Jorge w/ Lola, Me w/ Tina, Carmen and James
I apologize for not posting in a while and for taking so long to secure a picture of Carmen, the two dogs and James. I kept telling myself I would write one throughout this week but then a siesta nap, The 42nd Parallel, or a game of pick up basketball would interrupt my motivation. As I am currently on a 3-hour bus ride to Lagos, Portugal, I can finally sit down and recap the past week.
I cannot remember weather or not I mentioned that Jorge and I had another roommate, James, who studied here this past semester. He is a football player at Gettysburg College (http://www.gettysburgsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2739&path=football) and a very good Spanish speaker. Anyway, he just finished his final exams last week and Tuesday night was his last night staying with us. To celebrate finishing the semester and to say goodbye to him, Carmen and her son Alfonso treated us all to a few beers and tapas for dinner. During most dinners at “la casa,” we usually congregate around the TV and watch fútball or local news and briefly comment on what is happening; it was a real treat fully engage with Carmen and Alfonso as they told us about the previous students they had hosted and asked about life and politics in the US. Alfonso asked us what we studied at UNC and was really interested to hear about the Peace, War and Defense curriculum because his younger brother is in the Spanish armed forces. It was interesting to hear his take on terrorism and bin Laden’s death, especially because Madrid was subject to the train bombings in 2004 (he thought his death was a good thing). After dinner, Jorge, James and I went out to Fundación for his last night before returning home. It was fun getting to meet him, even for the short time we were here at the same time, and it was nice living with such an adept Spanish speaker that could help with grammar and teach us colloquialisms. We get a new roommate at the end of the month and look forward to meeting him then.
Yesterday we took another one of our class field trips, this time to Real Alcazar. I had already visited the former royal palace four years ago with my family and the Stewarts; however, I had forgotten how beautiful it is. Once again our art teacher was our tour guide, and once again, he left me wondering how in the world he knows so much about seemingly everything. Real Alcazar is essentially a standing representation of the history of Spanish architecture. Construction began in the 8th century by the Moors (who originally built it as a fort) and then subsequent rulers added on to the palace through the 18th century. As a result, there are Arabic, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences. In fact, there was one plaza (I forget which) where if you look straight ahead, there you see the original Arabic entrance (with Arabic arches, sculpture, etc.), to the left was Baroque (I think, but same idea with sculptures and arches representing that style), and to the right was evidence of the Renaissance style. Throughout the palace there were unbelievable, bright mosaics; intricate, decorative ceilings; and expansive, beautiful gardens. I admit that I do not remember the Alhambra very well, but I think that Real Alcazar is very comparable and maybe just as impressive. I guess I will be able to give a true comparison after I visit it next weekend.
Last update then I promise I am done with my novel of an entry – sorry to those with a short attention span, I know mine would be waning around this time too. This past Monday, I stumbled upon an outdoor basketball court just a block and a half away from the school. Every afternoon, from 18:30 until sundown, a group of regulars meet and play pickup ball. Although soccer dominates the Spanish sports world, Spain actually has the biggest market (and thus talent pool) for basketball in Europe. With the intention of showing all these Ricky Rubio and Pau Gasol wannabes what it is like to play American ball, a few of us went down to the courts to play. Right off the bat we noticed we had a distinct height disadvantage, but all things considered, we held our own pretty well. I’ve played there a few times this week and plan on making it out as often as possible. The court is not in the best condition – its really slippery and one of the goals does not have a net – but it has two backboards and two rims so it works just fine.
Signing off now. You can expect to hear from me on Monday or Tuesday as I recount my stay at Lagos.
On the road again Goin' places that I've never been Seein' things that I may never see again And I can't wait to get on the road again. Everybody say, "On the road again" Like a band of gypsies, we go down the highway We're best friends. - Willie Nelson
One of the roofs in Real Alcazar
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