Córdoba

Our overnight excursion was a success. We left Ciudad Real early Friday morning and arrived to Córdoba mid-morning. We first visited the Alcazar de los Reyes Católicos which was a royal residence of the kings of Spain between the 13th and 15th centuries. The gardens are lovely and the views from the Alcazar are striking. It's pretty amazing that we get to see where Fernando and Isabel spent time.

Week 2

This is the school - the blue building on the left is where we have class. The yellow building on the left is also part of the school and is where we will have the Farewell celebration.


The Plaza Mayor in Ciudad Real and the Don Quijote clock.

It was another busy week. The students are more and more comfortable in their new environment. This past week we settled into to the new routine which means that we have all of our classes before lunch, which begins around 1:45. The first week was a different schedule because the Spanish kids were still in school. We have a nice, long lunch break and then go back to school for theater and choir practice. On Thursdays after lunch, we have fun in the sun playing sports. The recreation area where we play is rather like an oven, lots of concrete and full sun. The kids take breaks as needed and drink plenty of agua. It's obvious that most of them really enjoy this part of the week. I will probably organize an outing to the pool on an upcoming Thursday because I can't take the heat.

Toledo

We spent the day in Toledo yesterday. We saw the Monasterio San Juan de los Reyes, la Catedral, la Iglesia de Santo Tome - which includes El Greco's famous painting, the Burial of the Count of Orgaz. The Cathedral is one of the most beautiful in Spain. It is Gothic style and construction began in 1226, completed in 1493. The Ciudad Real group took so many pictures! The parents will be inundated with photos when the kids get home. During their free time most bought souvenirs, including some rather large cutlery - Toledo is well know for its knives and swords. It was a great day.

The weather continues to be "fenonemal", as we say in Spain. Temperatures have continued to be below average and it's been very cool at night. This is a blessing. I don't think our field trips to Granada and Madrid will be so lucky. It looks like next week should be more of the same, a bit warmer though.

The students are feeling more and more comfortable with their surroundings and the language. It is a joy for me to to hear them speak Spanish.

Toledo

June 15, 2010

The first days in Ciudad Real have been busy. As you might imagine, the students are still very excited and enthusiatic about their new surroundings. Everyone seems to be content with their host families. Yesterday we did general orientation and the students decided whether or not they wanted to participate in the choir or the drama for the Farewell Show. We have a large choir(18) and a small theater group
(9). This morning they took the preliminary exam. At the end of the program they will take another similar exam. They will get the results upon return to school in the fall. I am including a few pictures from the first day. They are not the best, as you can tell they were very tired by the afternoon session! Will be taking plenty of pictures during the excursion to Toledo on Friday. We have had unusually cool temperatures this week, but it is supposed to start heating up toward the weekend. Next we will be complaining about the heat - never satisfied!

Leaving for Spain

Heading to Madrid this evening to enjoy a week of R&R before meeting up with the program. I'm anxious to get to Ciudad Real and get settled in for the summer. This is my dream job - teaching students who really want to learn about Spain's language and culture. I've been enthralled with this place since I was a teenager and I can't wait to share the experience with these bright-eyed, eager to learn, "Hoosier" teens.