Teaching
"Y nos fuimos pa Madriddddd". Nineteen students arrived in Madrid on May 20 with nerves, excitement, and a whole lot of jet lag. For many of them, it was their first time out of the country. Nobody knew it yet, but the new faces in new places would become lifelong friends, and even girlfriend/boyfriend stories.
Madrizzzzz. We toured my favorite city in the world. I quickly realized how easy it was to transmit my knowledge and passion for Madrid and Spanish culture to the students, and how strongly they responded to that energy. We walked all through Madrid, checking out the coolest monuments: Plaza Mayor, Sol, Gran Via, Plaza de Espana, Mercado de San Miguel, and so much more.
The family was forming! Some students took a day trip to Segovia, which they found, planned, and managed all by themselves on just their third day. I could not believe the cool pictures they got while they were there. The students who stayed back in Madrid took advantage of the rich culture and art, checking out museums, gardens, and historical sites. Some even met up with me for an Iranian lunch.
¡Salud! We ventured out of the city and did a special wine tasting at a local vineyard on the outskirts of Madrid. The students learned how wine is produced, tasted, paired with food, and enjoyed with others. The amazing food and drink, especially in a social setting, is such a core component of Spanish culture.
"Viva el rey, el orden, y la ley". We toured the Royal Palace of Madrid, where we learned about the Spanish monarchy and its long history. They had some really rare and expensive Stradivarius violins. After the tour, we went to tomar algo as a group, like typical Spaniards.
Mas Renfe! Many of the students took their first trip by train. We got to Madrid Atocha, where I have shipped myself out so, so many times over the years. We took the short train ride to Valencia, where the students would see a very different version of Spanish scenery.
Xino-xano. We did a very comprehensive walking tour on a very hot day in Valencia, where we saw the old quarter, the markets, the beautiful city center, and much more. After that, many of the students checked out the Oceanographic Museum of Valencia.
Paella!!!!! We took the bus out to the farm, where as a class we harvested vegetables, cooked a paella, and ate enough to pass out. Along the way, we also met some donkeys, toured ancient Valencian homes, watched an old man ride a bicycle backwards, and took an obligatory siesta. We learned that the art of paella is letting flavors mix together over time, creating a complex flavor palette in your mouth. Similarly, it must be enjoyed with many other people. Good thing we were 21 people.
Sal, arena i futbol. After 10 days or so of go, go, go, the students had a free day in Valencia. For those who wanted to join me, I took the bus south to Salou, where the beaches were big, white, and empty. We spent the day enjoying beverages in the sun on the beach, kicking the soccer ball, playing volleyball, and finally eating paella together at a local restaurant in the little beach town. It was the perfect way to wrap up an amazing trip to Valencia.
BCN bound. We left for Barcelona on a bus, and we made a day out of the road trip. First, we stopped at a local cheese factory in the middle of nowhere. We learned about different techniques for making cheese and had a wine and cheese tasting as a group. Then, we stopped by Peniscola for a few hours, where we hung out on the beach and ate some amazing seafood. It is safe to say we were exhausted by the time we got to Barcelona.
Full circle. We toured Barcelona, my old stomping grounds. Seeing the students take everything in reminded me of myself when I was 15 years old running around Barcelona. We toured a local market and then walked around the Gothic Quarter and some of the main streets of the city. One of the coolest things was stopping by my old high school and taking a picture with all of my students. My old Spanish professor even came to meet the class.
Wine & Dine. We took the bus, left bustling Barcelona, and went to a family friend's vineyard for a tour of their cava winery. Oscar, the owner of the winery, took care of our group and treated us to a special vintage wine and an amazing lunch. After the tour and meal, every single one of the students fell asleep in the back of the bus.
Sagrada Familia. I had been to the Sagrada Familia twice, once as a child and once again as a teenager. But for some reason I did not remember how absolutely breathtaking it is from the inside. The students and I learned about the architecture and all of the Easter eggs of the building. Then, those who wanted to join me came along for a walking tour of the city, led by me.
The Last Supper. After a free day to roam around Barcelona, everyone got all dolled up to go to our farewell dinner at the top of what used to be a bullfighting rink. Nineteen students arrived to the welcome dinner in Madrid on the first day anxious, excited, and without knowing anyone else. Nineteen students now left the farewell dinner with an unforgettable experience and people who were now their close friends. And they left together, in a couple of big groups, because nobody was ready for it to be over.
Adios/Adeu. Sad faces all around. From breakfast at the hotel, into the taxi, and all the way to the airport. Everyone was sad that it was over, myself included. But every single one of us will always remember the amazing trip that we had and the people we shared it with.
