Spring Break Adventures: Spain

During spring break five eighth grade students, Davis Clem, Michael Koella, Ali Pensky, Will Pensky, and Russell Winkel, accompanied by Maestra Sharpe and Mrs. Pensky, traveled to Spain, where they practiced their language skills, and experienced the culture and customs of a Spanish-speaking country.

Our adventure started in Toledo, a small medieval city. There we visited the cathedral, viewed a famous El Greco painting, and began a daily pilgrimage to the local “heladería” (creamery). Next we stopped by Quixote’s windmills and then our bus headed south to the region of Andalucía. In Andalucía we practiced our flamenco dance moves, took in a flamenco show in the gypsy caves of Granada, and walked through the Moorish Palace of the Alhambra.

After an intense schedule visiting monuments, students rested on the beaches of Nérja, and some even swam in the Mediterranean Sea. We later headed to Ronda, where we toured an impressive “Plaza de Toros” (bullring), before making our way to Sevilla.

Our first day in Sevilla, we hopped on bikes for a sightseeing ride through the city. Students’ favorite spot in Sevilla was the boardwalk on the Guadalquivir River, where locals meet to stroll. We climbed the “Giralda” tower of the cathedral for a stunning panoramic view of the city, and topped off our time there by watching Sevilla FC soccer club play in a European Cup league game against Basel FC. We cheered along with the devout “Sevillanos,” tried to sing the team’s hymn, and witnessed a 3-0 win for Sevilla.

Finally, we ended our 10-day trip in Madrid. Students received a guided tour of the world famous Prado art museum, had an orange juice (or chocolate croissant) over-looking the stadium of Real Madrid, and shopped on the Gran Vía. For Maestra Sharpe’s first time leading a group of students abroad, she feels thankful to have traveled with such a respectful, interested group of students. After such a success, she is definitely looking forward to more travel opportunities with students in the future!