Ronda + Arcos de la Frontera

On Friday, I had the opportunity to go with my program on a day trip to the historic towns of Ronda and Arcos de la Frontera. Chelsea and I almost didn’t get to go as we got severely lost on our way to meet the group to go, but only a half hour late, we made it just in time.

Ronda

Ronda had some amazing scenic views, with the Puente Nuevo bridge spanning the canyon of the river Guadalevín. The town itself is very old, with its origins dating back to the Neolithic age. We got the opportunity to see the Plaza de Toros de Ronda, the oldest bullfighting ring in Spain. Afterword, we walked around the city and visited a lot of really cute shops.

Wikipedia – Ronda

Arcos de la Frontera

Arcos is another historic city, with evidence of Stone-age cave dwellings and Roman ruins. We toured the historic district of the town, high at the top of the city. The main attraction was the Gothic cathedral that was constructed by Alfonso the Wise and also the Castillo de Arcos, a 15^th century castle.

Wikipedia – Arcos de la Frontera

Actualización

Hey, just wanted to let everyone know that I am having a great time. I've been in Spain for almost four weeks and I've finally settled into a routine with class and homework, so that has made a huge difference. I’m getting along with my roommate, Chelsea, really, really well and we both absolutely love our house mom, Rosario.

I am currently taking Intermediate Spanish II, Ecological Systems, International Marketing, Spanish Civilization and Culture and Spanish Culture and History Through Film. My language class is difficult for me because I kinda suck at Spanish, but little by little I am getting better. Other than that, my other classes are pretty easy so far and fun. There is a lot of reading and not much homework so I have been able to stay up to date with the coursework.

Chelsea and I are currently finalizing all our plans for our trip to Paris in two weekends! We will be there for 6 days and 5 nights. This will be our first big adventure on our own since coming to Spain, so we are really excited about it!

Leccion de Vocabulario

bocadillo -  this is the Spanish word for sandwich! The study abroad kids love our bocadillos. Our Spanish mama’s make them for us for school and any day we won’t be home for lunch. Usually, they are ham. Rosario has noticed though that Chelsea and I aren’t super crazy about the ham, so we have had a lot of turkey instead. Haha. Although she has branched out to chorizo and the Spanish version of salami lately.

postres – Spanish word for “dessert.” I have definitely been enjoying the Spanish postres, possibly a little too much. Although my Spanish madre feeds me very healthy, I always find my way to wonderful desserts.

jarra – Spanish for “jar” or “pitcher.” However, it is also the name of the size of a beer here in Spain. :) I most commonly enjoy jarras of Mahou or Cruzcampo.

My half-drank jarra de cerveza.

Ruins of Ítalica

Friday morning we went to the ruins of Ítalica, Roman ruins that are located very close to Sevilla. Chelsea and I made it to this trip on time, but for some reason I am having terrible luck with my camera and accidentally forgot it. But again, I took some pictures on my iPhone, they didn't turn out as good as the ones at the Alcázar, but it worked.

Ítalica was a Roman city that founded in 206 BC originally as a retirement village for injured and old soldiers of the Roman army. Eventually the city grew in size and even featured a coliseum for gladiator games and a large amphitheater. The Roman Emperor Trajan was born in this city in 53 AD. Although most of the city is still uncovered, some of the area where the houses used to be and the coliseum are available to be toured. However, the coliseum is not fully intact as it lost its 3rd balcony of seating area due to dynamite from a highway being built over the area sometime in the 50s (I think).

The Alcázar of Sevilla

Figured I would tell you guys about my tour of the Alcázar in Sevilla before I forgot about it. The Alcázar Real (Royal Castle) is located right next to the Cathedral in Sevilla. It was originally built as a Moorish castle in about 913 AD, but subsequent Spanish monarchs added onto it, making it into the elaborate building it is today. Although almost the entire castle is open for tours and visitors, the upper levels of the Alcazar are still used today as the official Sevilla residence of the Spanish Royal Family. The Alcazar also includes extensive gardens, which you will see pictures of. Of course, I forgot to charge my camera for this tour so I took all these pictures on my iPhone. AND because Chelsea and I are awesome, we were late for the tour and didn't meet back up with our group until the end, so I don't actually know the stories behind most of the rooms, statues, art, etc. in the castle. But I got some cool pictures, so enjoy!