had crazy swollen feet . .maybe the long flight, the hours of walking, Spain's food  . .that has a lot more salt. . not sure, but this was a common affliction for most of us. It went away later in the trip., thank goodness!) Then, when we arrived back to El Escorial, It was sooo cold!!! We ran back to the hotel and crashed, but it was a fun day!

The next morning, I started the day off with a late breakfast and then attended Mass with 2 other students. The church in El Escorial (in the monastery . .see previous blog pics) is so beautiful, but of course I didn’t understand a word of what was said! I couldn’t even catch a few words. But, they had a boys choir that sang so beautifully. They truly sounded like angels, and they sang several songs including Ave Maria. These boys who sing in the choir live in the monastery. I think they are high school age, but they sound like cherubs.

After mass, we had a lunch of paella! It was excellent! (Sorry I didn't have my camera with me. You will have to use your imagination!)

That afternoon, the students did homework or slept. (Yes, it is a study abroad trip, and Dr. Moyano and I assign quite a bit of homework!)
Then, we had dinner. I remembered my camera this time . . what about the size of that pepper???

That night, we got ready to watch the finals soccer game between Spain and Italy! After only a few minutes, Spain scored! 1 to 0 Spain . .then another and another and another . . Final Score 4 to 0. Yay! Espana! From the Heat Championship in Miami to the Spain soccer win here! Those of us from STU just must be lucky charms for sports teams. Maybe Team USA will send us to London next for the Olympics!

Classes started back the next day, and we spent several days focused on academics . . lots of homework  . . lots of in-class time, but on Wednesday of that week, it was the 4^th of July (in Spain, and yes . . .we still had class!) However, we did have a La Chistera get-together to celebrate the 4^th and to say thank you and goodbye to Alejandra who had been such a great help for the students (and for me). I was so glad to get to know her better on this trip. 

 Below is a pic of some of the students at our La Chistera 4th of July Celebration! (Some of them even brought homework with them!)

Alejandra, the great (as I have named her!) is such an amazing adventurer and traveler. She was leaving us to head off to Berlin, St. Petersburg, and Moscow with one other friend. What an adventurer! And, although she was only traveling with one other friend, we all knew that she would become best friends with probably a hundred new people on her travels . . she meets people and becomes friends with them everywhere she goes. Below is a pic of Alejandra, Marcela, and of course, Nico!

I love the picture below. It is of my friend and fellow professor, Marcela (Dr. Moyano) . . This picture shows that she is the ultimate communications professor and mom! Here she is filming the students while taking care of Nico! Yes, she’s superwoman (and of course she looks stylish while she does it all!) The students and I just shake our heads and say “Ridiculous! “ (which just means . Wow, how does she do it?) (Oh . .for those of you interested in  the food stories, the pic below shows patatas bravas!)

Here are a few other pics of us hanging out at La Chistera. The students were all great with Nico, and I have to give the guys props. They were really great with Nico. Here you see Juan and Nico, just chilling!

And, in this picture you see Jose and Nico in a thumb wrestling competition!

At our 4^th of July dinner that evening, to spice things up a bit, we had a trivia contest over dinner. OF course, we did. Those of you who know me know that I'm gonna find a way to have a game at one of our dinners!
There were 10 questions (5 questions were American history questions in honor of the 4^th of July and 5 were Spanish history questions (because of course, we are in Spain and Dr. Sicius had taught everyone so much!)
To test your own knowledge, take the trivia test! Don't be scared! You can do it!

1. The Spanish language comes from what 2 languages (and what percentage of each)?
(By the way, blog readers, you should get this right! This was already in the blog!)

2. Who wrote the Star Spangled Banner?

3. What is the name of the famous pilgrammage in Spain that can get you a certificate to heaven? (Dr. Sicius did it and has his certificate to heaven! This is on my to-do list in the future!)

4. What is the oldest city in the U.S? (Hint: Dr. Sicius will take you on a tour there in one of his classes.)

5. How many wives did Philip II have? (not at the same time) And, how many daughters?

6. Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?

7. The library in El Escorial has the oldest what in the world? (This was also in the blog!!! So, hmmm . .are you paying attention?)

8. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

9. How long did it take to finsh building the monastery? (I think this was also in the blog!)

10. Which founding fathers died on July 4th? (hint: there were 3 that died on July 4th. .. cue eerie music)

Bonus Question: When did the 4th of July become a federal holiday in the U.S.?

Answers in a future blog! yep, you have to read on! But, I'm sure you did well on your trivia test!

The grand winner of the trivia quiz that night was Stephanie C. with a close 2^nd place finish by Rosanna! Congrats ladies! (Can I point out that they are both Psychology majors?  . .I'm just saying!) J

But, oh how quickly the days go by! In the next blog, I have a visitor! Olivia comes to visit!

Cute alert!

Nico, would like to say adios in this picture as he shows us how to relax!

Segovia, 2nd time around: Maybe even better!

Hola!

As we did last year, we took a day trip to Segovia and Pedraza; I wrote about this trip on my blog in detail so I will only write a bit about this trip (and post some pics).

Under the excellent leadership of Dr. Sicius (having him here at first was essential . . .we all were learning so much), we took our reserved bus to Segovia where we were all charmed by Queen Isabel’s castle (the same one that Walt Disney sketched in Segovia and which became his inspiration for the castle in Orlando at Disney World).

What a great pic below of our expert tour guides, Dr. Sicius and Adolfo!

We knew it would be hot so Stephanie C. and I rocked hats for our Segovia trip!!! See below.

And, of course there was a call for another group picture.
See below!

Yay, Summer in Spain Study Abroad 2012 group!

After leaving this great photo opportunity spot, we went into the town of Segovia and our bus dropped us off right in front of the amazing Roman aequeduct that looks like a work of art to me (I’m not sure if the Romans intended it to be simply practical or also a work of art), but I find it beautiful, and it photographs really well too! Once again this year, it amazes me that this aqueduct still stands perfectly today. (They really knew how to build things back then! . . .LOL. How old does that last comment make me sound?)

As we walked through the town, Dr. Sicius pointed out the narrow streets of Segovia and the unique mudejar style of architecture that shows the Muslim (Moorish) influence in Spanish architecture. I don't know how to explain it well; however, I can now recognize it. It is a pattern of beautiful and often complicated geometric patterns. Below are 2 examples of this architecture in Segovia.

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Then, Dr. Sicius showed us a church which he pointed out had been both Christian and Muslim at different time periods. The tower at the top demonstrated that it had Muslim heritage. The towers at the top of Mosques showed people which way faced East and the bell in the tower would let them know when it was time to pray. You can also see the archways that demonstrated the Roman architecture. After serving as a mosque, it became a Catholic church. See the church in the picture below.

I love this next picture that shows the rays of Sun beaming down on the entrance to this church. If I can take some artistic leeway here, I would propose those rays of Sun represent God showing favor on a building that housed a variety of people worshipping (perhaps in different styles and ways), but still finding a relationship with their God. You, of course, can interpret the photograph in your own way. :)

When I learn about the history of Spain, one of the most fascinating aspects to me is how for many years, Christians, Muslims, and Jews were able to coexist peacefully in Spain. However, over time, there were tremendous battles between them as well (understatement of the year!). Then, Isabel and Ferdinand (quite the interesting power couple of their day!), who had pretty severe intolerance of other faiths (and the desire to create an all-Christian Spain) drove the Muslims out of Spain (and the Jews as well . .unless the Jews converted). But in Spain, the influence of all three faiths remain in the architecture, the language (Dr. Sicius taught us that 40% of the Spanish language is Arabic  . . the other 60% is Latin), the music, and the food. So, thankfully, those aspects of objective and subjective culture still exist, making Spain such an interesting country! 

Then, we went into the town and stopped by the church where Isabel was crowned queen while her husband Ferdinand was away (he was quite annoyed). This is one of my favorite stories about Isabel . . see last year's blog for the detailed story (or ask Dr. Sicius . . he's the expert!) This is a pic of the church below and check out that strong Spanish sun!

Then, unlike last year (when it was closed for renovation), we had the chance to go into Queen Isabella’s castle. But, first . . it's time for another group pic! Here we are in front of Queen Isabella's castle in Segovia!

And, below is a pic of the castle up close!

Time to go in!

In the pic below, notice the mudejar architecture on the castle. For someone who was insistent on "driving out the Muslims", she (Isabel) could certainly appreciate their architecture.

Look who is here to greet us as we walk in!

The rooms were beautiful, especially when you look up. The ceilings in Spanish Muslim (Moorish) architecture are magnificent. The pictures just can't do them justice. But, maybe it will give you a sense of the style. Below are some pics of the beautiful ceilings in Isabel's castle.

In one room Dr. Sicius pointed out an hourglass to us. He said that when someone wanted to talk to Queen Isabella to get help with a problem or to ask her a question, she would turn this hourglass over when the person entered and the person had 10 minutes to present his/her case or situation to her. In that amount of time, she would then decide if the person could have more time with her. Quite efficient! (One of the students, Rosanna, who knows me well, laughed at this and said she was going to get me one of those hourglasses for my office! The other students all agreed . . .What a great idea!!!) I know that all those near my office at STU are also agreeing right now!!! Wouldn't this look great in my office?

So, we only had a little bit of time left before we had to meet our bus to head to Pedraza for our feast of lamb! But, Dr. Sicius told us that if we ran up the stairs of the tower, we could go up to see the view from the top of the castle.
So, some of us decide that yes, that's a good idea, let's RUN up to the top of the tower as fast as we can . . up an extremely narrow, winding around and around and around staircase to the top of the castle.
All I could hear as we headed up the narrow, winding, dark stone stairs were different voices asking, "are we almost there? how much further? are we close yet?" Then, Alejandra, with the voice of an angel, says, "I see light! We are almost there!" That was the inspiration we all needed for the last few steps.
As we all huffed and puffed at the top, we took some beautiful pictures of the amazing view of Segovia.

Next, we posed for a group picture to show we had done it! Can you tell that everyone is holding their breath?

 I jumped in to document that yes, I was there!

You would think it would be easier heading down the tower stairwell, but the steps were soooo narrow, and there were other people trying to come up at the same time. One nice woman offered me her hand as I cautiously stepped past her. Then there were several men on the steps past her. They didn't offer their hands (hmmm . . .), but I totally used their shoulders as a rail . . .not sure how they felt about it, but it was either that or go tumbling down the stairwell! When we got back to the bottom and hurried to meet our bus, both Alejandra and I were shaking  . . I guess it was the heights or the spinning staircase. But, it was worth it!

After our tour of Segovia, we head out for Pedraza for the lamb feast!  And, here we are! Welcome to Pedraza!

First, we stop at a local bar/tavern to have some local jamon, queso, and vino. Everyone was glad to have a chance to sit and relax (including Nico)!

Then, it's time for the feast! Everyone is waiting eagerly!

Final preparations for us!

Thank you Dr. Sicius for having the hook-up for us at this amazing restaurant! Delicioso!

After lunch, we wandered around town.

Then, I stumbled upon this great pic! Uh Oh! Looks like someone dropped their cell phone!

Just kidding! No, the students were being mindful and enjoying the view. But, I couldn't resist that comment because we have had many conversations on our trip about how great it is to get away from our technology like cell phones! (Some students agree; others don't!)

Back to El Escorial, and yes, it’s true . . Dr. Sicius can out walk us all! No rest for the weary! Ok, well maybe a little rest on the bus! Here are the students (and Nico) at the end of the day trip to Segovia and Pedraza.

What a great day!
Adios!