The last 4 days combined found us traversing through the largest "state" in Spain, Andalucía. We first made our home for two nights in Sevilla. Sevilla is the 4th largest city. It is also the hottest. We arrived on the first night and were treated to some free time before leaving for dinner. Most of us took naps and freshened up.
We headed to dinner which was an adventure for some because the main dish was calamari. I was very proud as many of the students pushed their comfort and tried the dish. After dinner we enjoyed a quiet night near what the sevillanos refer to as the "mushrooms" a giant structure built to provide shade for a plaza. These mushrooms also provide a vista of the whole city and the timing was perfect for those who went up to get sunset pictures.
The next day we went on a bus panoramic tour as well as a walking tour. Our first stop was la Plaza de España, which was built for the world's fair. We were given time to explore and take pictures. We moved on to the Real Alcazar, a royal palace that is still the official Royal residence when the King and Queen are in town. Another fun tidbit is that it was used during Season 5 of Game of Thrones as the city of Dorne. Some of the kids (and adults) were very excited about this.
We then toured the cathedral and were given the opportunity to climb la Giralda tower. The church was busier than I had ever experienced. It is the third largest cathedral in the world, only behind St. Peter's in Rome and St. John's(?) in London. It is the world's largest gothic cathedral.
Afterwards we headed to lunch followed by siesta back at the hotel. The shopping itch was scratched later that evening in the main city center.
We transferred to Granada where today we enjoyed a full day of walking tour, touring la Alhambra (an ancient moorish palace) and ended it with a Gypsy Flamenco performance. The looks on the kids faces throughout the performance was absolutely priceless.
Tomorrow we head to Valencia. It is quite the drive from Granada so we will have a full day on the bus, but will get some beach time in the following day!
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Pictures!
The whole group in Madrid.
Parque de Buen Retiro
El Palacio de Cristal - in the Parque de Buen Retiro
The group listening to Alberto as we enter Segovia.
Segovia
Atop the Cathedral in Salamanca
La Plaza Mayor in Salamanca
Outside the amazing dinner we enjoyed in Salamanca.
The courtyard of the restaurant after our meal. Simply breath taking.
The Plaza at night.
A quick trip to Mérida on our way to Sevilla.
La Plaza España in Sevilla
So excited to be in the same patio that Game of Thrones was filmed in. The Real Alcazar of Sevilla.
The group listening intently to our guide.
Sunday, June 26, 2016
El Valle de los Caídos y El Escorial
Day 4 - El Escorial y Valle de los Caídos
This morning was a free morning, which was welcomed by all. We had a "check-in" in the main lobby at 9:00-9:30 to see what everyone's plans were for the morning. Most took advantage of some extra sleeping time, while others went exploring and shopping.
We met back up as a whole group and visited the Plaza de España to see Don Quijote and Sancho Panza. We then boarded the bus for our afternoon at el Valle de los Caídos and El Escorial. El Valle de los Caídos was built by the prisoners of war from the Civil War. The dictator Francisco Franco, built a 450ft granite cross and underneath of it, within the mountain, they built a huge basilica. This basilica was originally larger than St. Peter's on Rome and this was very controversial, so Franco installed a gate and said that the first 300' of the church is the entry, which then makes the basilica smaller than St. Peter's.
This was a very beautiful place, but very sad as well due to the amount of lives lost during its construccion.
We then moved on to El Escorial in the sleepy little town of San Lorenzo. El Escorial is a monastery and it is the Royal Pantheon. We had a guided tour that taught us all a lot. The most impressive was the pantheon of the Kings and Queen Mothers, which is where the former leaders of Spain are buried.
El Escorial was also a welcomed cool down from the heat of Madrid.
We returned and were given time to explore the modern art museum, el Museo Nacional la Reina Sofia and to relax in a cafe before our dinner and chirps experience.
We returned to the hotel for sleep and to pack up so we can move on to Segovia and Salamanca.
This morning was a free morning, which was welcomed by all. We had a "check-in" in the main lobby at 9:00-9:30 to see what everyone's plans were for the morning. Most took advantage of some extra sleeping time, while others went exploring and shopping.
We met back up as a whole group and visited the Plaza de España to see Don Quijote and Sancho Panza. We then boarded the bus for our afternoon at el Valle de los Caídos and El Escorial. El Valle de los Caídos was built by the prisoners of war from the Civil War. The dictator Francisco Franco, built a 450ft granite cross and underneath of it, within the mountain, they built a huge basilica. This basilica was originally larger than St. Peter's on Rome and this was very controversial, so Franco installed a gate and said that the first 300' of the church is the entry, which then makes the basilica smaller than St. Peter's.
This was a very beautiful place, but very sad as well due to the amount of lives lost during its construccion.
We then moved on to El Escorial in the sleepy little town of San Lorenzo. El Escorial is a monastery and it is the Royal Pantheon. We had a guided tour that taught us all a lot. The most impressive was the pantheon of the Kings and Queen Mothers, which is where the former leaders of Spain are buried.
El Escorial was also a welcomed cool down from the heat of Madrid.
We returned and were given time to explore the modern art museum, el Museo Nacional la Reina Sofia and to relax in a cafe before our dinner and chirps experience.
We returned to the hotel for sleep and to pack up so we can move on to Segovia and Salamanca.
Toledo
Day 3-Toledo
Today we left Madrid in the morning to take a tour of the ancient capital city of Toledo. We met up with our guide, Carlos, around 9:30. He is a character, but he knows his Toledo very well.
After taking advantage of the city view at a vista point across the river, we rode 6 escalators up into the medieval beauty. Toledo was founded as the capital by the Romans and was chosen as such because of its geographical features; 1. It is near the center of the peninsula, 2. It is on a hill and 3. It is surrounded on 3 sides by the Río Tajo.
We walked up the hill and entered into the Cathedral. The kids soaked up every morsel of information given. After, we walked to see the most famous painting by El Greco, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. The whole group definitely soaked in lots of knowledge. Then we visited a church which was built as a synagogue originally, the history of this whole city is awe inspiring.
We ended our time in Toledo with a demonstration of the sword making and of damasquina jewelry. The group had a ball shopping for swords and jewelry.
We made our way back to Madrid for our you of the Royal Palace, the king and queen do not live here, it is a national monument. It is used to host official state events and as a "hotel" for visiting dignitaries.
After some free time to freshen up at the hotel, we had some dinner and introduced the group to la Plaza Mayor at night. We enjoyed the people watching, souvenir shopping and the delicious ice cream.
We returned to the hotel for another good night of sleep.
Today we left Madrid in the morning to take a tour of the ancient capital city of Toledo. We met up with our guide, Carlos, around 9:30. He is a character, but he knows his Toledo very well.
After taking advantage of the city view at a vista point across the river, we rode 6 escalators up into the medieval beauty. Toledo was founded as the capital by the Romans and was chosen as such because of its geographical features; 1. It is near the center of the peninsula, 2. It is on a hill and 3. It is surrounded on 3 sides by the Río Tajo.
We walked up the hill and entered into the Cathedral. The kids soaked up every morsel of information given. After, we walked to see the most famous painting by El Greco, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. The whole group definitely soaked in lots of knowledge. Then we visited a church which was built as a synagogue originally, the history of this whole city is awe inspiring.
We ended our time in Toledo with a demonstration of the sword making and of damasquina jewelry. The group had a ball shopping for swords and jewelry.
We made our way back to Madrid for our you of the Royal Palace, the king and queen do not live here, it is a national monument. It is used to host official state events and as a "hotel" for visiting dignitaries.
After some free time to freshen up at the hotel, we had some dinner and introduced the group to la Plaza Mayor at night. We enjoyed the people watching, souvenir shopping and the delicious ice cream.
We returned to the hotel for another good night of sleep.
Friday, June 24, 2016
Shaknackered
Shaknackered - verb - being so completely exhausted you are shattered and knackered (British English) at the same time.
Day 2 - June 23
We made it!
After a non-eventful flight we arrived in Madrid! We walked up lots of ramps and rode up many escalators to pass through our passport control. Then we rode a metro type train from the T4 satellite to T4 to pick up our bags. Luckily all the bags arrived, unluckily one was damaged and had to be replaced by the airline. They were actually super nice about it and other than traversing 2 miles through the city to exchange it for a new one, the process was super simple. So kudos to the customer care team at American Airlines baggage terminal at Madrid Barajas.
Once through baggage and customs, Alberto was waiting for us. The driver of our transfer bus, Lucio, was a Tetris master in loading all of our luggage under the bus. A quick jaunt over to T1 for our last amiga, we headed into our hotel.
Most rooms were ready, but a few weren't so we utilized the rooms that were and freshened up and headed out in small groups for lunch. Some successes, others had stories like getting a hot chocolate with your sloppy joe when you thought you ordered a Coca Cola. We are learning as we go.
At 2 we met with Alberto and headed to Parque de Buen Retiro by metro, it was a highly successful experience because we all got on and off together! The park was gorgeous, if not a bit warm in the sun. After seeing the lake, the crystal palace and the fountain depicting the fallen of the archangel Michael, groups were given time to explore or relax in the shade.
From here we moved to the Prado museum. Our group really started to lag at this point, but all were super positive and stuck it out. Many of them enjoyed finally seeing the many works of art in person after only experiencing them through photos and posters.
By the time we left Prado we all felt exhausted, we traversed the city to Puerta del Sol and bought some post cards on our way to dinner.
We had 3 courses, first a lentil soup, then thin ham steak slices, some sort of potatoes and peas, followed by orange or lemon sherbert.
We were all grateful for Alberto's "shortcut" back to the hotel, where everyone quickly retired to their rooms for showers and much needed/deserved sleep.
Tomorrow we go to Toledo and get a guided tour of Madrid and the Palacio Real by a local licensed guide.
Note - I have pictures to share on here, but none of the tech is allowing me to add them so I am trying to work through it.
Day 2 - June 23
We made it!
After a non-eventful flight we arrived in Madrid! We walked up lots of ramps and rode up many escalators to pass through our passport control. Then we rode a metro type train from the T4 satellite to T4 to pick up our bags. Luckily all the bags arrived, unluckily one was damaged and had to be replaced by the airline. They were actually super nice about it and other than traversing 2 miles through the city to exchange it for a new one, the process was super simple. So kudos to the customer care team at American Airlines baggage terminal at Madrid Barajas.
Once through baggage and customs, Alberto was waiting for us. The driver of our transfer bus, Lucio, was a Tetris master in loading all of our luggage under the bus. A quick jaunt over to T1 for our last amiga, we headed into our hotel.
Most rooms were ready, but a few weren't so we utilized the rooms that were and freshened up and headed out in small groups for lunch. Some successes, others had stories like getting a hot chocolate with your sloppy joe when you thought you ordered a Coca Cola. We are learning as we go.
At 2 we met with Alberto and headed to Parque de Buen Retiro by metro, it was a highly successful experience because we all got on and off together! The park was gorgeous, if not a bit warm in the sun. After seeing the lake, the crystal palace and the fountain depicting the fallen of the archangel Michael, groups were given time to explore or relax in the shade.
From here we moved to the Prado museum. Our group really started to lag at this point, but all were super positive and stuck it out. Many of them enjoyed finally seeing the many works of art in person after only experiencing them through photos and posters.
By the time we left Prado we all felt exhausted, we traversed the city to Puerta del Sol and bought some post cards on our way to dinner.
We had 3 courses, first a lentil soup, then thin ham steak slices, some sort of potatoes and peas, followed by orange or lemon sherbert.
We were all grateful for Alberto's "shortcut" back to the hotel, where everyone quickly retired to their rooms for showers and much needed/deserved sleep.
Tomorrow we go to Toledo and get a guided tour of Madrid and the Palacio Real by a local licensed guide.
Note - I have pictures to share on here, but none of the tech is allowing me to add them so I am trying to work through it.
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Departure day!
Day 1 - June 22
Woohoo! Departure day! 2 years of planning and finally we get to go on our aventura.
The whole group was ready and waiting for the shuttle bus at the appointed time. The bus was super nice too! I highly recommend DuVall Transportation, a shout out to Staci for referring me to them, muchas gracias amiga!
We got to the airport around 3pm and check in went super smoothly. We sent small groups through security at a time, meaning groups of 6-8 which helped ease the process. Some lucky ducks were assigned TSA pre-check which meant no taking off their shoes and no pay down! I was not one of those ducks. Even so, everyone was through to the gate by 3:50, an awesome feat for a group of 41.
We had one gate change and then boarded a few minutes late but we're in the air by 7:00-ish.
For the most part we were all seated in the same vicinity in the plane and some were able to make some switches to sit with their friends which makes the flying process a bit more enjoyable.
About to enjoy our in-flight dinner, chicken or pasta, which would you choose?
Woohoo! Departure day! 2 years of planning and finally we get to go on our aventura.
The whole group was ready and waiting for the shuttle bus at the appointed time. The bus was super nice too! I highly recommend DuVall Transportation, a shout out to Staci for referring me to them, muchas gracias amiga!
We got to the airport around 3pm and check in went super smoothly. We sent small groups through security at a time, meaning groups of 6-8 which helped ease the process. Some lucky ducks were assigned TSA pre-check which meant no taking off their shoes and no pay down! I was not one of those ducks. Even so, everyone was through to the gate by 3:50, an awesome feat for a group of 41.
We had one gate change and then boarded a few minutes late but we're in the air by 7:00-ish.
For the most part we were all seated in the same vicinity in the plane and some were able to make some switches to sit with their friends which makes the flying process a bit more enjoyable.
About to enjoy our in-flight dinner, chicken or pasta, which would you choose?
Saturday, June 18, 2016
¡Bienvenidos!
Welcome to our trip blog!
I will be updating this page on a daily basis with the details of our adventures. Please check back often to follow along on our Spanish Odyssey.
Until then, here are a few fun facts to know about Spain.
Government = a constitutional monarcy
Current monarchs = el Rey Felipe VI and la Reina Letizia, ascended to the throne in June of 2014
Currency = Euro
Economy = largely based on tourism
Spain is the largest producer of olives and olive oil in the world.
Typical summer sunrise is 6:15-7:00 am.
Typical summer sunset is 9:00-9:45 pm, with it being light out until at least 10:45 pm.
Meals
1st breakfast = 7:00-8:00 - piece of fruit, roll/croissant, juice/tea/coffee
2nd breakfast = 10:00ish - pan con tomate, eggs, bacon, sausage, juice/tea/coffee
Lunch = 2:00 - 4:00 - largest meal of the day, normally consists of 3 courses
Dinner = 8:00 - 10:00 - similar to an American lunch - sandwich, soup, salad or a lighter pasta dish
Weather - warm, warmer, warmest!
The interior of the country, Madrid, Salamanca, Sevilla, Granada will have daily temps that will hover between 70 - 100 degrees, with Sevilla being the hottest spot. It will be a dry heat, similar to the American southwest.
The coastal cities of Valencia and Barcelona will be more humid and sticky but with similar temps to the interior cities. There is normally a nice sea breeze to accompany the humidity.
That's all for now! Stay tuned for more!
I will be updating this page on a daily basis with the details of our adventures. Please check back often to follow along on our Spanish Odyssey.
Until then, here are a few fun facts to know about Spain.
Government = a constitutional monarcy
Current monarchs = el Rey Felipe VI and la Reina Letizia, ascended to the throne in June of 2014
Currency = Euro
Economy = largely based on tourism
Spain is the largest producer of olives and olive oil in the world.
Typical summer sunrise is 6:15-7:00 am.
Typical summer sunset is 9:00-9:45 pm, with it being light out until at least 10:45 pm.
Meals
1st breakfast = 7:00-8:00 - piece of fruit, roll/croissant, juice/tea/coffee
2nd breakfast = 10:00ish - pan con tomate, eggs, bacon, sausage, juice/tea/coffee
Lunch = 2:00 - 4:00 - largest meal of the day, normally consists of 3 courses
Dinner = 8:00 - 10:00 - similar to an American lunch - sandwich, soup, salad or a lighter pasta dish
Weather - warm, warmer, warmest!
The interior of the country, Madrid, Salamanca, Sevilla, Granada will have daily temps that will hover between 70 - 100 degrees, with Sevilla being the hottest spot. It will be a dry heat, similar to the American southwest.
The coastal cities of Valencia and Barcelona will be more humid and sticky but with similar temps to the interior cities. There is normally a nice sea breeze to accompany the humidity.
That's all for now! Stay tuned for more!
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