There is a good feeling about being settled into Barcelona these past few days. After the first week of nerves, broken Spanish, and mysteries of Barcelona, we were off to our little trek to Western Spain and now back and settled into our new lives. It is amazing how fast the time is going by.
Our trek was incredible. We all loaded up the coach last Friday packed with 2 sandwiches and a 12 hour ride ahead! By now, after IBI, I am pretty good with long coach rides, and my body is ready to relax and fall asleep. part of me wanted to stay away and see the country side, but to my surprise, I was graced with desert all the way to Leon.
I have never really seen a desert, so it was incredible to see, but after hours of sand you get pretty bored. I am told the reason for all the desert is because years ago the Spaniards cut down all the forests to build ships and in turn destroyed the terrain. Our first stop was the little town of Tarazona. We actually only stopped her for lunch, but it was a pretty incredible place to stop. A little town built into the hill. Full of life, a river running through, and a very European looking church.
After 12 hours of pure fun, we had finally arrived in Leon, our first destination. We have been studying Art History in class, and the purpose of the trip was to actually see what we have been learning. A huge part of it is to help us with our language skills and comprehension...Art History....what a topic to pick. Leon was absolutely incredible. A beautiful city full of little restaurants and Tapas Bars. One thing I love is to be like the locals....so I set out on my own to find a Tapas bar filled with Spaniards. As always, I found myself the lone white man amongst all natives and with a deal of a life time. When you buy a drink here in Leon, you get a free Tapas with it. Sooner than you think, I became a connoisseur in all the local cuisines and drinks. We had a blast in Leon and really saw a lot of incredible churches and buildings.
After a few days in Leon, we headed a few days to Burgos. With a similar feel of Leon, yet colder weather, we had continued our adventure through the history of Spanish art and architecture. I have really enjoyed learning some of the old styles of art, especially when we get to see them in front of our eyes. As a group, we are having a blast exploring the tiny streets of these little towns and being a part of the local "system."
All good things must come to an end, so after another lunch visit now to Zaragoza, we were back in Barcelona on Wednesday. So far, this week has been incredible. Classes have begun, life has settled, and I am feeling good about being here. Time is flying by, but I am trying to enjoy everyday as if tomorrow was my last. Walking to class has been a blast as well as experiencing all there is in Barcelona.
Hasta Luego!
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