On Friday June 15 we went to Bilbao and when we arrived there we had some free time so we went to the mall called Zubiarte next to the Guggenheim museum. Then we went to a little park a block a way from the mall it was so beautiful it was like a dream. We then had to meet so we can enter the museum but first we took pictures of the famous dog made of flowers.
The pieces in the museum were very exquisite they were wonderful I especially loved the piece by Anselm Kiefler. The piece was a series of dresses made of plaster, each sculpture represented something different. One of them represented one of the gods in the odyssey. Then we drove to the next city to stay.
Today we are in San Sebastian España we are about 25 kilometres from France. The weather here is very cold, the days as well as the nights. We took a tour around san Sebastian we visited some churches, the Mercado where they had fish which smelled really bad, we went to a plaza where they used to held bullfights and we took a hike to a really beautiful place where you can over look the ocean and the town.
We had about seven hours to burn so we decided that we were going to go eat then after we would take a boat ride out to this little island in the middle of the water. We ate at a really great hamburger place called Va Bene Disco Burger.
We boarded the boat it took about five minutes to reach the island is was breathtaking. We hiked up the mountain to the house at the very top so we would to able to take a better look at everything. We then had to return back and we headed to the warmest beach every, just kidding, the water was so freezing cold I think it might be colder than the pacific ocean, that’s bad. We burned so many calories today its not even funny.
Tomorrow we leave for Pamplona then the sleepless town Barcelona.
Hasta Luego
VALE!!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
6/14/07- Burgos,Spain- A cold day in Spain
A cold day in Burgos!
Today we are in Burgos. The day is so cold and rainy. I was not expecting it to be like this.
When we arrived, the first thing we saw was a Gothic cathedral. It was so amazing around the plaza of the cathedral there were merry go rounds. They were very odd they were like from a fantasy story. We have a tour scheduled for 4pm at the Cathedral de Burgos. This church took 300 years to build. El Cid is buried in this cathedral he is considered a national hero. He took part in fighting Moors and was banished by the king.
The culture of Spain is very similar to that of the culture in San Antonio. The culture was brought over to the United States by the Spaniards. Most of the buildings were built in using the architectural structure from the Spaniards. The food is also a mix between the Spaniards and the Mexicans, since most of the Mexicans are descendents from Spaniards. Therefore the cultures intermixed. The Spanish traditional dance, flamenco, is just like the traditional Mexican dance, ballet folkloric. The similarities between the two cultures are immense.
The Spanish culture is a culture that you just have to learn about and experience. I have read many things about Spain, and it’s just not the same until you experience the many foods, the music, and the performances.
NOS VEMOS!
Today we are in Burgos. The day is so cold and rainy. I was not expecting it to be like this.
When we arrived, the first thing we saw was a Gothic cathedral. It was so amazing around the plaza of the cathedral there were merry go rounds. They were very odd they were like from a fantasy story. We have a tour scheduled for 4pm at the Cathedral de Burgos. This church took 300 years to build. El Cid is buried in this cathedral he is considered a national hero. He took part in fighting Moors and was banished by the king.
The culture of Spain is very similar to that of the culture in San Antonio. The culture was brought over to the United States by the Spaniards. Most of the buildings were built in using the architectural structure from the Spaniards. The food is also a mix between the Spaniards and the Mexicans, since most of the Mexicans are descendents from Spaniards. Therefore the cultures intermixed. The Spanish traditional dance, flamenco, is just like the traditional Mexican dance, ballet folkloric. The similarities between the two cultures are immense.
The Spanish culture is a culture that you just have to learn about and experience. I have read many things about Spain, and it’s just not the same until you experience the many foods, the music, and the performances.
NOS VEMOS!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
6/12/2007 Madrid-Spain after arrival
We are here we are finally in Spain!!
We departed from San Antonio at 12:30 pm we arrived in Newark at 5:30 pm.
We had to wait a couple of hours at the airport until we were to depart for Spain. We boarded the plane at 8pm but we had to wait on the plane for about an hour until our turn came to depart we were number 60 out of all the planes.
We arrived in Madrid at 11am today the plane ride was a smooth one compared to the one from San Antonio to Newark. This was the first time I have ever been on a plane. I have terrible jet lag. I am so tired I just want to close my eyes and sleep forever.
When we arrived I did not know what to feel I was so excited to know that I was in Spain, but the thought of it did not feel like I was finally hear. When we arrived I did not know what to think the smell was somewhat cleaner than that of home, from the plane you could see that the areas are filled with trees and flowers. When I first looked out of the window I was speechless.
When we met up with our tour guide at the airport, we took a bus to our hotel to freshen up and get ready to go. We settled in to the hotel and I, Sarah Jackie and Victoria decided to take a nap, but we accidentally slept too much. We literally had to run down 7 flights of stairs. We were late and embarrassed. It will never happen again.
We took a tour around Madrid first then we were off to the Palacio Real. It was amazing. I had never seen such beauty in my life. The rooms all had different décor and colors.
We then took a tour around Madrid seeing some beautiful architecture. We then went to go eat at a wonderful restaurant Museo del vino we had the paella and the steak and fries and then some ice cream the tastes of the food were just exquisite.
I can´t wait to see what awaits tomorrow. Tonight, we are going to see the Spurs play and win, woo hoo!! The things here in Europe are so expensive a euro is worth like 1.40 in dollars. it does not matter where you go the clothes, the food are going to be twice as expensive as the U.S.
HASTA MAÑANA
We departed from San Antonio at 12:30 pm we arrived in Newark at 5:30 pm.
We had to wait a couple of hours at the airport until we were to depart for Spain. We boarded the plane at 8pm but we had to wait on the plane for about an hour until our turn came to depart we were number 60 out of all the planes.
We arrived in Madrid at 11am today the plane ride was a smooth one compared to the one from San Antonio to Newark. This was the first time I have ever been on a plane. I have terrible jet lag. I am so tired I just want to close my eyes and sleep forever.
When we arrived I did not know what to feel I was so excited to know that I was in Spain, but the thought of it did not feel like I was finally hear. When we arrived I did not know what to think the smell was somewhat cleaner than that of home, from the plane you could see that the areas are filled with trees and flowers. When I first looked out of the window I was speechless.
When we met up with our tour guide at the airport, we took a bus to our hotel to freshen up and get ready to go. We settled in to the hotel and I, Sarah Jackie and Victoria decided to take a nap, but we accidentally slept too much. We literally had to run down 7 flights of stairs. We were late and embarrassed. It will never happen again.
We took a tour around Madrid first then we were off to the Palacio Real. It was amazing. I had never seen such beauty in my life. The rooms all had different décor and colors.
We then took a tour around Madrid seeing some beautiful architecture. We then went to go eat at a wonderful restaurant Museo del vino we had the paella and the steak and fries and then some ice cream the tastes of the food were just exquisite.
I can´t wait to see what awaits tomorrow. Tonight, we are going to see the Spurs play and win, woo hoo!! The things here in Europe are so expensive a euro is worth like 1.40 in dollars. it does not matter where you go the clothes, the food are going to be twice as expensive as the U.S.
HASTA MAÑANA
Sunday, June 10, 2007
6/10/07 San Antonio Only hours to go!!
OH MY GOSH, its finally here there are only 20 hours left until we depart for Spain!
Several of us had trouble with our passports. A few days before we depart and they still were not in our hands. We had to go through so much just so that someone could give a clear answer.
A word of advice: if you are traveling out of the country, make sure you send in the applicationto get your passport at least three months before your departure date to insure that you will get it in on time. I sent my application in on March 13 and my passport did not arrive until June 7.
Nothing can be sure until you are on plane about to take off and even then you still worry, up until your feet are on the ground at your destination.
Spain here we come! See you all tomorrow at the airport.
Several of us had trouble with our passports. A few days before we depart and they still were not in our hands. We had to go through so much just so that someone could give a clear answer.
A word of advice: if you are traveling out of the country, make sure you send in the applicationto get your passport at least three months before your departure date to insure that you will get it in on time. I sent my application in on March 13 and my passport did not arrive until June 7.
Nothing can be sure until you are on plane about to take off and even then you still worry, up until your feet are on the ground at your destination.
Spain here we come! See you all tomorrow at the airport.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
6/7/07 San Antonio-Medieval Spain
Spain in the Medieval period
Spain continues to have a thrust of invaders such as the Goths/Visigoths. Many historians would consider that their legacy obscure they did have some notable accomplishment. What were they? How is Spain being different again?
The Visigoths ruled Spain longer than the other conquerors. They ruled for three centuries. Even though the Visigoths were in rule for so long, the only legacy they left behind was a rough-hewn country church, a few pieces of jewelry or a regal crown sitting in a museum, and an obscure law code. Even though the Visigoths had confusion and chaos, they still were able to keep the longest strongest kingdom in Europe. They were the first to attempt to unify the country. The accomplishments they had were the large-scale herding of animals, the horseshoe arch and a few dozen surviving words. Their greatest impact was choosing a capital in the meseta at Roman Toletum (Toledo).
For the first time the more advanced coastal regions looked to the interior as the source of political power. This change did not drastically alter the country. Ortega y Gasset, one of Spain’s foremost modern thinkers, blamed the nation’s problems on the Visigoths. He accused them of being weak barbarians who never achieved unity or stability in Europe. Spain was different for the first time.
Spain continues to have a thrust of invaders such as the Goths/Visigoths. Many historians would consider that their legacy obscure they did have some notable accomplishment. What were they? How is Spain being different again?
The Visigoths ruled Spain longer than the other conquerors. They ruled for three centuries. Even though the Visigoths were in rule for so long, the only legacy they left behind was a rough-hewn country church, a few pieces of jewelry or a regal crown sitting in a museum, and an obscure law code. Even though the Visigoths had confusion and chaos, they still were able to keep the longest strongest kingdom in Europe. They were the first to attempt to unify the country. The accomplishments they had were the large-scale herding of animals, the horseshoe arch and a few dozen surviving words. Their greatest impact was choosing a capital in the meseta at Roman Toletum (Toledo).
For the first time the more advanced coastal regions looked to the interior as the source of political power. This change did not drastically alter the country. Ortega y Gasset, one of Spain’s foremost modern thinkers, blamed the nation’s problems on the Visigoths. He accused them of being weak barbarians who never achieved unity or stability in Europe. Spain was different for the first time.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
6/6/07 San Antonio-The Story of Spain
4 Days to go!!!
We were assigned to read a book by Mark Williams called "The Story of Spain." This book tells the history of Spain. Spain is called the Iberian Peninsula because of the first settlers that were the Iberians. The Iberians were a major part of Spain. They brought with them agriculture, using metal to make weapons, shields, and jewelry. They were based at the coasts in occupations as fishermen, farmers, and merchants.
Some of the other settlers who had an influence on Spain after the Iberians were the Greeks, Phoenicians, and the Romans. These groups all contributed in their own way to make Spain what it is today. The Greeks were recognized for forging the first coins developing the olive and wine culture.
The Greeks also influenced the art culture and started a commercial expansion that did not last long. Although the Greeks were not in control for long, these attributes are still in existent in Spain.
The Phoenicians were the next to arrive after the Greeks. With their arrival, the Iberians were introduced to the Mediterranean culture. They came with hopes to trade their manufactured goods for copper and silver. They eventually took over the Atlantic trading roots. The Phoenicians also shared their alphabet with the Iberians so that the language they spoke could have a written form.
The last group to arrive was the most important I think. They are the Romans. They brought law and order into the Iberian Peninsula, Latin language, Christianity and architecture. The Romans had wonderful structures built in Spain they introduced the arch. The arch was a very solid and beautiful structure that only the Romans could have brought.
According to the book, the history of Spain began with the Romans. Did they have an easy time taking conquest of the Iberian Peninsula?
In my opinion, I think that the Romans had neither a hard time nor an easy time taking Spain. The Celtics and the Iberians were intimidated by the accomplishments of the Romans civilization. They found Spain to be a place of power and wealth was easy to get. They did have to put up fight to gain victory. In the end the conquest lasted about two centuries.
I learned so much just by reading one paragraph. I did not know any of the information about the settlers and what influence they each had on Spain. It is interesting to see how it was back then and how it influences us today. All the information I have provided was completely new to me so I definitely learned a lot.
We were assigned to read a book by Mark Williams called "The Story of Spain." This book tells the history of Spain. Spain is called the Iberian Peninsula because of the first settlers that were the Iberians. The Iberians were a major part of Spain. They brought with them agriculture, using metal to make weapons, shields, and jewelry. They were based at the coasts in occupations as fishermen, farmers, and merchants.
Some of the other settlers who had an influence on Spain after the Iberians were the Greeks, Phoenicians, and the Romans. These groups all contributed in their own way to make Spain what it is today. The Greeks were recognized for forging the first coins developing the olive and wine culture.
The Greeks also influenced the art culture and started a commercial expansion that did not last long. Although the Greeks were not in control for long, these attributes are still in existent in Spain.
The Phoenicians were the next to arrive after the Greeks. With their arrival, the Iberians were introduced to the Mediterranean culture. They came with hopes to trade their manufactured goods for copper and silver. They eventually took over the Atlantic trading roots. The Phoenicians also shared their alphabet with the Iberians so that the language they spoke could have a written form.
The last group to arrive was the most important I think. They are the Romans. They brought law and order into the Iberian Peninsula, Latin language, Christianity and architecture. The Romans had wonderful structures built in Spain they introduced the arch. The arch was a very solid and beautiful structure that only the Romans could have brought.
According to the book, the history of Spain began with the Romans. Did they have an easy time taking conquest of the Iberian Peninsula?
In my opinion, I think that the Romans had neither a hard time nor an easy time taking Spain. The Celtics and the Iberians were intimidated by the accomplishments of the Romans civilization. They found Spain to be a place of power and wealth was easy to get. They did have to put up fight to gain victory. In the end the conquest lasted about two centuries.
I learned so much just by reading one paragraph. I did not know any of the information about the settlers and what influence they each had on Spain. It is interesting to see how it was back then and how it influences us today. All the information I have provided was completely new to me so I definitely learned a lot.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
6/5/07 San Antonio TX
5 days to go!
Each day that passes I get more and more excited. Today was the 2nd day of class which was filled with more information.
I am not a communication major and I am not a good writer but I have always wanted to research and write about one thing: the culture and lifestyles of other countries. I am of Mexican decent, and I was born and raised in the United States.
I have always had conflict between both cultures about which one to go for. Since I was educated in school about the Americans point of view and also while I was in Mexico about their point of view in the war. So I hope to someday be able to research and go in depth with this story.
What are the happening of a small country town?
I live in a town called Stockdale. It is smack down in the middle of nothing. Many people refer to us as people living out in the "boonies." Nothing ever happens around here. The town is made up of at least 1,000 people. The townspeople are very conservative and when companies want to build here they reject the offer because they want to keep Stockdale as an suburban community. Our town is big on sports, so the peoples life revolves around sports. The biggest issue I feel is important is that the money that the school receives is mainly given to the athletic department. This leaves the school with problems of leaks and leaving the other departments without the materials they need for their classes. I think that this issue needs to be focused on more in the future.
The week continues and the clock is ticking until the day we load onto the plane and leave.
Each day that passes I get more and more excited. Today was the 2nd day of class which was filled with more information.
I am not a communication major and I am not a good writer but I have always wanted to research and write about one thing: the culture and lifestyles of other countries. I am of Mexican decent, and I was born and raised in the United States.
I have always had conflict between both cultures about which one to go for. Since I was educated in school about the Americans point of view and also while I was in Mexico about their point of view in the war. So I hope to someday be able to research and go in depth with this story.
What are the happening of a small country town?
I live in a town called Stockdale. It is smack down in the middle of nothing. Many people refer to us as people living out in the "boonies." Nothing ever happens around here. The town is made up of at least 1,000 people. The townspeople are very conservative and when companies want to build here they reject the offer because they want to keep Stockdale as an suburban community. Our town is big on sports, so the peoples life revolves around sports. The biggest issue I feel is important is that the money that the school receives is mainly given to the athletic department. This leaves the school with problems of leaks and leaving the other departments without the materials they need for their classes. I think that this issue needs to be focused on more in the future.
The week continues and the clock is ticking until the day we load onto the plane and leave.
Bueno Hasta luego!
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