A bit of Ireland

I am in a break from school right now - about two weeks between orietation and the start of the semester. Therefore - time for a trip! I spent 3 days in Madrid, 2 days in Toledo, and now Ireland. Pictures from Madrid and Toledo to follow in the coming days/weeks. But here is an intro to Ireland!

La Playa - Almuñecar

On Sunday we went to the beach to catch some rays and relax. Turns out we went to the wrong beach, and the beach was rocky! But, live and learn and it was really nice to just relax and have fun!

Alhambra

On Saturday morning we went to the Alhambra, it is an old Arab palace (and one of the places nominated to become one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, but lost). It is gorgeous! Here are some pictures. From the Alhambra, you can also see the entire city of Granada! The white buildings are from Albaycín, the place I visited a few days ago. And the flags I thought were really fun - they are (from right to left): European Union, Andalucia (the province I am in), Spain, and then Granada! Hasta Luego, J!

Sacromonte

On Friday morning, we walked/hiked up Sacromonte, one of the high hills surrounding Granada. A little geography: Granada is in a valley - that means hot days and cool nights! Here are pictures of me with some new friends - with the mountains/hills in the background. The courtyard in Sacromonte. Sacromonte used to serve as a religious palace, and is very carefully preserved because of this. The other is a picture of the sunrise of the Alhambra (actual Alhambra pictures to come soon). The last is a 'wild' aloe plant - grows locally here! Imagine is those in our houses in the States got this size! J

Flamenco

Last night we went to a Flamenco festival here in Granada. Here are some pictures. And a video. I think the video is sideways, so I apologize because I don't know how to turn it (any suggestions). But it should give you a good idea of how Flamenco is :)

Albaycín

Albaycín is the old Arab portion of Granada. It was founding around the 11th century and has been here since. It is located on a mountain, and the rain was collected that way. Here are some pictures. The top one is me on the way up, with the Alhambra behind me. The second is Granada, from the top, the next is the sun setting on the Alhambra, and the last is the Alhambra lit by night with my new friends Anita and Brittany. More posts to follow soon as we sent to Sacromonte today and tonight to a flamenco fiesta! Hasta Luego, J

Día de la Virgin

Yesterday (15 Sept) was the Day of the Virgin here in Spain. Every area has it´s own virgin that it honors. Everyone lines up outside the church to honor that virgin and gives flowers to decorate the church. Here are two pictures. One of all the people in the plaza and a fountain at the end. The other is the flowers that had arrived to the church so far, and the people were lined up for hours. They give flowers until 11PM!

Granada, España!

Here are some pictures from Granada just to get an idea. I will work on taking more. The first picture is a nice shopping plaza. The second picture is the Cathedral of Granada - it is absolutely enormous and also the burial spot of Isabela y Ferdinand. The third picture is the court yard at the CLM (Centro de Lenguas Modernas) and the last picture is a fountain in the courtyard of Isabel and Columbus. This city is filled with fountains - it´s great! I will work on taking and posting more pictures! Today is my first day of classes! Hasta Luego, J!

¡Bienvenido A Granada!

I am currently sitting in an internet café in Spain, and listening to music in English. Yes, English. The world loves our American music, so if you ever doubt Lady Gaga, know that Spain is listening closely! ;)

Today we went on a walking tour around the center of Granada! I found some places that I hadn´t yet found! This city is truly beautiful. The city was founded in the 11th century and has come from the years of Moorish influence, and then Christian conquering so there is a lot of Arabic influence here. I am going to put some pictures below!

I also took my placement test today - turns out I have great speaking and listening skills, not so great with the grammar (Spanish teachers - I have the vocab ranking of superior, vocab of intermediate bajo). So, if I can get a good grip on grammar they propose I will move up to the level advanced. We´ll see what happens! Tomorrow is my first class!

Ok. I just tried posting the pictures, but this computer won´t work. They will come soon!

Mi casa es su casa

Here is the house I am staying in. I am staying with a senora and about 4 other students. I have this bedroom to myself. And then the other pictures is one of two living rooms. Rooms here is Spain are SMALL. And - water is expensive so showers must be short. For all of you who know me, that will take some work!

Estoy en Granada!

I´m here! My airport experience was less than optimal and I´m very tired! But, I am here safely. I will meet my host family tomorrow. Tonight I am spending getting to know other people in the program!
Will write more and post pictures soon!
J

Hasta la vista :)

As I gear up for departure on Friday morning, this is where I will be posting pictures and other updates throughout my time in Spain. I'll be living in Granada, about 4 hours south of Madrid and studying at the University of Granada!

For those of you who've asked - here is my address while there:
Central College
Centro de Lenguas Modernas
Placeta del Hospico Viejo, s/n
18009 Granada, Spain

and of course put my name on top :)

I fly out on the morning of the 11th and I'll be spending the night of the 11th in London. Then hopping over to Madrid on the morning of the 12th and finally getting into Granada around 1PM on the 12th :)
Hasta luego, J