Italica and Weekend in Cordoba and Granada

This past weekend was incredible. Unforgettable.

After I posted on Friday, we got left behind at the hotel and missed the bus. Yes, we missed our bus to the Gypsy town. Needless to say we were not happy. The four of us (Caressa, Silvy, Isa and I) had to pay our way to the Albaicin (the Gypsy town where the Flamenco show was) by means of a taxi who could not even drop us off the whole way to the actual place. After he dropped us off, we had to walk uphill to the Gypsy/Flamenco place, me practically in tears because I had been in so much pain from the blisters that seemed to be attacking my feet.

Once we reached the place where the Flamenco show was, we plopped down in our seats only to get reprimanded by the rest of the class who was already seated and waiting. As upset as I was that we had missed the bus, all I could think about the entire taxi ride over and even once the show started was how we kept being told that if we were late they would leave without us. So, in reality, I knew I couldn't really be upset at anyone beside myself.

The Flamenco show ended up being pretty interesting. The show was compromised of a lot more performers than the first show we saw in Seville. It was a really laid back form of Flamenco compared to the first but still beautiful in its own way (except for the Gypsy who got sweat everywhere when he shook his head while dancing. That definitely wasn't beauty.).

On our second day in Granada, we visited the Alhambra. Since finding out the itinerary of the trip, I had been dying to go here. There was just something so regal, so beautiful about the Alhambra, it was almost mesmerizing. Sure enough, when I saw it with my own eyes, it was took my breathe away. It was easily one of the most spectacular places I have ever seen. Between the gardens and the buildings and the forts, it was even too much to take in at times. Just gorgeous.

The day after visiting the Alhambra, we visited Cordoba. At first, I really didn't like Cordoba much. Not only was it  way too hot, I just wasn't crazy about the city. Although, when we visited the Mezquita, I have to admit that I did change my tune.

At first I was a bit hesitant about the fact that I was in a Catholic church that used to be a mosque. I know it sounds stupid, but in the past nine and a half years, I have grown to dislike mosques quite a bit. This isn't to say that I don't have friends who are Muslim because one of my closest and oldest friends is Muslim. But my unfortunate bias got in the way initially of this beautiful work of architecture and history. Once we got inside, I was amazed at how incredibly pretty the design was and its history was definitely quite interesting. However, my moment came when Caressa and I spotted a small chapel that was for praying only. We decided to go in and say a few prayers. When I moved the thick curtain aside to enter the chapel, it was like a whole other type of energy was in there. It was no longer the place filled with tourists taking pictures; it was a place to actually go and worship and pray. Just walking in there I felt instantly less pessimistic and lighter in a way that I can't even describe. The experience is something that I will never forget.

After we arrived back in Seville, Caressa ended up getting pretty sick and today we went to the Italica without her, Silvy or Isa. I must say that it was quite sad to not have them there. I enjoyed the experience of the Italica because it felt like I was touching history. I mean, we have been "touching" history for the past week now but this was different. I went around the coliseum and just ran my fingers across the crumbling structure. I felt weird to be touching were gladiators and others from Roman history had touched. Like I said, it sounds super odd, but it was just a feeling I got while there.

Throughout the next couple days we have a lot more stuff to do before we leave for Portugal on Friday! At this point though I really hope everyone is feeling better so we can thoroughly enjoy it. Adios for now!

Wine Tasting and Granada Soon

We have been extremely busy lately! It is incredible though how much we end up doing in one day because of the time difference. However, we do feel it the next day until we have our shots of expresso from the machine in the breakfast room at the B&B Naranjo. What wonders caffeine can do...

Yesterday we went wine tasting at the hotel and hospitality school in Seville. Let me just say this: I have done wine tasting and it has been exceptional. However, when you throw a three-course lunch in there along with more wine, that adds a lot. As far as the wine goes, I have already gotten used to the difference in taste between the wine here and the wine back home in the states. Here, the wine is deeper, with a bolder flavor on almost all the wines.

We tasted three wines during the formal tasting. I have to admit, I actually have no clue what it was that I tasted but I can say this: I loved the first one the most but I liked all of them a lot.

This is probably one of my favorite things we have done yet. Then again, I do love wine a lot!

After the wine tasting, we were moved in the large room to a set of tables almost directly across from where we were initially. When we sat down, we were given menus with quite a few options for an appetizer, main course and dessert for each of us. After they took our drink orders (wine for me!), I ordered my appetizer of cuttlefish, a beef wrapped in pastry for my main course and an cake with English creme (it may have been English cake with creme. Can't remember. Too much wine...). Either way, the entire meal (minus the cuttlefish which I took one bite of and handed it to someone else at the table) was to die for. The main course was spectacular and so was the dessert. Because I didn't eat my original appetizer, I had a few bites of someone's ginger salad that was also scrumptious.

This is a picture of the dessert (English cake or English creme?)

Today, we have arrived in Granada where we checked into our hotel which is on the opposite side of everyone else. I have to admit, it is a bit creepy. But I am sure we will survive. We have a Flamenco show later in a Gypsy neighborhood and then tomorrow we will be visiting the Alhambra. I am extremely excited to see the Alhambra because from pictures it looks amazing and I have driven down Alhambra circle in Coral Gables more times than I can remember (had to throw that it there!). 

Will be writing soon again! Hope everyone who is reading this back home have great weekends and I miss you all!

The Ethnic History of Andalucía and Flamenco

            Andalucía’s history is complex but also rich with culture and beauty. The region’s time line is filled with impacts from religion and cultural inhabitants that have shaped its landscape. Andalucía started its great history in 900 B.C. when Phoenicians were interested with the region’s mining and agricultural wealth. The Phoenicians were lured to the Andalucían coast by these promises but in the 3 century BC, they were ousted when the Roman Empire took power. While the Romans were in power, they converted the region into one of the wealthiest areas controlled by the empire.

            At some point, the power shifted to the Muslims who inhabited the Iberian Peninsula from Africa. The Islamic powerhouse took turns between cities in being the leading powers in Cordoba, Seville, and Granada. The 10^th century saw Cordoba as the largest and most successful city in Western Europe in part because of its three dimensional religious culture: Muslims, Christians, and Jews.

            After Columbus discovered America and King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel took power with the Catholic Church in 1492, the region of Andalucía saw more prosperity. However, it soon went back into decline only a couple hundred years later during what is known as “the hungry years” during the civil war in Andalucía. While this was going on, many people who lived in the region moved to other parts of Spain that were more industrialized so as to find better jobs.

            This period of instability would eventually end and after the mid 1900’s, Andalucía saw prosperity once more in the form of mass tourism. Many tourists visit the region today to see the history that was left behind from the time of its Muslim and Roman rulers. The region still boasts its cultural history in the form of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish architecture.

             Because of the mass amount of diversity within the region of Andalucía, the native dance of Flamenco has flourished. Flamenco plays a big role in Spanish culture but even more so in Andalucía. The dance was created through a mixture of the Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, and Gypsy culture. When the Muslims invaded Andalucía in 711, they brought over the musical influence that would later become one of the main aspects for Flamenco. When this music was mixed with the Spanish style of music, coupled along with the influence of Latin American dance, Flamenco was born. The actual dance became popular when the Gypsies began to learn the dance that Europeans found distasteful and helped make it as popular as it is today. During a brief period of time, Gypsies were not allowed to practice Flamenco out in public so they would only perform in their own homes. However, eventually they were allowed back into the streets to perform where they can still be found today in plazas throughout Andalucía. 

The Move

I have to admit, this post is mostly about our move to another room in the Naranjo. Way to promote Sevilla, right?

I will begin by saying that we definitely had a bug problem.

When we arrived at the Naranjo, everything seemed OK. I mean, the room was small for four people, but it was right where the WiFi was so we didn't really want to leave. However, after only about a day, we began to notice many odd bugs. These bugs weren't Miami bugs, no no. These bugs were Spaniard bugs; they were like two species in one, looking like something I have never seen. This was fine though. Until the cucaracha.

On the third morning, I woke up to my alarm to get ready for class. After snoozing my alarm for 15 minutes, I finally got out of bed and walked over to the bathroom. Just walking there felt like I was about to pass out; the six hour time difference was killing me. However, when I walked into the bathroom and lifted the toilet the cover, I found something that woke me up.

As soon as I lifted the toilet cover, I saw it. A gigantic cockroach. Disgusting. I honestly cannot think of anything more disgusting to find in a bathroom toilet (other than a snake). At this point, I ran out of the bathroom, screamed, and told everyone in the room.

I honestly did not know what to do. After screaming about the cucaracha, Silvy went into the bathroom and flushed the cockroach "adios".

We had many jokes about this incident for the next two days. About the cockroaches being family, etc, etc. It was really gross, but I was getting over it.

Today, after class and a long walk up the Giralda, we went back to our room for a little siesta. After staining my brand new purse, I was upset, so taking a nap was easy. I dozed on and off for about 20 minutes until  I heard Isa say, "There is another cockroach in the bathroom."

I woke up as soon as I heard this, considering the fact that I am terrified of them. I ran outside into the lobby and got the maid to kill it for us. As soon as she killed the pest, I called Clarissa, the woman who is dealing with a lot of this trip for us, and she told us to just ask for a new room. We weren't really inclined to this though because of the free WiFi inside of the room. But because we were desperate, we went and looked at another room.

When they receptionist gave us the key to room 202, we didn't really know what to expect. Although, as soon as we opened the door, we were sold. The room was not only bigger than ours, it was cleaner, more spacious in the layout, and just nicer in general. We ran down the stairs and told the receptionist that we would take the new room.

We packed our room as fast, we had all of our things in our new room in less than twenty minutes. I threw all my things into my two bags and hauled it up the two flights of stairs. Totally worth it.

As of now, I am sitting on the floor of my room (with WiFi, ironically), typing away and getting ready for bed. Can't wait to see what else Sevilla throws at me (but hopefully not bugs)!

xoxo

Hola!

Just a little snippet of our tour around Sevilla today (or yesterday, considering the time)! And yes, in true Christie fashion, I ended up getting something spilled on the pretty white dress. If anyone has advice on how to get it out, let me know! Haha!

Buenas Noches!

First Days in Sevilla

Greetings from Sevilla!!! We arrived yesterday in Sevilla at around 1:30 pm to our beautiful little bed and breakfast, the B&B Naranjo. On our way to the hotel, I was a bit surprised because initially it looked nothing like I had seen in pictures; however, when we got closer to the Naranjo, I finally saw what I had been dreaming about for so long. It is such a beautiful little city, filled with culture and wonderful architecture.

Yesterday, Caressa and I went out to a little tapas bar and had some bacalao croquettas with a glass of red wine on a little street close to the hotel. The food was amazing as well as the wine. Afterwards, we went to Zara and did a little bit of shopping (okay, maybe a lot!). Afterwards, we went back to the hotel and took a nap for a while before going out to dinner.

Dinner was amazing. We all walked to a tapas restaurant (if you haven't noticed, there are tapas places everywhere!) and had lots of rioja and delicious food such as more bacalao, Iberian ham on toast and a blue cheese and walnut croquetta. After dinner, we walked around for a bit and found a little ice cream shop where I had the most amazing chocolate ice cream.

Today, we woke up really late and went to a little bar for some tapas (our breakfast). The seating here was really interesting. When you walked into the place, you order at the bar and then carry your food and drinks to this arena looking arrangement. Basically, it is just a bunch of steps piled to the ceiling almost and everyone sits on them to eat. Well, apparently this was an issue for me. When I went to find my place on the steps with everyone else, my knee gave out on one of the steps and I ended up spilling someone's water all over their food and almost stepped on their food. Lovely. I felt like the biggest idiot in the world. Thank goodness the family (whose child did not stop staring at me for the rest of my meal) was extremely kind and didn't mind too much. Needless to say, I ate my meal quickly and left as soon as possible. The rest of the day was incredibly relaxing though while we walked around the city a bit more.

So far, our first couple days in Sevilla have been amazing. I can't wait for our tour tonight and our welcome drinks at the Doña Maria. Till then, adios!!!

The Day Before...

Since I was a little kid, I have always wanted to go to Europe. I remember watching the show "Madeline" on the Disney channel and thinking, "Wow, I want to go somewhere like that." There was something about traveling to a completely different continent, a place where the language is different, it all just seemed like another world. 


I don't want to seem like a brat though. I have been fortunate enough to travel pretty much all around the United States and to different parts of Canada. So it isn't like I haven't done my fair share of traveling. My parents always made sure that we got to see our country. And we did. We were taken on road trips up the East Coast from our home in Miami to Washington D.C., New York City, Niagara Falls, and all the states in between. Only last year, my mom and I took a trip to California, visiting Napa Valley and San Francisco. When in high school, I was able to train in Edmonton, Alberta for figure skating, an experience that I will never forget. My parents have even taken my brother and I skiing out in the Rocky Mountains when we were in elementary school. 


So it isn't like I haven't traveled. My parents definitely made sure that we got to experience the history and beauty of the United States. And I am forever grateful. Now, they have blessed me again with the opportunity to explore the other part of the world I have so long dreamt about. I know that this experience will stay with me forever as will the memories. 


As it is the day before I leave on my plane to Madrid, I filled with excitement about what lies ahead of me for the next three weeks. I am so consumed with what I will see, eat and drink, I can barely think about anything else. Of course, there is school to think about. And while I promise to work my bum off with our main project, I also promise to enjoy every minute of culture, language, food and fun. 


So as I finish packing and tying up loose ends, I envision what my experience will be like and I know deep down that it will be so much better than even I can imagine (and I have a great imagination!). 

Three of Seville's Most Important Sites

The Alcazar

            This site is highly recommended as a must see in Seville. After the reconquest, Pedro I rebuilt this Moorish style palace.  It is considered Moorish style as opposed to an actual Moorish palace because unlike the Alhambra, it was paid for and commissioned by a Christian king.

            The Alcazar serves as the official residence when the king and queen are in town. This is no surprise considering the exquisite architecture, the historic paintings, antique furniture, breathtaking views and beautiful gardens that the palace boasts.

The Seville Cathedral

            Seville’s cathedral is the largest and highest in Spain, is the largest gothic building in the world and the world’s third largest church (after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London). This cathedral was originally intended to be a mosque until Ferdinand III took power and reconsecrated it to the Virgin Mary, making it a Christian church.

            However, years later, the people of Seville wanted something that reflected their beautiful city. Because of this, they tore down what was originally the mosque and built what is now the Seville Cathedral. However, the people of Seville did keep some things intact when they built over the mosque such as the minaret, outer courtyard and the beautiful Giralda.

Plaza de España

             The plaza de España is a half-moon shaped pavilion that sits on the edge of the parque de Maria Luisa. It was actually used as the centerpiece during the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. The pavilion is lined with benches, ponds, bridges and orange trees while showing off its beautiful renaissance style.

Sources:

1. Fodor's Spain 2011 

History of Seville

Seville is known for being one of the most culturally distinct cities in modern Spain. From the typical flamenco dancing to the rich culture in everyday life, Seville represents what Spain is imagined as. Seville has had its glory days but has also suffered quite badly at the hands of horrid emperors and even the plague. This beautiful city is rich with culture and history in every corner.

            Seville is said to have been discovered during the Tharsis reign. It was during the eighth century BC that the Tharsis’ descendents named the city Ispal, which would later become the origin of Seville.

            After the eighth century BC, Seville was taken over by the Carthaginians and eventually by the Roman Empire. After this, Seville really began to thrive and in 45 BC, this became even truer when Julius Caesar made Seville an official colony. Soon after being made a colony by Rome, it was once again taken over by other groups such as the Vandals and Visigoths. The Visigoths ended up taking over during the sixth and seventh centuries, leaving an impact on the way Seville would be seen in the future. At this time, Seville was seen as a very important cultural area and was the host to the great San Isidoro who wrote Etymologies (encyclopedias) at the time.

            The Arabs took over Seville in 725 and renamed the city, calling it "Isbiliah". During this period, Seville saw another time of cultural change and great flourish through the Arabs. From this period of Arab dominance remain the Giralda, the Torre del Orro, the Alcazar and the Macarena wall.

            In 1248, Muslims were forced to leave Seville when Ferdinand III conquered and made Christianity the religion. During this time, many Castilians moved to Seville and lived in neighborhoods where they repopulated and grouped according to their jobs. Ferdinand wanted much of what the Muslims had put in place to be replaced by cathedrals, leaving not a great deal of Arab remnants behind in Seville. The king eventually transferred his kingdom to Alcazar and remained there until he passed away in 1252.

            After Ferdinand died, his son took over and tried to build a peaceful empire of tolerance between Jews, Arabs and Christians. When Peter of Castile took over in 1350, the city saw another transformation. The Alcazar was rebuilt and made into a mudejar palace but still kept the Giralda and the patio de los naranjos in place.

            In 1492, Seville became headquarters to the Inquisition. Also at this time, Christopher Columbus discovered America and Seville experienced it largest and most important peak yet. Seville became a hub for trading and brought in great fortune making Seville the wealthiest and most cosmopolitan city in Spain.

            However, every peak has its downfall. While Carlos I was emperor of Spain, Seville saw a decline in its economy because of the numerous wars in which it happened to be in the middle of. During this time, three great artists were born: Velazquez, Murillo and Valdes Leal.

            Another pit in Seville’s history was its problem with not one but two plague epidemics. After the first plague in 1649, it left the population divided almost in half. The Chamber of Commerce, which was originally put in Seville because of its influx of people and business, was soon moved to Cadix. One thing that kept Seville on its feet was its tobacco industry. A huge plant was built in the city to assist with the massive industry and was eventually turned into the University of Seville.

            After yet another plague and the Independence War, Queen Elisabeth took reign and Seville once again saw prosperity and growth. This city is one of the busiest and most congested in Spain, leading to the belief that the plague couldn't have done too much permanent damage.  Since this time, Seville has become a modern city but still with its ancient historic roots. Seville has even had the World Exhibition Expo come to the city in 1992 along with other major fairs and events. Seville is no longer a city forgotten, but a city that time forgot.


Sources:
1. http://www.tourspain.org/sevilla/history.asp
2. Fodor's Spain 2011