A SI.IMMER SPENT IN SPAIN: PART

by Renee DI Pietro

and later that day we also went to the Museum of Cadfz.

I received a lot of mail from home this week, real mail too, not electronic. I tell everyone how Jeanne and I spot Jupiter every night because the stars here are amazing on our roof. I loved talking to my family over the phone. We worked out a little schedule for them to call every Monday.

I am not going to the bullfight next week. I saw the whole process of the fight and learned extensively in class how they kill the bull so now I no longer feel compelled to witness it in person. The video was more then enough for me.

July 15, 2001

Second week report. Today is Sunday. Spain is a different place everyday. Some days are harder then others. This weekend was great. We have been going to the new city more this week because the majority of the town hangs out there. We live in the old city but there is more to do in the new city at night.

We are realizing how different the United States is from most countries. In the states it is difficult to recognize a foreigner because we have such a variety of races in our population, but here it is like black and white when a tourist appears.

On Friday night Jeanne and I went running along the ocean horizon and the sun was setting, pretty spectacular. After the run Jeanne, Carolyn, Jacki and I spent the night on a little bench in a plaza chatting about all the foods we missed from back home.

Right now I am sitting on the beach and I can hear the song "As you are" by Talking Heads. A lot of the Spanish radio stations play American artists. America's influence here shocks me some times and I have to remind myself that I really am in Spain.

Last night the whole group went to a Festival of Folklore concert. The concert took place in a beautiful landscaped park across the street from the school's campus. The show was remarkable as we watched and listened to the music and dance of many countries rich in folklore.

July 22, 2001

Hola, this week I have completed the majority of my shopping for gifts which has been a great lift off my shoulders. I love the presents that I am bringing home. On Friday during our morning class a Spanish news station filmed us

I've been reading the city newspaper a lot recently. The newspaper can be shocking. The third lead story pictured a Palestinian woman holding her bloody baby who was killed in a crossfire. How is the Middle East still beating with such rage?

I will never forget how lucky I am to live in the United States.

July 28, 2001

Our one-month anniversary in Spain is today! Yesterday was the last day of school. Receiving my certificate at the small ceremony made me realize exactly how much had happened. I never ever pictured myself to be living in Spain while participating in an 80~hour school program. I still cannot believe it and feel like this whole weekend is earthshaking. After the ceremony Jeanne and I immediately went to the beach and talked how much we were going to miss everyone and how time is starting to fly by.

We did our last bit of shopping after lunch and siesta. We bought Mavy a beautiful hand-painted fan and matching shawl. In the shawl store I saw the most beautiful picture and finally understand the difference between being a lazy artist and an inspired artist. It is visible.

Wednesday night we all went to·an African concert and it was one of the greatest concerts I've ever seen. We were dancing in front of the stage and took the many pictures. We ran into so many people from class and spoke Spanish all night. Thursday we went to Jerez again and visited a bodega, a place where wine and all kinds of alcoholic drinks are fermented. Reminded me of the movie "A Walk in the Clouds."

July 29, 2001

Hello. Last day here in Cadfz. I reflected on a lot and I did something I've been wanting to do for a while. There is a homeless man who sits on same comer every day that I passed on my way to school. From the moment I saw him I wanted to give him something. He was quiet and only looked you in the eye for a brief moment as if not pleading for a hand out but just leaving it up to you. I made a secret promise to myself that on the days that I wanted ice cream and gave it up for him, I would give him that money the last time I saw him.

Today was that last day. I gave him 600 pesetas. Normally he has a collection of 25 peseta coins, so I looked a little ridiculous probably handing this quiet young man the larger amount, but his reaction makes me want to give him money everyday and if I were here for another day, I would. His eyes were so gracious, surprised and happy. It was the most beautiful thing that I saw in Spain.

August 1, 2001

Hola, we have been traveling all this week and I am now sitting here at our last hotel stop. Monday we left Cadfz and stopped over in Sevilla on our way to C6rdoba. The Cathedral of Sevilla is amazing. Both Christopher Columbus and his son are buried there for the great deeds they did while they were alive. While walking back to the bus later that day we felt our very first drizzle of rain in Spain. The ram did not last long but we were so happy to see it. When we got to C6rdoba Jen, Emma, Karen and I relaxed and went swimming.

Cordoba is beautiful. There we visited the Mezquita which is an old Islam mosque that was converted into a cathedral. Inside there are 300 columns all individuall}' handmade and it is astounding to look at them all.

Today we were in Granada earlier and I witnessed my fa. vorite site of Spain, the Alhambra. Being able to say I've been there is enough reason for me to come Spain for onl}' a day. The Alhambra is an old palace that was used by the kings and their families. The gardens of the Alhambra are unreal. I found a nice little spot at the top of a garden that overlooked the palace and countryside and I just wanted tc sit there forever. The flowers and fountains throughout the palace and gardens are arranged perfectly.

Tonight was our last night in Spain and we all dressed up and went out to sing kareoke in the hotel bar. I do not think we will ever forget tonight or our weeks here in Espana.