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Published: September 23rd 2010
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Welcome back all viewers. This past week has been very interesting. Last weekend the Marist-Seston group went to Castilla de la Mancha where we traced the route of Don Quijote. Let me just say it was absolutely beautiful. Although the bus we took was very small, not even space for one more person, it was full of laughs, singing, and lots of sleeping. It took about two hours to get to our first destination: the windmills. About a dozen 16th century windmills (don’t quote me on the ages, they were either 16th or 15th century) were scattered on top of a big hill. But before we got there, our small bus came to a sudden stop. A farmer and his sheep were blocking the road. The farmer just shrugged as the dogs and his stick tried to push his sheep to the side of the road. What a sight that was. After that, I knew this trip was going to be a keeper. Once we got to the top, you could feel the wind on your face immediately. These antique windmills had such a story to tell, and the view of the city from inside is indescribable. We proceeded to walk
through the village that was all white with beige roofs and white lining. Here we went into an older house, which was really like a cave with side rooms that was very difficult to stand in. But good for staying warm and keeping cool. After this trip and a quick cup of the strongest coffee I’ve ever had, we ventured onward to a cheese farm.
On our way there we are passing huge fields of something that people are harvesting. All of a sudden the bus stops again. More sheep? Nope. The bus driver gets off the bus. All the kids are kind of looking around because we have no idea what’s going. Then the bus driver gets back on the bus and is holding a vine of fresh grapes he picked. The bus went into a little bit of an ecstatic uproar. We pass around the grapes, curious what to do with the seeds, and we proceed to the farm. The people harvesting on the side are waving to our peculiarly small bus and we are all excited. Then we get to the sheep farm, which though it isn’t the ideal fragrance, was great too. We got to see
all the sheep that wore bells and then saw how they make the cheese. Afterwards we actually got to try the different types (though I failed to try the 8 month old cheese) and enjoy the scenery it was great. After this adventure we headed straight to the city of La Moncha. Population of 8 thousand, which was a breath of fresh air compared to the noisy city of Madrid.
Here our group stayed at an old house that the owner now uses the rooms for as a hotel. The house overall is about 400 years old, and in the center when you look up, you saw the sun or the moon. It was absolutely beautiful. We got to take a peek at the old wine cellar and there were massive jugs that were used to store the fresh wine. This place was amazing. After we dropped off our things we walked through the city. It had cobblestone roads and wasn’t very busy. But in the center there was cute restaurants/bars and the national theater museum of Spain that we went into. Following this we walked through the city and ended up seeing a quick comedy play in an old-fashion
style theater with the different levels that were supposed to be classified. After this, some of the girls had an option to go back to the hotel and try on old parade masquerade dresses that mimicked a certain era. Boy was this fun. They made us layer up with frilly things on the dress and one of the pillow deals that make your butt look bigger. Then after the dress was secured on, we got to accessorize with hats and purses and paraded through the building. Other guests enjoyed it and asked us if we would be going out like that but it was all said with a smile.
By the time we finished this, a couple of us went out to dinner. As we were in Spain, we decided to try local foods and tradidtions. We tried pickled eggplant, migas- which was like a cheesy salsa dipp and something called ganchas which was like a stuffing with bacon in it. And for the drum roll we also tried ciervo- which was deer. All of which was incredibly scrumptious. Not to mention I had my first glasses of wine here. A local vineyard and the whole bottle only cost 8
euros, which is about 10 bucks. Not a bad deal.
Probably one of the highlights of the day was what happened when I got back. Luckily this mansion of sorts had wifi and I had the ability to skype on my Uncle’s phone with my Poppy for his 80th birthday surprise party. It was great. I also got to speak to my Aunt Mary, Mom, and my brother who surprised the whole family by coming down to New Jersey from Oswego to attend the festivities. I was and still am incredibly jealous. Wish I could have been there Poppy-love you so much!
The following day we got to have breakfast that the owner hand made herself and it was so delicious!! After desayuno (breakfast) we hopped in the tiny bus. We went to a National Park and saw so many beautiful things like waterfalls, mountains, rock formations, and the whole nine yards. The water was so clear and the fish inside were huge! People came and picnicked all over, were going fishing, hiking, biking, running and so much more. Absolutely a site to see. Later, as the group was starving, we went into the final stop, and then went to
eat. Side note- the water in this area tasted like salt water!
So after this great weekend, I returned to Madrid and encountered the usual amount of work with school and craziness. One night a couple friends and I actually took a walk along the river right outside the apartment complex. It was a nice night out and was great to distress and enjoy the city life in a different way. But, my literature classes are very intense, especially because I am not strong in English literature and now have to figure out Spanish literature. But I am in Spain right? The commute to school is very interesting too. I have learned firsthand that whistling is hissing here. And let’s just say it’s not comforting. The culture in regards to male and females and personal space here are very different. One of the many things I miss about America.
This week as well I booked a trip to Paris Halloween weekend with a friend. I am very excited and my Senora is excited for me too! We are hoping to hit all the hot spots and see the museums and of course the Eiffel Tower. I am very excited. Hopefully
I’ll find a few other people to go to Italy with or even a local city here in Madrid. Looking at my calendar I have just over two months left here. Time is flying!
This weekend we are going to Barcelona and lots of things are happening there. It’s a big festival weekend there so lots of places will be open and shows along the streets. I’ll be sure to take lots of photos and notes for next week’s blog.
(Once again, a shout out to my support systems in the US. You mean the world to me and love you all so much.)
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