Last Saturday morning our whole group left for Madrid for the weekend. Twenty-two students said their final goodbyes to their families (fifteen students didn't have to say goodbye yet because they are staying for a second month!)
While waiting for the bus, we were able to meet many of the families and everyone had great things to say about their experiences with our students. It was a bittersweet and tearful goodbye for many. The students have made bonds for life with their new families and will never forget this past month.
After saying our goodbyes, we arrived to the city of Madrid, Spain’s Capitol for the last hurrah (or should I say ole) before departing home. For the most part students had free time to roam the streets, soak up some culture and enjoy themselves. On Saturday late afternoon we went with those interested to El Museo Reina Sofia (modern art museum) as it is free. There was a long line because there was a Dali exhibit and a lot of Spaniards were anxious to see it. Most of us decided to go to another line and wait 5 minutes vs. the 30 minute wait that included the exhibit and the general entrance. We didn’t get the chance to see the whole museum, but did get to see Guernica by Picasso. There were also a set of pictures that showed the evolution of the painting and how Picasso adjusted it. We talked with the students and questioned each other about all the different symbols.
On Sunday we went with some students to El Prado – the biggest museum in Madrid . Again we entered when it was free and waited in line for about 15 minutes. Rooms open into other rooms which open into other rooms. Very easy to move through but then you get lost and keep stumbling upon new rooms. We were able to see some of the most famous pieces by Spanish artists such as Velazquez, Goya and El Greco.
Later that night as a group we went to a Flamenco show. All of the students really liked it, especially since they had learned about Flamenco in their culture class at UVa.
Later that night as a group we went to a Flamenco show. All of the students really liked it, especially since they had learned about Flamenco in their culture class at UVa.
Early Monday as a group we ventured to Toledo, an old city approximately 30 minutes south of Madrid in the AVE train. This city has a rich cultural history as it was settled by the Moors, Jews and Christians at different points in time.
It is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an array of streets that seem to crisscross without any reason. We attempted to find the path along the river and couldn't find that. It was hot too –99 degrees! – and we wondered around this city all day (7 hours).
Finally we arrived back to Madrid and then at 10:30 we had our last dinner as a group. Dinner was a traditional tapa style meal with a salad with tomato, tuna and red pepper; Serrano ham; tortilla – potato quiche; empanada Gallega – a dough filled with tuna, pepper and a tomato; Calamari; Pulpo Gallego (Octopus with pimento served over boiled potato).
After a great dinner together, we all said goodbyes. The 1-month group was heading back to the US on Wednesday and the the group staying for 2 months was heading back to Valladolid early the next morning.
After a great dinner together, we all said goodbyes. The 1-month group was heading back to the US on Wednesday and the the group staying for 2 months was heading back to Valladolid early the next morning.