Monday, February 22, 2010
Photos from the past week
Some of our students singing in the choir at a local Baptist church.
Most of us at a reception in the city hall with the mayoress.
A great view of Denia.
News from the United States
7 going on 8
But let's not talk about that now! Let's talk about this week...This week was quite eventful. To kick it off, Sunday was a holiday--Valentine's Day. Different people did various things, but the majority of the group stayed after church (the Baptist church) for a Valentine's Day potluck. It was also supposed to go along with the sermon series on love that they have been doing since we've arrived. There was lots of good food, including food made by our very own, and lots of good friends. We are truly blessed to have found such caring people and such a wonderful place to receive spiritual support.
A lot of us had yet another test, this time in history. I think after two tests, we might finally know what to expect from the Spanish professors. We're still adjusting to the difference in education styles here in Spain (well Europe in general)...
On a more fun note, this weekend was our second long weekend. Some ventured to Marruecos, Africa and others to Sevilla. A lot of us just chose to stay in Denia however, and have a relaxing weekend. For those who stayed in Denia, Friday night consisted of the usual--going to cafes or restaurants in Denia. On Saturday, a group of us went to Calpe, a town about 40 minutes south of Denia, for the day to climb the mountain (rock) there, enjoy the beach, and walk around the old town. I'm pretty sure everyone who went said they would love to return, especially when the weather is warm enough to lay out on the beach. However, even though it is February, most of the group has sunburned faces, thanks to the strong Mediterranean sun! Saturday evening was capped off by watching the movie 17 Again at our professor (Maria Elena)'s house, while eating some homemade salsa (with chips of course) and brownies.
Week 7? CHECK. Week 8 here we come!
--Written by Carissa Ten Hoeve
Group of girls on the beach in Calpe with some German friends from the Alpha y Omega church.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Carnaval
We had heard stories from other students, and we were all excited. We were going to Carnival: an all-night party which is the Spanish equivalent of Mardi Gras. We all had costumes and masks to become an army of pirates, hippies, gypsies, ninjas, and traditional Andalusians. Prof. Bierling had reserved a bus to get us to Pego (the city with the biggest celebration in the area) at just before midnight, the time when the parade was supposed to start. We knew it was going to be cold, but we hadn’t counted on the rain. All day Saturday it poured, and a few hours before we were going to leave, Prof. Bierling called the city of Pego and confirmed that the festival had been canceled. So, instead of having some crazy pictures and even crazier stories, we have water-logged shoes, cold fingers, well-used umbrellas, and rested bodies. We are still waiting to find out if the celebration will be rescheduled for this coming Saturday.
But this makes it sound like the week was terrible, which is far from the truth. Over the past week, most of our small groups (studying either Acts or Cold Tangerines) have started up. The Spanish 308 class had their first literature exam (two essays, one short answer, two hours: go!). We have continued meeting with our conversation partners from the local high school. A group of students visited Denia’s cemetery to learn about how the Spanish Civil War affected this community. Friday night, the group went out to celebrate Kyria’s birthday, and Sunday afternoon, the Baptist church had a potluck in honor of Valentine’s Day and their current sermon series about being a community of love. Despite the abnormally chilly and wet weather, this past week fit the normal rhythm of life in Spain: laid back and full of people.
-Written by Cheri Ackermen
"SIS 2010"--can you read it?!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Transition
And we are all starting to find the things outside of class to become involved in. Several students are in small Bible studies through the Baptist church. Others are in the choir at the same church. Also some students are starting their ethno -graphic studies in different organizations around Denia. Some students will be keeping up their new friendships with the Chavas students (who went to Barcelona with us) and be conversation partners with them. Some students are even learning how to dance true spanish dances.
The best part of our week for almost everyone was probably our weekend. We had our first long weekend of the semester this weekend as well! So some students took advantage to explore around Spain, Europe, and even Denia. Some brave students went on a long trek of the mountain here for the entire day. Some stayed and hung out with the locals here in Denia. We even had one of our students, Sarah, run in a 10k. Others explored the providence in the south of us, Murcia, and experienced the nature of the country in the mountains. I had the opportunity to travel across the country to Seville and I was able to get a taste of the south of the country. Others students traveled to London and were able to see all the famous landmarks that London has to offer.
I think in the past month I have learned far more about Spain and culture than I ever imagined I would. The Spanish culture is so rich and diverse and the history is so old and interesting.
And after being in Barcelona and Seville, to me Denia is starting to feel more like home. It has definitely been comforting to come back to something familiar after being away (even just for 3 days), and get some good Mediterranean cooking from our mamás : )
-Written by Annie Nicholson