We begin our Spanish adventure in the quiet and picturesque streets of the historic district in Seville, the vibrant capital of Andalucía. One of the best preserved colonial quarters in Spain, the barrio of Santa Cruz is a labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets adorned with flowering verandas, wrought-iron windows, bustling plazas, and the grand Catedral de Sevilla at its heart. Only a few blocks from our charming, Spanish-style home, the Cathedral is one of the most impressive Gothic structures in all of Europe.
Quickly settling into the rhythm of Spanish life, we commence with a tour of the “Old Quarter.” At our nearby language school, we begin intensive Spanish language classes for four hours each day, with an emphasis on grammar and conversational skills. To this end, students take to the streets mid-morning, immersing themselves in the colorful markets, plazas, and quaint passageways of Seville, absorbing the rich culture and making use of their developing Spanish skills. After a traditional tapas lunch prepared by the group, we seek respite from the notorious Andalusian heat through an afternoon siesta and prepare for evening activities that include learning to prepare typical Spanish dishes; attending dazzling flamenco shows and concerts in colonial courtyards; studying the local sevillanas and rumba dance styles; and exploring the Maestranza Bull Ring, the oldest and most impressive in Spain.
During our time in Seville, we experience a number of interesting and classic excursions in the surrounding areas. One day we explore the mountainous, bohemian city of Granada, at the base of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada peaks. We explore the winding passageways of the ancient Muslim quarter, the Albayzín, eventually making our way to the Alhambra Palace, the oldest, best-preserved and most impressive Muslim palace in the world.
Perhaps our most interesting visit will take us across the Strait of Gibraltar to North Africa. Boarding a ferry, we witness the timeless crossroads between continents, cultures and faiths in the mesmerizing city of Tangier, Morocco, a symbolic intersection between Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Making our way through old world bazaars, we are entranced by Arab snake charmers performing on the steps of twelfth-century mosques, as eager vendors entice us with lavish silk rugs and clinking tea pots.
After 10 days of soaking up the sol sevillano, we wind our way through the quaint villages of the Costa de la Luz to our home for the next 10 days, the beautiful coastal town of Isla Cristina. One of the most important fishing ports in all of Andalucía, this coastal town is famed for its extensive white sand beaches, mild temperatures and cool Atlantic breezes. We quickly settle into our seaside home, complete with a rooftop terrace and swimming pool. Our Spanish instructors from Seville follow us to Isla Cristina, and we continue our daily language lessons. In the afternoons, we head to the beach for windsurfing, kayaking, sailing and beach volleyball adventures. This area of the Costa de la Luz is known for its great windsurfing spots, and by the end of our time here, we’ll be cruising all over the Golfo de Cádiz!
Our first day trip from Isla Cristina will take us across another border as we discover the quiet, white-washed streets and aquamarine beaches of the Portuguese village of Tavira. While there, we enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal and spend the day relaxing on the pristine beaches. We also head north one day into the Sierra de Aracena, an area perfect for hiking and exploring centuries-old caves and fortresses.
As our time ends on the Costa de la Luz, we gather for one final feast. At the end of our experience, we are so accustomed to the Spanish way of life that it is nearly impossible to say, “¡Hasta luego!”
| AGES |
DAYS
|
TUITION |
DATES |
ARRIVE/DEPART |
| 15–19 |
23 |
6,595 |
6/26/10–7/18/10 |
Chicago, IL
|
