Dia Diez- Dia Trece

So in honor of it being Tino's last day, we went and watched a private practice of Spain's traditional flamenco dancers. It amazed me how the simple movement of the hands could be viewed so sensually. The dancers moved with such grace, that even I have a burning desire to pick up the dance! Tino gave us his final lesson, and we said our goodbyes. It was sad watching him go, he had become a dear friend. But with him gone, things died down. Everyone seemed to be a little bit more at ease. That night Lier, Hannah, and I went and ate at the most wonderful Italian restaurant, settling for an early night. The next day we got to see a special treat. We went to an arena where they fought bulls and readied them for competition. In the arena stood Salvador Vega, who apparently is famous for his skills and GOOD LOOKS. Lucky Hannah even got pulled into the ring! Bull fighting seems fascinating from across the Atlantic, but up close and personal it is even COOLER. After the heat took its toll, we headed back to our Costa Azul for pizza. Finally it was the weekend and Sydney, Allie, Laura, and Liz were coming in for the weekend. Lierin and I could not wait to see them, so we did at the first chance we had. Though there was a bit of miscommunication as to what fountain they were at, we made it. It was sooo good to see them! Later in the day we went and saw the local cathedral and King Ferdinand and Isabella's tombs. The intricacy of the architecture was phenomenal, especially considering their lack of technology. That night we went to the Arab baths, where we steamed, bathed, and got massaged. We needed something like that to ease the stress, but it would of been nice if Davin warned us of the walk........hahahaha. Anyway we got home a little after two and had to be up early for an adventure to an equestrian center. You could most similarly relate it to one of our country clubs, but instead of a golf course they had the most beautiful stables and horsing grounds. Though I am not wild about horses, I really enjoyed being able to observe the way some Spaniards interact. Again tonight we will be going to Patty's Irish Pub to watch the USA vs. Brazil game. GO USA!!

Dia Seis- Dia Nueve

On Sunday, we left Madrid; I was ready to escape the thrill of the never sleeping city. We headed to Granada by train. I had never been on a train before, so for five hours I gazed out the window. The train weaved through the mountains and sunflower fields, as villages would dance past my window. I just sat in my seat taking it all in, imagining how my life would change. We were awaited by our bus at the Granada train station. When the bus pulled out of the station, my eyes were opened to see the vast city. The city was lined with architecturally savvy light posts and overflowing flowers. I guess you could say it was love at first sight. Here is where our National Geographic Expert, Toni, joined us on our adventure. He is a character to say the least, who has a passion for what he does. His outgoing nature has stirred up the passion and excitement within all of us. His life has been one of photographs, filled with animation. He leads a life we all admire. With his presence, there has been an extra spark while we walk through the streets or visit the Alhambra. He is a humorous teacher, who doesn’t mind critiquing our photographs. We are lucky to have him with us. But we are also lucky to have better food here in Granada. Helado and Gelato shops are found on every corner, this is definitely a group favorite. Unfortunately tonight is our last night with Toni, and we are going to watch the Spain vs. USA futbol match before a night shoot. The days have been full and long, we haven’t gotten much sleep. But when it comes down to it, it is so worth it. This trip has offered me experiences I may never again revisit, and for that I am thankful. As the trip goes on, I am expecting to take away a lot from the dazzling city of Granada.

Dia Dos-Dia Cinco

After two long flights, we finally arrived in Madrid groggy and tired. A bus picked us up from the airport and took us to the hostel where we would be staying. At first glance, I was disgusted by our new living conditions. The rooms were tiny with four half sized twin beds, a desk, and a chair; and the bathroom was no better. Lets just say I wouldn't walk or shower without my Crocs on. Though we were definitely roughing it, my roomies and I (Lierin, Hannah, and Ky) made light of the situation. After setting our bags down, we were ready to explore the bustling city of Madrid. But within the first thirty minutes, we realize we are missing Connor. The teachers and instructors were frightened. But we all wondered how could he have lost the group? Luckily, we found him and continued on our journey. In Madrid we saw many sights, such as the Prado, Picasso's work, and even cathedrals in Toledo. Though I have to say my favorite experience was going to see the Real Madrid Soccer Stadium, and that day was sure an experience. We decided to take the Subway, to spare our legs from all the walking. On the subway we met and made many friends, but the most memorable is the dirty homeless man who approached us and pointed down screaming profanities in Espanol. We didn't expect that coming, we were only on the lookout for gypsy alerts; so Davin scared the man off with a fierce "Hombre." And of course, the laughs followed. Obviously we saw some very interesting people, just like the prostitutes who lined the streets. Everything made us laugh. Even the two thirty year old men who had the room next to ours made us laugh, at least sometimes. These two men would constantly knock on our door, and when we would go to answer it no one would be there. Once they realized we would no longer go to the door, they began knocking beats on our walls. This lasted for 2-3 days, and at first it was funny, but then it became REALLLY CREEPY. We were all kind of freaked out by these desperate men, and my friends thought that it would be the perfect time to play some sick jokes on me. Anyway, it was not a funny joke at all. But those are just a few of my experiences. And though some of my experiences may sound vulgar or uneducational, it is those that give you the real taste of the city. These memories educate you the most. Because when you leave the city all you have left is the memories of the people, foods, and structures. But you do not remember the objects for what they are, but for the feeling it left you with. That is what you hold on to. And with that said, my memories of Madrid have proved that I entirely immersed myself into another culture, experiencing all the quirks of the city. By doing this I have enjoyed exploring the flavor of the city, but it also allowed me to realize my appreciation of los Estados Unidos. So in conclusion, Madrid was a varying beautiful city. One in which I will always remember.