2023 Strath Haven Spain Cultural Journey
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Blog 6
Written by Audrey F and Michelle D
Hola,
We started off the morning with an early breakfast in Granada before hopping on the bus to Ronda. Along the way we stopped for a bike tour through the beautiful mountains of the Spanish countryside. Besides the gorgeous the gorgeous view, we saw plenty of cows and a donkey that was a little closer than expected. After lunch, we got to Ronda where we practiced our Spanish skills and enjoyed some snacks with local students. We then went on a walking tour of the Ronda, saw one of Spain’s most famous bridges, and ate tapas for dinner.
Gracias
Blog 5
Written by Julia G.
We awoke this morning to the sound of chirping birds and calling roosters as the sun rose over Ronda’s valley. It is so beautiful there! After eating a delicious breakfast at our hotel, we got on the bus and set off for Seville. On the way, we swam in a reservoir. The water was clear and felt refreshing. After we had our share of marco polo and other water games, we bathed in the hot sun and ate lunch. We got back onto the bus and began to move closer to Seville. Once we had arrived and checked into our hotel, it was time to tour the world’s largest gothic and catholic cathedral. The architecture stunned us yet again. Our day ended with a delicious dinner of tapas in the main square and a quick hotel change.
Blog 4
Today we woke up after our first night in Grenada! Despite some flooded bathrooms and children playing sports out the window, we were ready for the day. We had a nice buffet breakfast with some traditional Spanish foods and set off for the Alhambra. Once our passports and tickets were checked, we entered the gardens. After pictures upon pictures with beautiful fountains, flowers, and views of the city from above, we entered the historical city of Alhambra. We saw the nicest one star hotel ever, the tiniest bits of snow remaining on the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the beautiful restored and authentic architecture. We were then given some free time to explore the surrounding area on our own and met up together again for lunch. After having really gotten our steps in, most wanted to relax in the hotel after lunch and some went to a local mall. Later in the evening, we met up again for an adrenaline rush of a bus ride through tight alleyways resulting in a standing ovation for the bus driver. We ate dinner and witnessed a flamenco performance in a cave to finish off our night and went right to our rooms to prepare for an early start the next day.
Blog 3
Written by Casey C.
Today we spend the morning touring Toledo! First, we stopped at a lookout point where we were able to see a beautiful view of the entire city. Then, we drove to a sword factory where we watched traditional Toledan jewelry and swords being made. After this, we took a walking tour across the city and learned about the historic Jewish quarter. The city is so beautiful! Leaving Toledo, we took the bus to Granada and after a long trip, we arrived and rested for the rest of the day.
Blog 2
Written by Henry R.
After eating breakfast the group set out into the Mercado San Miguel near the Plaza Mayor and were given some free time to explore the market and the surrounding area. The group later stopped for lunch in a restaurant close by, a buffet with an array of salads, paellas, and pizzas. Bellies full, the group boarded the bus for an hour and a half to the quaint medieval town of Toledo. It had a completely different vibe than Madrid. After a quick dip in the pool upon arrival at the new hotel, the group was given some free time to roam in the town (despite a bit of rain!). Many wandered up the old, winding, cobbled streets, and some payed a visit to the central medieval equipment store, one of many that sold the authentic medieval goods made right in Toledo. The group then took the bus to dinner, where they had a delicious paella. The group was very excited when they arrived back to the hotel an hour before usual: more time to hang out! Many visited their friends in their rooms and had a nice evening. Everything wrapped up at 11:30 when room checks we carried out. People returned to their rooms, tired from the long day but excited for the next.
Blog 1
Today was our first day in Spain we got to walk around the town and explore. We got to relax in our hotel room to get settled and then we set off for the city. as we were exploring, we experienced a sudden downpour and sprinted for the stores. More coming soon!