My last weekend in Spain was absolutely wonderful! While part of me wishes I had returned to visit Córdoba on Friday, Madrid was still packed full fun, and I saved a solid 125 euros by stating close to "home". I also explored a monastery in Segovia and saw where the famous Aqueduct actually begins. "Staycations" can be pretty awesome.
To kick off the weekend, I got to visit my señora from last year! I went over to her house right after class on Friday. Eva and I chatted for a solid hour before she had to go take her father to the doctor. She told me that her sister opened up a shop on Calle Real here in Segovia, so I promised to go visit her at some point this week. I'm hoping that we can get together at least once more time before I leave. I'd love to see her husband, Agustín, but he's away a lot on business. Here's to hoping I get to see my old friends before Thursday!
After coming home for lunch, I went to check out the Monasterio de San Antonio El Real. The pictures below are from the monastery and the start of the Aqueduct, located just a few meters away. The monastery is the former palace of King Enrique IV. You can see lots of 15th century art and mudéjar style decorations in the building.
To kick off the weekend, I got to visit my señora from last year! I went over to her house right after class on Friday. Eva and I chatted for a solid hour before she had to go take her father to the doctor. She told me that her sister opened up a shop on Calle Real here in Segovia, so I promised to go visit her at some point this week. I'm hoping that we can get together at least once more time before I leave. I'd love to see her husband, Agustín, but he's away a lot on business. Here's to hoping I get to see my old friends before Thursday!
After coming home for lunch, I went to check out the Monasterio de San Antonio El Real. The pictures below are from the monastery and the start of the Aqueduct, located just a few meters away. The monastery is the former palace of King Enrique IV. You can see lots of 15th century art and mudéjar style decorations in the building.
Upon arrival in Madrid on Saturday afternoon, I took the long Metro ride to the Alcalá Norte Mall to try out OP 11 Taberna Belga (Belgian fries!). One of my very best friends is from Belgium, and he introduced me to that scrumdiddlyumptious snack last summer when I visited him. It was so cool to have a taste of Belgium while in Spain.
After walking Gran Vía for a bit and doing some window shopping, I made my way over to Chueca to get some dinner. Chueca is Madrid's super classy gay district. It boasts some of the best restaurants and bars in the city. I had heard that Kung Fu boats the best handmade noodles in the city, so I have that a shot. It sure didn't disappoint! I had noodles with chicken curry and veggies. SO delicious!
After walking Gran Vía for a bit and doing some window shopping, I made my way over to Chueca to get some dinner. Chueca is Madrid's super classy gay district. It boasts some of the best restaurants and bars in the city. I had heard that Kung Fu boats the best handmade noodles in the city, so I have that a shot. It sure didn't disappoint! I had noodles with chicken curry and veggies. SO delicious!
After dinner, I headed back to my hostel to cool off and rest a bit before going to the flamenco show. I've gotta brag on my hostel a little bit. The ladies at reception were so kind. They even remembered my name the next morning! Too sweet! I got my own private bathroom and a DOUBLE bed! (I've been sleeping in a twin-size bed here.) Puerta del Sol was a 5-7 minute walk away, and the street was pretty quiet at night. I'd highly recommend Hostal Abadia Madrid, if you're looking for an affordable hostal that actually feels like a hotel (air-conditioning in every room, big tv, comfy bed, big shower/tub, often private bathrooms, etc.).
The walk from my hotel to the flamenco tablao took only five minutes. I was seated and Included in my ticket was a drink of my choice, so naturally I ordered sangría. Mmmm! Before the show started, the ladies seated at the table to my left introduced themselves to me. They were visiting from Monterrey, Mexico. They even complimented how well I spoke Spanish! (I never get tired of hearing that compliment!)
The flamenco show at Cardamomo was the best that I have ever seen! Two guitarists, a percussionist, and two singers awed the crowd with their songs. Four dancers--two men, two women--were the stars of the show. You could feel the emotion that fueled their dances. Their music, dancing, clapping, and cheers inspired the crowed to clap and cheer "¡Vale!" and "¡Dale!" as the speed of the music increased. Check out the pictures and video that I took! The guy in the video was my fave!
The walk from my hotel to the flamenco tablao took only five minutes. I was seated and Included in my ticket was a drink of my choice, so naturally I ordered sangría. Mmmm! Before the show started, the ladies seated at the table to my left introduced themselves to me. They were visiting from Monterrey, Mexico. They even complimented how well I spoke Spanish! (I never get tired of hearing that compliment!)
The flamenco show at Cardamomo was the best that I have ever seen! Two guitarists, a percussionist, and two singers awed the crowd with their songs. Four dancers--two men, two women--were the stars of the show. You could feel the emotion that fueled their dances. Their music, dancing, clapping, and cheers inspired the crowed to clap and cheer "¡Vale!" and "¡Dale!" as the speed of the music increased. Check out the pictures and video that I took! The guy in the video was my fave!
After the show, I made my way westward, through Puerta del Sol and onto Calle Mayor to get some world-famous chocolate & churros from Chocolatería San Ginés. They have been serving up yummy chocolate since 1894. Mmmm! Tienen buena pinta, ¿no? (Don't they look good?!)
By 2:00 PM on Sunday, I was back in my little home away from home. My señora made a yummy seafood paella for lunch. Becca and I plan to meet up later to practice for our oral interview/final exam. We're exam partners! We have to come up with two roleplay scenarios that demonstrate our ability to use the expressions, verb tenses, moods, etc. that we have reviewed/learned this month. The more practice, the better!
Tomorrow (Monday) is our final class day, and Tuesday is my oral interview (lasting twenty minutes). I've already submitted my Phonetics final exam essays, so I have nothing left to worry about in that class, besides a listening portion of the final exam that we're doing tomorrow. I'm so happy I worked diligently on those essay over the past two weeks, as not to stress out at the end. Prioritizing your time is KEY when studying abroad, a very important lesson I learned last year.
I hope to maximize my final four days here in Segovia, spend as much time as possible with all of my new friends, and sadly say "adiós" to my sweet señora. Stay tuned for my final update in the middle of the week, and as always, thanks for reading!
Un abrazo,
Kelly
Tomorrow (Monday) is our final class day, and Tuesday is my oral interview (lasting twenty minutes). I've already submitted my Phonetics final exam essays, so I have nothing left to worry about in that class, besides a listening portion of the final exam that we're doing tomorrow. I'm so happy I worked diligently on those essay over the past two weeks, as not to stress out at the end. Prioritizing your time is KEY when studying abroad, a very important lesson I learned last year.
I hope to maximize my final four days here in Segovia, spend as much time as possible with all of my new friends, and sadly say "adiós" to my sweet señora. Stay tuned for my final update in the middle of the week, and as always, thanks for reading!
Un abrazo,
Kelly