While most students were packing their bags for school on March 4, a group of others were packing their bags for a little something more. After all, a 10-day stay in Spain requires a bit bigger load than a backpack filled with homework. On March 4, 16 students, accompanied by Spanish teacher Carisa Dobrinski, made the nine-hour journey across the Atlantic to visit the magnificent country of Spain. The group spent most of its time in the southern region of Spain in Andalucia, along with a short stay in the country’s capital, Madrid. The group was fortunate enough to be in the presence of Spain Adventures and three great guides for the duration of the trip: Christina, the crazy and ever-smiling girl, Carlos, the fun-nee one and Jorge, the guide who was rarely seen without his camera. Over the course of the trip, the group had the chance to bond with each one of the guides. Although the guides were a huge factor in making the trip enjoyable, there was much more involved in the unforgettable experience.
Sophomore Stacey Joy will never forget her experience. “It was awesome,” Joy said.
The arrival in Madrid was the first step on foreign ground. It was but a brief one as the group was eagerly sent on its way from the center of Spain to its southern part, in which they traveled by the Ave. The Ave is a train transportation system that is able to travel at unbelievably high speeds. Normally it would have taken six hours to arrive at the destination, but with the Ave the group had the luxury of sitting just two hours. Upon arrival, the group sat down to devour a three-course dinner. At this time, each student traveler was given by Edi, the company owner his/her own personal journal to remember the events that happened while staying in Spain. This sparked “journal time” which occurred at the end of every night. The students had no problem filling up the pages as there was always something to write about. We came to love the idea of journaling and Edi a former teacher for suggesting that we record events so we wouldn’t forget any details.
One of the most memorable and thrilling parts of the trip occurred inside a cave. An entire day was devoted to exploring the Cave of the Cat. The tight crevices and nooks, along with the unleveled ground, required the use of harnesses. Every person was hooked to ropes by his/her harness and each wore a hard hat accessorized with a bright shining light to see throughout the dark cave.
Maneuvering around the cave could be compared to an obstacle course, wherein one had to jump from rock to rock and climb up, down, around and squeeze through rocks.
The adventure concluded with a repel down a steep side and a final rope slide onto safe ground. This experience was new to everyone and provided many challenges. For most, it was a big accomplishment of overcoming worst fears.
Though the cave may have been the most thrilling event, the group also did numerous other activities, which provided endless photo opportunities as well. According to junior Daniel Mollet, “I could have done without the excessive use of everyone’s cameras, but it was all good.”
Most of the days were spent outside, which gave some a darker tone or pinker tint. A visit to the beach off the Mediterranean Sea provided some splashing around in the water. Shopping was plentiful, as proved by those who found it difficult to repack for the return home. The students also gained knowledge on the history and about castles and cathedrals.
In addition, they mimicked ancient people by hand-drilling holes through rocks to create original necklaces. Famous artists were admired during the visits to the Picasso and Prado Museums. A night out at a flamenco show had everyone dancing.
These various activities were all aspects of Spain and its culture. Most importantly was the experience of speaking and interacting with people of a language the students have been studying. It was a great opportunity for them to put their skills to use and live it in a real world situation. The trip opened the eyes of the students to make them more aware of the world outside the place in which they live.
