2022 Pacific Ridge Spain Cultural Journey

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Blog 3

Oh have we covered some ground! Yesterday morning we left Madrid, but not before we got some folks to the Reina Sofía museum and all took a Street Art Tour through the Lavapiés and La Latina neighborhoods. We watched a sunset at Templo de Debod with a picnic on Wednesday and checked out the historical Mercado de San Miguel and tasted some of Spain’s finest nibbles before we hit the road Thursday morning.

Toledo was only a taxi and a train ride away, and in just over an hour we’d left the (current) Spanish capital and found ourselves in the winding streets and pleasant plazas of the historic landmark city (and the old capital). I’d say we lost ourselves in its nooks and crannies, but our fascinating tour guide, Juanjo, made sure getting lost was never an option as he opened our eyes to the wonders Toledo holds. Additionally, two of our PRS teachers were just as giddy as our young travelers as they shared their old Spanish stomping grounds in Toledo with the group (having both studied in Fundación Ortega y Gasset years before); the place clearly still holds a very special place in their hearts. The pot-pourri of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian roots, all visible in the architecture, captivated the kids while exploring an old synagogue as well as the final resting place of the Count of Orgaz (and seeing the painting by El Greco) and more. Mix that all up with some fantastic local cuisine and a splendid time was had by all.
This post is being written as we head to Granada. We look forward to sharing more about our adventures to come.

Blog 2: Rise and shine, let’s go to the Prado!

After recovering from a long flight last night, we are now getting ready for the Prado museum and our first full day in Madrid! The best thing of Madrid is that walking, you can see the best of the city. On our way to Prado we stop by the Royal palace and take some iconic pictures.  We finally arrive to museo del Prado and are overwhelmed by the art, we see someone painting a Mona Lisa inside, a piano player and so many rooms. All this art opened our appetite, so then it was time to get some lunch.

We went Atocha and had a delicious lunch at the Hard Rock hotel. We had a long lunch and had so much to talk about, especially after such an interesting morning. Then it was time to relax and head to the Retiro, after seeing the incredible Palacio de Crystal, it was time for a siesta! We found a spot under the shade and laid down to take in all these amazing reflections and experiences. After a well deserved break, we played some frisbee and a Head Bands game en español! After many laughs and a nice stroll through the park, it was time to eat again! We went to a typical Basque Barbecue and get some patatas bravas and some calamari.

We are now full and ready to sleep. Buenas noches Madrid.

Blog 1: We have made it to Madrid!

We got to Madrid and had an amazing paella in Sol. It was an opportunity to experience a Menu del día, with an appetizer, a meal and a delicious dessert. To walk off the meal we stopped by Plaza Mayor, our students cannot believe how beautiful Madrid can be. The architecture, the streets, the food…

After we had an introductory meeting we all had some churros and walked around Gran Via.

¡Que guay! 

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