Denise's Field Trip

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Seville, Portugal and Granada

Sorry that I´ve neglected to keep my posts up to date. Just been to busy exploring these wonderful places and people!

Was able to go to a traditional flamenco show in Seville, check out the video. After a few days there I decided for Portugal for some sun and seafood. I always thought that Portugese and Spanish were similar languages...hah! I could not understand anything. Fortunately it is a hot tourist destination for all Europeans, so many people spoke English as well. Made me realize once again how lazy we Americans are when it comes to learning other languages. I vow to take a conversational Spanish course upon my return.

After Portugal, I bussed it to Granada, my favorite so far. The Alhambra was exquisite and amazing! The Alhambra is not only the most important, but also one of the best conserved Arabian palace. The name Alhambra means "the red one" and refers to the color of the mountain on which it is built. It is interesting to witness the Muslim architecture and the Christian modifications.

Met some nice (bilingual) folks from Argentina that I shared some time with:) Tapas taste better when you have someone to share them with.

Now I am back in the port of Algeciras ready for my return to Morocco. I have only a few days left before my trip is over....then it´s back to school.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

More Seville

Seville

Just arrived in Sevilla today. Am impressed with its archaic sense of culture. It´s the 4th largest city in the country and there is a lot to see and do in only a couple of days. So I opted for the tour bus version that carted me around the city and explained everything in English on headphones. Not too exciting, but I gained a sense of 'where' I am. Here are shots of the 13th century cathedral and the Alcazar...

The Rock of Gibralter

I decided to watch the sunset in the British-owned Gibralter...Will have to return to do the proper tour of the rock so I can see the caves and the famous Barbary apes that inhabit it, because all of the buses were closing at that time.