Our flight on Saturday was long but fine. Got thru customs with a minimal amount of waiting. Caught the 2:40 bus from Logan to Concord, NH and was in my house by 5:30pm. Was greeted by an overly excited puppy and a thoughtful husband who had dinner and roses ( belated Valentine's gift ) waiting for me. Nice way to end a fabulous trip.
I feel fortunate to have travelled on a tour with a group of educators. Thank you, Sara Prouty. It was a unique travel experience that I will always cherish.
Adios!
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Barcelona - dia dos
We started our day with a sightseeing tour by bus. Our first stop on Friday was Park Guell. This is a fanciful park at the foothills of the city. It was designed by genius Antoni Gaudi to be an upscale housing community in the late 1800s. Gaudi had vision way beyond his times - used recycled materials, designed ergonical seating and incorporated shapes from nature. His work is distinctive and unique. The development didn't succeed as it was too far out of the city but it is now a gorgeous park with a terrace that offers sweeping views of the city.
Guadi's work is visible throughout Barcelona. We passed several of his homes on the bus tour and had seen one of his incredible fountains on the bike tour yesterday. He had a wealthy patron and was able to design and build many unique structures.
Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece is the Sagrada Familia ( Holy Family Church ). It is a wildly creative and deeply religious structure. Started in 1883 under Gaudi, it had many set backs (construction was revitalized in preparation for the 1992 Olympics ) and is now scheduled to be completed in 2026. Gaudi died in 1926 but the construction follows his design. The inside was finished enough to host a consecration Mass by the Pope in 2010. I have never seen an inside of a church like this one. Gaudi was extremely religious and loved nature. The interior is a reflection of this. The columns are like tree trunks and feels like a rainforest or perhaps something out of Star Wars. Hard to believe it was all designed in the late 1800s. I loved it. Another highlight for me.
Our day quickly came to a close after walking around Las Ramblas ( main avenue ) and making a fun stop at the La Boqueria market ( complete with lamb heads for sale ). I am sorry we didn't get to the Picasso museum or tour the Cathedral of Barcelona. Oh well, perhaps I will return in 2026 to see the completed Sagrada Familia and take in these other gems of Barcelona. It is a wonderful city.
Wake up call for Saturday morning is 3:30am. Departure for airport at 4:15am. Sad to leave this wonderful country but ready to go home.
Guadi's work is visible throughout Barcelona. We passed several of his homes on the bus tour and had seen one of his incredible fountains on the bike tour yesterday. He had a wealthy patron and was able to design and build many unique structures.
Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece is the Sagrada Familia ( Holy Family Church ). It is a wildly creative and deeply religious structure. Started in 1883 under Gaudi, it had many set backs (construction was revitalized in preparation for the 1992 Olympics ) and is now scheduled to be completed in 2026. Gaudi died in 1926 but the construction follows his design. The inside was finished enough to host a consecration Mass by the Pope in 2010. I have never seen an inside of a church like this one. Gaudi was extremely religious and loved nature. The interior is a reflection of this. The columns are like tree trunks and feels like a rainforest or perhaps something out of Star Wars. Hard to believe it was all designed in the late 1800s. I loved it. Another highlight for me.
Our day quickly came to a close after walking around Las Ramblas ( main avenue ) and making a fun stop at the La Boqueria market ( complete with lamb heads for sale ). I am sorry we didn't get to the Picasso museum or tour the Cathedral of Barcelona. Oh well, perhaps I will return in 2026 to see the completed Sagrada Familia and take in these other gems of Barcelona. It is a wonderful city.
Wake up call for Saturday morning is 3:30am. Departure for airport at 4:15am. Sad to leave this wonderful country but ready to go home.
Barcelona - dia uno
We took the high speed train from Madrid to Barcelona. It is such a civilized way to travel - smooth, quiet, spacious, etc. The ride via train was approx 2 1/2 hours. We went directly to the hotel to check in and get rid of luggage. As soon as that was done, we were on our own for lunch ( the hotel was located in an area where there were many restaurants ). A local overheard us debating where to eat and she encouraged us to go to a cooking school restaurant which we did. No one spoke English there ( first time we encountered that ) and very little Spanish. They speak Catalan in the region of Catulunya so our limited ability with Spanish didn't help ( think French and English in Canada ). We muddled through it with a safe order of paella. Food was delicious and fun experience to have students as waiters and cooks.
After lunch we tackled the Metro system. It is clean and safe. After much instruction from our leader Macarena ( yes, like the dance ), we got around easily and had no worries about getting separated. Our destination was a glass fusing class which was fun even for an artistically challenged person like me. The teachers were all excited about having a hand made souvenir to take back to their students/classroom.
From there we travelled to downtown. Barcelona is a large and lively city with beautiful and varied architecture. Over half of us went on an amazing bike tour of the city. It was a welcomed change after all the walking. We have been averaging 19,000 steps a day. The bike ride lasted two hours and we went from downtown to the Gothic area to the beach/Olympic park. The beach area is beautiful and many of the ladies - not me - took their shoes off to wade in the Mediterranean Sea. Quite adventurous given the temp was about 50. This area was quite rundown before the 1992 Olympics. Now it is a vibrant beach community for locals and tourists.
We headed back to downtown to return bikes and go to dinner. At this point it was dark and we were riding without helmets or lights. Things are looser in Spain..... Barcelona does have an excellent bike trail lane on most roads so I felt safe even though it was darker than I would have liked. When weren't on roads, we were on tiny alley ways. Definitely a highlight for me.
After lunch we tackled the Metro system. It is clean and safe. After much instruction from our leader Macarena ( yes, like the dance ), we got around easily and had no worries about getting separated. Our destination was a glass fusing class which was fun even for an artistically challenged person like me. The teachers were all excited about having a hand made souvenir to take back to their students/classroom.
From there we travelled to downtown. Barcelona is a large and lively city with beautiful and varied architecture. Over half of us went on an amazing bike tour of the city. It was a welcomed change after all the walking. We have been averaging 19,000 steps a day. The bike ride lasted two hours and we went from downtown to the Gothic area to the beach/Olympic park. The beach area is beautiful and many of the ladies - not me - took their shoes off to wade in the Mediterranean Sea. Quite adventurous given the temp was about 50. This area was quite rundown before the 1992 Olympics. Now it is a vibrant beach community for locals and tourists.
We headed back to downtown to return bikes and go to dinner. At this point it was dark and we were riding without helmets or lights. Things are looser in Spain..... Barcelona does have an excellent bike trail lane on most roads so I felt safe even though it was darker than I would have liked. When weren't on roads, we were on tiny alley ways. Definitely a highlight for me.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Visit to Gaudem Institute
We had a fantastic visit to Gaudem Institute today. The private school is PreK - 12 but is subsidized by the government as its unique curriculum supports deaf and some special needs students. The school has 1200 students of which approx 10% are deaf. It is an amazing place. In the primary grades, there are two teachers in the classroom that has deaf students. One is the main teacher and the other is the sign language teacher. I got to observe a 2nd grade class for over an hour. It was fascinating to watch the teacher sign ( Spainish sign language, not American or International ) the lesson. This not only benefits the deaf students but also teaches the other students sign language. When students graduate from Gaudem, they know Spainish, English and Sign Language.
Once again I found students to be friendly, independent and excited to converse with us one on one in English. The staff was generous with their time not only in the classrooms but afterwards as we had a terrific discussion about the similarities and differences between education in Spain and the US. One amusing similarity is the use of tennis balls on the bottom of the legs of chairs. It is a low cost but effective way of muffling sound. Didn't realize its use may be global!
From there we went to downtown Madrid for walking around, free time and shopping. Nine of us went to 1902 restaurant to treat ourselves to Churros con Chocolate. It is the Spainish equivalent of tea time. Churros are a donut like pastry hoop that you dip in rich, thick, hot chocolate. They are delicious. Worth every calorie.
We knew we could indulge in the Churros as we went Salsa dancing from 5-6:30. It was non stop instruction and quite the work out. I can honestly say that I have never taken dancing lessons in any prior travel. However, it is a good idea. It was another great exposure to the culture of Spain.
From there we walked to the restaurant for dinner then back to the hotel. Walking is a very popular mode of transportation here. Called it an early night as tomorrow we have an early departure to Barcelona on the high speed train.
Once again I found students to be friendly, independent and excited to converse with us one on one in English. The staff was generous with their time not only in the classrooms but afterwards as we had a terrific discussion about the similarities and differences between education in Spain and the US. One amusing similarity is the use of tennis balls on the bottom of the legs of chairs. It is a low cost but effective way of muffling sound. Didn't realize its use may be global!
From there we went to downtown Madrid for walking around, free time and shopping. Nine of us went to 1902 restaurant to treat ourselves to Churros con Chocolate. It is the Spainish equivalent of tea time. Churros are a donut like pastry hoop that you dip in rich, thick, hot chocolate. They are delicious. Worth every calorie.
We knew we could indulge in the Churros as we went Salsa dancing from 5-6:30. It was non stop instruction and quite the work out. I can honestly say that I have never taken dancing lessons in any prior travel. However, it is a good idea. It was another great exposure to the culture of Spain.
From there we walked to the restaurant for dinner then back to the hotel. Walking is a very popular mode of transportation here. Called it an early night as tomorrow we have an early departure to Barcelona on the high speed train.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Olive Oil and Cordoba
We said goodbye to Sevilla sooner than anyone wanted to but were rewarded with a tour of an Olive Oil cooperative outside the city. The Basilippo facility is incredible. It is family owned for 3 generations and takes making high quality ( extra virgin ) olive oil seriously. The tour guide was so informative. We saw the trees, learned about the harvest and toured the pressing factory ( only in operation from October to December when they harvest the olives ). After that, we had a tasting. Who knew you had tastings for olive oil? Needless to say, the gift shop on the way out was a big hit.
From there we travelled to Córdoba. The city was once a regional capital for both the Romans and the Moores. During the dark ages when most of Europe was barbaric and illiterate, Córdoba was a center for enlightened thought and religious tolerance. The beautiful Mezquita, started around 784 a.d., is an incredibly well preserved mosque. In 1236 King Ferdinand lll reconquered Cordoba and built a cathedral on the grounds of the Mosque. It is a unique meshing of the architecture of worship for two religions and is a World Heritage Site.
In addition to all the remains of the Moorish culture, there is also a significant Roman Bridge over the river Guadalquivir. This is the same body of water as in Sevilla but it is marshy and non-navigable. Fun to see structures with so much history, incredible engineering and design and from so long ago.
Our time was short in this lovely city as we got back on our bus for the 5 hour ride to return to Madrid. The bus is comfortable and has wifi so there were very few complaints. On Wednesday we have plans to visit another school and take salsa dancing lessons. Stay tuned....
From there we travelled to Córdoba. The city was once a regional capital for both the Romans and the Moores. During the dark ages when most of Europe was barbaric and illiterate, Córdoba was a center for enlightened thought and religious tolerance. The beautiful Mezquita, started around 784 a.d., is an incredibly well preserved mosque. In 1236 King Ferdinand lll reconquered Cordoba and built a cathedral on the grounds of the Mosque. It is a unique meshing of the architecture of worship for two religions and is a World Heritage Site.
In addition to all the remains of the Moorish culture, there is also a significant Roman Bridge over the river Guadalquivir. This is the same body of water as in Sevilla but it is marshy and non-navigable. Fun to see structures with so much history, incredible engineering and design and from so long ago.
Our time was short in this lovely city as we got back on our bus for the 5 hour ride to return to Madrid. The bus is comfortable and has wifi so there were very few complaints. On Wednesday we have plans to visit another school and take salsa dancing lessons. Stay tuned....
Sevilla
Monday was a long day with a range of activities. All interesting but very different. Started the day out with a visit to a private preK thru 12 school outside Madrid. It was a fascinating experience. The principal and English department head greeted us and were our hosts throughout the morning and at lunch. They take studying English very seriously. The school alternates language days between Spainish and English. Lucky for us, Monday was an English Day. I got to observe preK and 2nd grade. It was so much fun. The students are adorable, dress in uniforms, write in cursive and speak English very well. The 2nd graders were in front of their class talking about their weekend - all in English. The faculty all speak English as well. We also spent some time out at recess and got to talk with the students individually. The students were polite, enthusiastic and well spoken.
After lunch we headed to Sevilla. Sevilla is flamboyant and known best for its bullfighting and flamenco dancing. The city boomed in the 16th century and many explorers such as Vespucci and Magellan sailed from its harbor. Now tourism is its main industry.
We visited the Plaza de Toros and got a tour of the bullring. The season runs fromApril thru October so no Bulls were present. It is a beautiful arena along with an informative museum. Many of us cringed at the thought of 6 bulls being killed at every bull fight but it is an extremely popular sport here. The fights take place on Sundays and last about 2 hours. From there we went to the Cathedral. What is a European city without a cathedral? Seville's Santa Maria cathedral is huge. It is built on a site that had been a mosque which was destroyed in 1401 to build the cathedral. The Giralda Bell Tower was not destroyed and is incorporated into the Church. It is 330 feet up ( 35 ramps and 17 steps ) and offers an incredible view of the city.
Next was a walking tour of the city and an hour long boat cruise on the Guadalquivir River. From here we had some free time for shopping or whatever. I joined the group who went for tapas and wine. With the help of heat lamps we were able to sit outside and enjoy the sights of this beautiful city. We ended the evening with a Flamenco dance performance. Most enjoyable entertainment.
After lunch we headed to Sevilla. Sevilla is flamboyant and known best for its bullfighting and flamenco dancing. The city boomed in the 16th century and many explorers such as Vespucci and Magellan sailed from its harbor. Now tourism is its main industry.
We visited the Plaza de Toros and got a tour of the bullring. The season runs fromApril thru October so no Bulls were present. It is a beautiful arena along with an informative museum. Many of us cringed at the thought of 6 bulls being killed at every bull fight but it is an extremely popular sport here. The fights take place on Sundays and last about 2 hours. From there we went to the Cathedral. What is a European city without a cathedral? Seville's Santa Maria cathedral is huge. It is built on a site that had been a mosque which was destroyed in 1401 to build the cathedral. The Giralda Bell Tower was not destroyed and is incorporated into the Church. It is 330 feet up ( 35 ramps and 17 steps ) and offers an incredible view of the city.
Next was a walking tour of the city and an hour long boat cruise on the Guadalquivir River. From here we had some free time for shopping or whatever. I joined the group who went for tapas and wine. With the help of heat lamps we were able to sit outside and enjoy the sights of this beautiful city. We ended the evening with a Flamenco dance performance. Most enjoyable entertainment.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Granada
Buenos Dias to all my followers,
Again the rain did not slow us down but it certainly made for less than ideal conditions in Granada today. We spent 3 hours at the Alhambra. It is an amazing complex made more interesting by our local guide. Elena was knowledgeable and very funny.
The Alhambra ( Red Castle ) is a 25 acre site that is a stunning example of the splendor of the Moorish rule over Southern Spain from 711 to 1492 ( that was a very big year in Spain....). The Alambra was built from approx1200-1300. It is a fortress that contains a palace, aqueducts and incredible gardens. The artistic work on the wall and ceilings is detailed and intricate. Breathtaking beauty. The ceilings are decorated so richly because much of the muslem furniture at the time was thick carpets - silk in the summer and wool in the winter- so therefore, the royals and nobles often looked up. Ceiling decorations were very important.
The Spainish finally drove the Moors out of Granada in 1492 and took over the Alhambra and the Southern kingdom. This was the last Moorish stronghold from the Spainish Reconquista that united all of the peninsula and turned Spain into a European power. The last piece of the Reconquista also gave Isabel and Ferdinand leeway to fund Christopher Columbus's trip to find a new route to India. Also in 1492. We were in the actual room where permission was given.
Isabel and Ferinand made some Christian changes to the Alhambra but it and Granada eventually lost their influence as the various kingdoms were untied and the capital of Spain was established in Madrid in 1581. The Fotress then went through a series of uses including abandonment and occupation by both Gypsies and Napoleon's troops. Both contributed to the demise of the Alhambra. Fortunately, in the 20th century the Spainish government recognized the significance of the Fortress and has had it restored. It now attracts 8,000 visitors a day. It is spectacular.
We spent the rest of the day in Granada. Shopping and enjoying an incredible Morracan lunch.
Again the rain did not slow us down but it certainly made for less than ideal conditions in Granada today. We spent 3 hours at the Alhambra. It is an amazing complex made more interesting by our local guide. Elena was knowledgeable and very funny.
The Alhambra ( Red Castle ) is a 25 acre site that is a stunning example of the splendor of the Moorish rule over Southern Spain from 711 to 1492 ( that was a very big year in Spain....). The Alambra was built from approx1200-1300. It is a fortress that contains a palace, aqueducts and incredible gardens. The artistic work on the wall and ceilings is detailed and intricate. Breathtaking beauty. The ceilings are decorated so richly because much of the muslem furniture at the time was thick carpets - silk in the summer and wool in the winter- so therefore, the royals and nobles often looked up. Ceiling decorations were very important.
The Spainish finally drove the Moors out of Granada in 1492 and took over the Alhambra and the Southern kingdom. This was the last Moorish stronghold from the Spainish Reconquista that united all of the peninsula and turned Spain into a European power. The last piece of the Reconquista also gave Isabel and Ferdinand leeway to fund Christopher Columbus's trip to find a new route to India. Also in 1492. We were in the actual room where permission was given.
Isabel and Ferinand made some Christian changes to the Alhambra but it and Granada eventually lost their influence as the various kingdoms were untied and the capital of Spain was established in Madrid in 1581. The Fotress then went through a series of uses including abandonment and occupation by both Gypsies and Napoleon's troops. Both contributed to the demise of the Alhambra. Fortunately, in the 20th century the Spainish government recognized the significance of the Fortress and has had it restored. It now attracts 8,000 visitors a day. It is spectacular.
We spent the rest of the day in Granada. Shopping and enjoying an incredible Morracan lunch.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Toledo
On Saturday we left Madrid and headed towards Toledo. A walled medevil city about an hour south. It is a well-preserved city with a rich mix of Jewish, Moorish and Christian heritages. There are 79 churches and 1 cathedral in the city thus the term "Holy Toledo". It was the former capital of Spain as well. We walked around the charming cobblestone streets and saw more art by ElGreco and toured the Holy Cathedral. The Cathedral is magnificent. It is stuck in amongst buildings so you don't realize how large it is until you get inside. It is one of Europe's largest. Much larger than Notre Dame.
We returned to our bus via the incredibly beautiful Roman bridge San Martin over the river Tajo. We then headed South for 3 hours ( with many stops ) to Granada. Granada is a beautiful city greatly influenced by the Moors. We checked into our hotel then promptly left for dinner followed by a totally unique gypsy family performance of dance and song. All this walking was in the dark and rain. I have no idea where we were!
Today, Valentine's Day we are visiting the Alhambra. I saw it in 1973 when I backpacked thru Europe on "$5 a day". Will be fascinating to see it again with more mature eyes.
Adios.
We returned to our bus via the incredibly beautiful Roman bridge San Martin over the river Tajo. We then headed South for 3 hours ( with many stops ) to Granada. Granada is a beautiful city greatly influenced by the Moors. We checked into our hotel then promptly left for dinner followed by a totally unique gypsy family performance of dance and song. All this walking was in the dark and rain. I have no idea where we were!
Today, Valentine's Day we are visiting the Alhambra. I saw it in 1973 when I backpacked thru Europe on "$5 a day". Will be fascinating to see it again with more mature eyes.
Adios.
Friday, February 12, 2016
Madrid
Despite the rainy and overcast weather, we had a super day here in Madrid. We started off with a bus tour of the city then a tour of the Royal Palace. It was built in 1683-1746 by King Phillip V. The king wanted to make it like Versailles as he was born in France. It is a beautiful building with amazing art work and antiques. Our local guide Marte made the tour informative and interesting.
From there we had 2 hours on our own to shop and get lunch. Lunch takes a long time in Spain.
Next we went to the Prado museum which is Spain's classic art museum. It is one of the finest art museums in all of Europe. We focused primarily on 3 famous Spainish artists - ElGreco, Valazquez and Goya. The collections were superb and again our experience was enhanced by the local guide.
We spent the rest of the evening walking around the Sol area where there is shopping and wonderful food markets. Quincy market on steroids. Most enjoyable experience. Loads of people out and about. From there, we walked to dinner where we had a traditional Spainish dinner called Cocido. It consisted of numerous meats cooked for about 2 hours with cabbage, carrots and chick peas. It was delicious.
Notice I still haven't posted any pictures. The problem is, in addition to being on blogger.com, you also need the blogger app to be able to post pictures. However, you can't download the app outside of the USA. So the bad news is there will be no pictures until I get home. The good news for me, at least, is several of the tech savvy young teachers had the same problem so it isn't just me. I do feel sorry for them as they have a classroom of kids following their blog and are so disappointed. These young teachers are amazing. So passionate about learning and their students. Makes me feel good about our educational efforts. Also nice to be with a group of young professional women. I am probably older than their mothers but they are very inclusive of me and I think I walk faster than all of them.....
Tomorrow we are off to Toledo and eventually Granada. It will be a long day.
From there we had 2 hours on our own to shop and get lunch. Lunch takes a long time in Spain.
Next we went to the Prado museum which is Spain's classic art museum. It is one of the finest art museums in all of Europe. We focused primarily on 3 famous Spainish artists - ElGreco, Valazquez and Goya. The collections were superb and again our experience was enhanced by the local guide.
We spent the rest of the evening walking around the Sol area where there is shopping and wonderful food markets. Quincy market on steroids. Most enjoyable experience. Loads of people out and about. From there, we walked to dinner where we had a traditional Spainish dinner called Cocido. It consisted of numerous meats cooked for about 2 hours with cabbage, carrots and chick peas. It was delicious.
Notice I still haven't posted any pictures. The problem is, in addition to being on blogger.com, you also need the blogger app to be able to post pictures. However, you can't download the app outside of the USA. So the bad news is there will be no pictures until I get home. The good news for me, at least, is several of the tech savvy young teachers had the same problem so it isn't just me. I do feel sorry for them as they have a classroom of kids following their blog and are so disappointed. These young teachers are amazing. So passionate about learning and their students. Makes me feel good about our educational efforts. Also nice to be with a group of young professional women. I am probably older than their mothers but they are very inclusive of me and I think I walk faster than all of them.....
Tomorrow we are off to Toledo and eventually Granada. It will be a long day.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
We arrived!
Our flight to Madrid was uneventful and on time. Two good things with international air travel. Didn't even go thru customs. Surprising but OK by me.
We checked into the Catolina Hotel which is a lovely hotel with a fabulous location on Gran Via ( the Broadway of Madrid ). It is 55 degrees and overcast but terrific weather for walking around. Fun just being out and about and people watching. Our jaunt to our group dinner at Cornacopia was fabulous. We went down narrow streets and through spacious plazas. Very quaint and scenic. Delicious dinner in a relaxed but festive atmosphere. The olive oil and bread were outstanding. The company - 24 ladies - was the terrific as well.
I am very surprised at how casual the dress is here in Madrid. Lots of jeans and down jackets. Have already spotted Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks and MacDonalds. Truly a small world....
Tomorrow we have a full day of sightseeing. Looking forward to it all.
We checked into the Catolina Hotel which is a lovely hotel with a fabulous location on Gran Via ( the Broadway of Madrid ). It is 55 degrees and overcast but terrific weather for walking around. Fun just being out and about and people watching. Our jaunt to our group dinner at Cornacopia was fabulous. We went down narrow streets and through spacious plazas. Very quaint and scenic. Delicious dinner in a relaxed but festive atmosphere. The olive oil and bread were outstanding. The company - 24 ladies - was the terrific as well.
I am very surprised at how casual the dress is here in Madrid. Lots of jeans and down jackets. Have already spotted Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks and MacDonalds. Truly a small world....
Tomorrow we have a full day of sightseeing. Looking forward to it all.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Almost ready
Our group is leaving Wedensday night from Logan. I decided to pack today as I have a very busy Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Checked the weather in all our destination cities and it looks like the temperature will range from a high of 60 degrees to a low of 45 degrees. Perfect traveling weather. I am leaving the winter coat at home! Will continue to try to eliminate as many items/clothing as possible so that my suitcase is light and I don't overpack. We will be switching hotels every two days or so and I want that process to be as streamlined as possible.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Pretrip
I am going on an educators' tour of Spain in February, 2016. This will be a different type of travel for me and I am really looking forward to it. I will be keeping a blog - first ever - about my experience.
There are several meetings with the group before we depart Boston on Febraury 10th. We use these sessions to meet everyone in our group plus learn more about the logistics of our trip and the culture and language of Spain. In the December 2, 2015 meeting, Marshfield's Foreign Language Department Head spoke to us about Spain and had us practice using the language on some frequently used words and phrases.
One custom that Ms. Bullman spoke about that was new to me and different than here in the United States is keeping your arms resting on the table and holding silverware while dining. After all the years of being told to keep my elbows off the table and resting my hands below the table, this custom may feel strange but it may also be a fun new way to dine. Viva la difference! Or perhaps more appropriately expressed as Mucha amor la differencia!
There are several meetings with the group before we depart Boston on Febraury 10th. We use these sessions to meet everyone in our group plus learn more about the logistics of our trip and the culture and language of Spain. In the December 2, 2015 meeting, Marshfield's Foreign Language Department Head spoke to us about Spain and had us practice using the language on some frequently used words and phrases.
One custom that Ms. Bullman spoke about that was new to me and different than here in the United States is keeping your arms resting on the table and holding silverware while dining. After all the years of being told to keep my elbows off the table and resting my hands below the table, this custom may feel strange but it may also be a fun new way to dine. Viva la difference! Or perhaps more appropriately expressed as Mucha amor la differencia!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)