Día 4
Segovia? Burgos? I'm pretty sure we've found our favorites of the trip (for now :))! Sure Madrid is lovely but it's a big financial, metropolitan city. True Spain lies in narrow cobblestone streets, tapas, hilly paths full of history, cathedrals, castles and these two towns delivered.
Segovia's acuaduct is an impressive 15 kilometer structure that delivered the water from the mountains into the city. Today it is full of remnants of the 8 centuries that Arabs spent in Spain, gorgeous Alcazar castle and an impressive cathedral. Some of us ate the traditional suckling pig, while others had some tapas or stuck to pizza. I think I speak for everyone when I say we could have walked around more and taken in the views but we had to continue on North to the city of Burgos.
Burgos is a small charming town where we met Luis, an awesome guide so full of energy and engagement it caused one student to say "I wish teachers were that interactive." And with that, please know how special it is that you are able to give your kids this opportunity. While I can try to recreate presentations, show images and talk about my love of Spain, there is absolutely no comparison between hearing about it vs standing in a 13th century cathedral, Segway-ing your way through Madrid, tasting the entire tapas menu and having local guides make you be kings and queens of Spain to explain European monarchy. I truly hope that each and every person is making the most of these 12 days because everyone here is so very lucky to experience this.
At this point of the trip, students are figuring out their relationship with the journals. Some are journaling their way through the day, writing down their impressions and feelings before I ask while others have questioned the need. I do believe that the journal is some of the best way to internalize the experience and those who get into the journals are giving themselves a souvenir of a lifetime.
After dinner, it was our second trivia eve. The students who answered questions from the day (culture, Spanish or history related) got to choose a bookmark from Madrid, post card from Segovia and Burgos or coaster with images of the acuaduct.
Two walking tours in two different towns in one day made for a lot of happy, tired people, most of whom retired in our swanky modern hotel (which did not include quality Wi-Fi, making this a very late email). Others went into town for dessert, laughs and great company.
When we wake up, we are off to Basque Country, Northern Spain where we will learn new words, see the world famous Guggenheim museum and see something completely different from the last four days.
Day 5
Bilbao's Guggenheim and Jeff Koons' Puppy are known all over the world. Today we got to explore Bilbao, one of the most industrial cities of Spain. Host to hundreds of conventions per year, it is a city that had revitalized itself in the last 30 years. Building a convention center, fixing up the harbor, investing in infrastructure, the city has become a hot spot for all things industry. DC and Hong Kong metro, buses, locomotives all over the world come from Bilbao.
We had a couple of hours to explore the Guggenheim (China Olympics exhibit was the favorite for most), catch the local Pride Parade on the river and shop.
And then there were the pintxos. Variety of food in small bites or on a skewer is a fun way to share lunch with your friends while trying many different things.
San Juan Eve is tonight! Take a piece of paper, write down all the things you want to "burn" away in your life and throw the paper in a huge fire. Out with the negative, in with the positive. After dinner at the hotel we took a walk to the San Juan gathering, saw the huge bonfire and listened to music. It's always great to participate in a local event and San Juan fit the bill and wrapped up a great day.
Because EF doesn't ever stay in one spot for too long, today we went to explore San Sebastian, coastal town on the Atlantic an hour north of Bilbao. The modern architecture, bridges and of course, the beach were all there for our enjoyment. Being that it's Sunday and gorgeous weather to boot, the beach was packed. Some people went to the beach, others ate, shopped or went on a boat. When we gathered at our meeting spot at the appointed time, our Tour Director, Kolja had a surprise for us.
What's one to do when you have a couple of free hours? Go to France, of course! 45 mins later we arrived in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a small Basque fishing village with a beach and crepes. Saint Jean is the same holiday we celebrated the night before (San Juan in French!) and there were many people who wore their local red handkerchief to celebrate the city's namesake day. We had two hours that were spent swimming, tanning, trying out our French and overall relaxing. This relaxing afternoon came at a perfect time as we are all quite tired and about to embark on a long bus day to Barcelona tomorrow. And there you have it, Spain and France in one day!
Tomorrow we move into our last hotel where we will spend four nights. Our schedule is packed and we are excited!
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