Trip to Granada, Spain

This weekend I went to a class field trip to Granada, Spain. I was so impressed by this city! It is located in Southern Spain and is gorgeous!!!! The lifestyle is very laid back with plenty of time during the day to grab sangria and free tapas (yes for every drink you order in the city it comes with a free tapas plate!). The city is so unique being the last city the Muslims had hold over until Ferdinand and Isabel re-conquered Spain in 1492. Read below for some highlights:

Alhambra- the most well-known building in Granada. It used to be a Moorish Palace during the time that the Muslims conquered what is now modern-day Spain. It has acres of gardens in the Generalife, beautiful patios with fountains and gardens and typical arabic architecture with tons of succo and eleborate decorations. The Alhambra was unlike anything I have ever seen before. It was so unique to my eyes that I did not feel like I was in Spain but in some far away country in the Middle East. Here are a few photos of the parts of the Alhambra:

Flamenco Show- I saw my first Falmenco show in Granada!! It was probably one of the best experiences I have had here in Spain. They started off with guitarists and other musicians then added singers and finally had a Flamenco dancer on stage. The dancer was so passionate in all of her moves and simply fabulous.

The Cathedral of Granada - a stunning cathedral we entered and soon after we saw the tombs of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella

Switzerland!

This past weekend I went with a friend to visit Zurich, Switzerland! We also took a day trip to Lucerne as well. We spent most of our time walking around lakes, paddle boating on lake Zurich, biking throughout Lucerne and eating delicious bratwurst and chocolate!

Here a few photos from the trip:

Clock tower in Zurich

Another clock tower in Zurich

Swiss Chocolate Ice Cream, a new favorite

Lucerne

Lucerne

Quick Update

With only a few more weeks left in Spain, last night my friends and I created a major to-do list of all the sights and activities we have not yet seen or done in the city to make sure we make the most of our time left here.

Most of the activities include going to museums, walks around different parts of the city, new restaurants and day trips to nearby towns.

This week is rather busy with an exam tomorrow, the arrival of two friends on Wednesday and Saturday and a weekend trip to Zurich. And next week gets hectic too with my birthday! and with the championship soccer game of Barcelona vs. Manchester.

How exciting!

MADRID

This weekend I traveled the 8 hour bus ride to Spain's capital, Madrid!!

I had a wonderful time and especially enjoyed the art museums. Here are the highlights:

Museo Nacional Del Prado:

I got to visit Spain's most famous museum and admire famous works like:

Las Meninas by Velázquez

The Nude Maja by Goya

Adoration of the Shepherds by El Greco

Danae and the Shower of Gold by Titian

Charles IV of Spain and His Family by Goya

Christ Washing the Disciples' Feet by Tintoretto

The Annunciation by Fra Angelico

Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía:

For 3 years in my high school Spanish class, a copy of Picasso's Guernica hung above the blackboard. Now, just a few years later I saw the original Guernica in Madrid, Spain, wow! The Reina Sofía was a wonderful museum with works by Picasso, Miro, Dali and many others. I could spend days here.

Parque Del Buen Retiro:

Madrid's stunning park. There was a beautiful rose garden with rows and rows of roses, a pond with black swans, turtles, fish and a glass building in the middle of the park that is called the Crystal Palace. I wish this park was in Barcelona!!!

Plaza de Toros Las Ventas:

In this historic arena I witnessed my first Spanish bull fight. Surprisingly I really enjoyed the fight and would definitely go again.

Day Trip to Toledo:

Got a glimpse of Spanish history by seeing the Jewish, Muslim and Christian influences in this former capital of the Spanish Empire. The city included mosques, synagogues (two of the three remaining synagogues are in Toledo) and churches. In class we are learning about the architecture of mosques so it was really great pointing out arcs and other architectural features of the mosques while in Toledo!

I am now feeling so spoiled by all of the beauty I saw this weekend, so much art and beauty. I still can't believe I am living in Spain!

Less Than 2 Months!

How did this happen that I have less than 2 months here in Barcelona! I can't believe how quickly it has flown by!! I still have a ton I want to see and do, especially visit Barcelona's museums and go on a few day trips to nearby cities I have heard of. Also, my two good girlfriends (well more than good friends, you might even want to say best friends) are coming to visit me in May, ah this month!! I can't wait!!!!!! Will write back soon. Madrid this weekend!

Milan

Our final stop on our grand tour of Italy: Milan.

Honestly, I had heard mixed reactions about Milan and thought I wouldn't like it. Surprisingly the city was rather nice as it was clean, easy to navigate and had a beautiful Cathedral and center area.

My favorite part was seeing Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper. Through some great luck we were able to reserve tickets the day of, normally tickets are sold out weeks or months in advance. It was stunning and literally took my breath away although I only saw it for 15 minutes as visitors are only permitted to stay in the room for 15 minutes for preservation purposes.

This visit to the Last Supper marked the end of a wonderful two weeks touring around Italy. I saw so much, learned so much, went to cities people dream of going to. I am so grateful for my experience in Italy and all the experiences I have had thus far in Europe. It has been nothing less than amazing.

Milan Cathedral

Exploring the top of the Cathedral and seeing the sights of Milan from above

Vittorio Emanuele Gallery, a mall in Milan

The perfect ending to the perfect trip

Venice

Venice was my favorite!!!

I loved getting lost, standing in St. Mark's square and seeing Murano glass everywhere. It was such a beautiful location for Easter and I am so glad I found a Greek Orthodox Church to attend the night of Easter.

We also had the once in a lifetime opportunity to go on a gondola ride. Superb!! So serene and peaceful!

Venice is the most unique and romantic city I have ever seen. I wish I go back right now!

Pigeon feeding in St. Marks Square

The girls in the square

The 'streets' of Venice