As part of this year’s study abroad experience, the NEP students had the opportunity to spend a week in three beautiful Spanish cities. The excursion began in the capital and largest city of Spain, beautiful Madrid. The students started off the week with a guided city tour that led to the Reina Sofia Museum and El Prado Museum. After walking through the unique streets of Madrid, enjoying the works of Picasso, Dali, Velázquez and many others, the students ended the day with a delicious tapas dinner and a breathtaking flamenco show at Casa Patas. The next morning, the students hopped on a bus and headed to the historic city of Toledo, also the birthplace of the famous Spanish painter, El Greco. Upon their arrival, they walked through the old town viewing many amazing sites such as the Cathedral of Toledo and the medieval synagogue Santa Maria la Blanca. Quickly the adventure in Toledo came to an end, and the students headed back to Madrid to visit the largest royal palace in Western Europe. During this visit to the Palacio Real de Madrid, the students were guided by the amazing tour guide Deanna, who shared many facts about the current government system in Spain.
Before the students knew it, it was time to say goodbye to Madrid and head off to the city of Barcelona. After a short train ride through snow- who would have thought in Spain?!- the students headed to the magical Park Guell designed by the talented architect Antoni Gaudi. Despite the rainy weather, the students enjoyed the view of Barcelona from the terraced area with multi-colored tiled mosaic seats. Later, the students enjoyed more of Gaudi’s distinguished work, the Sagrada Familia, to which he devoted his last 15 years of life.
The following day the students traveled about an hour northwest of Barcelona to visit the Montserrat Monastery. The monastery is a beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat that is home to the Black Madonna. The students were taken away by the beautiful view from the cable car on their way up to the monastery. Guided by Diana, the students learned about the holy visions and the fascinating history about the monastery. After the tour, they entered the Basilica to listen to the heavenly voices from the boys’ choir; following the performance they had the privilege to visit the Black Madonna. Shortly after, the students took the train back to Barcelona, where they enjoyed a short stroll through the old town. To conclude the day, the students headed to one of the best restaurants in town to enjoy a nice dinner of tapas and paella.
Before heading back to the sweet home of Bonn, the students made one last visit to the highly acclaimed Picasso museum. Among the many works of art, the students enjoyed seeing Picasso’s version of the well-known painting Las Meninas. Soon after, it was time to say goodbye and head home, but to add to the adventure the students encountered a lovely surprise at the airport. While waiting for their flight, the FC Barcelona team made a quick walk through the airport exciting many crowds. Now it was time to say, “Adios y gracias por todo Espańa”.
Written by Tatiana Dominguez Participant New Europe Program Spring 2012
