Hola, readers! Ok, so once again I've neglected to keep you all updated on what is going on in my life here in Spain. However, I hope that you will forgive me for my carelessness and keep reading.
About a month and a half ago, the school took us on a trip to Cataluña, a province in northern Spain, and Andorra, a tiny country between Spain and France, which mainly consists of cheaper shopping, fondue and ski resorts. We were in Andorra for only a day, but the school took us to a spa, which none of us complained about. My favorite part is that their independence day is on my birthday! September 8th... if anyone was wondering...
The rest of the time we stayed in the province of Cataluña. This part of Europe is green, mountainous and the air is smells of nationalism; but not of Spain. Though Cataluña is the richest, most successful part of Spain, the people are not completely satisfied with their situation. The majority of the population wishes to become a separate entity from Spain. There are many reasons, mostly political ones, for their desire to secede, but these are the two main ones: the differences in language and culture. Instead of speaking Spanish, or Castellano, they speak Catalan, a language that is a mix between Spanish and French. And unlike the rest of Spain, Catalans do not believe in participating in bull fights, thus they are outlawed in the province. Right now, and for the past several years, there has been much tension between Spain and Cataluña. Maybe one day they will get their wish..
While in Cataluña, we mostly stuck around the diverse city of Barcelona. ESDES always tries to find us hotels that are central and somewhat luxurious. This time, we stayed in a hotel right on the street of Las Ramblas, one the of the main streets in Barcelona. This area is teaming with tourists, tiendas and restaurants of every type. There is also the Boquería, a world renowned open air market, famous for selling exotic foods, such as dragon fruit and octopus legs. One of the many tasty treats offered here is freshly squeezed juice. And we're not talking "Minute Maid" fresh, or even Simply Orange. I'm talking, fresh. As in juiced that day kind of fresh. You can choose from a variety of flavors such as strawberry kiwi, watermelon, coconut berry and many others. My personal favorite was guava coconut. Can you say "heaven in a cup"?
Though the Boquería was one of my favorite spots in Barcelona, the city is not entirely made of fresh juice and hedge hog shaped chocolate. There are many buildings and pieces of art designed by the late Gaudí such as El Parque Güell and La Sagrada Familia. Most of you probably know La Sagrada Familia as the "melted church." We had the opportunity tour this magnificent work of art on our trip. La Sagrada Famlia is one of the most spectacular man-made things I've seen in my lifetime. Gaudí executed this work of art with precision and pure genius. The inside is immense and one gets the feeling of being in a forest or stained glass and pillars. The outside is not yet completed, which is why this side looks like melted rock, and will probably take another 50 years to finish. We went through an audio guided tour, which, to me, was really rewarding. The audio guide explained the history, symbolism and architectural significance to the abnormal basilica.
Late that day, we also visited the Parque Güell, a park on the outskirts of Barcelona completely designed by Gaudí as well. The park was given to the the artist by the Güell family some 100 years ago. Gaudí said at one point that the park would be designed like the village of his dreams. He set up a common area for an open air market, neatly decorated with mosaics on the pillars and ceiling. Every plant is was placed and pruned to perfection.
This was my favorite school trip! Cataluña is a beautiful place filled with so many things to discover. Thanks for reading!
- R
About a month and a half ago, the school took us on a trip to Cataluña, a province in northern Spain, and Andorra, a tiny country between Spain and France, which mainly consists of cheaper shopping, fondue and ski resorts. We were in Andorra for only a day, but the school took us to a spa, which none of us complained about. My favorite part is that their independence day is on my birthday! September 8th... if anyone was wondering...The rest of the time we stayed in the province of Cataluña. This part of Europe is green, mountainous and the air is smells of nationalism; but not of Spain. Though Cataluña is the richest, most successful part of Spain, the people are not completely satisfied with their situation. The majority of the population wishes to become a separate entity from Spain. There are many reasons, mostly political ones, for their desire to secede, but these are the two main ones: the differences in language and culture. Instead of speaking Spanish, or Castellano, they speak Catalan, a language that is a mix between Spanish and French. And unlike the rest of Spain, Catalans do not believe in participating in bull fights, thus they are outlawed in the province. Right now, and for the past several years, there has been much tension between Spain and Cataluña. Maybe one day they will get their wish..
While in Cataluña, we mostly stuck around the diverse city of Barcelona. ESDES always tries to find us hotels that are central and somewhat luxurious. This time, we stayed in a hotel right on the street of Las Ramblas, one the of the main streets in Barcelona. This area is teaming with tourists, tiendas and restaurants of every type. There is also the Boquería, a world renowned open air market, famous for selling exotic foods, such as dragon fruit and octopus legs. One of the many tasty treats offered here is freshly squeezed juice. And we're not talking "Minute Maid" fresh, or even Simply Orange. I'm talking, fresh. As in juiced that day kind of fresh. You can choose from a variety of flavors such as strawberry kiwi, watermelon, coconut berry and many others. My personal favorite was guava coconut. Can you say "heaven in a cup"?
Late that day, we also visited the Parque Güell, a park on the outskirts of Barcelona completely designed by Gaudí as well. The park was given to the the artist by the Güell family some 100 years ago. Gaudí said at one point that the park would be designed like the village of his dreams. He set up a common area for an open air market, neatly decorated with mosaics on the pillars and ceiling. Every plant is was placed and pruned to perfection.This was my favorite school trip! Cataluña is a beautiful place filled with so many things to discover. Thanks for reading!
- R
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