Summer Session 1

Well we have already made it half way through the summer and to the end of Session 1. It seems to have passed so quickly! Summer in Seville is when the city truly comes alive and other than siesta time (about 2pm to 5pm). It seems that everyone spends their time outside either at their regular cafe/restaurant or relaxing by the river.

Summer students had the chance to see the Romería de El Rocío pass through the city twice. Over a million people make the pilgrimage to the nearby province of Huelva on foot. They use wagons pulled by oxen or horse drawn carriages to carry their supplies for the journey. The people sing and dance as they go on their way. It is quite the sight to see them and the giant oxen passing through the streets of Seville!

The students came ready to learn and to put their Spanish into use. After a quick orientation at the school we gave them a tour of the main sights of the city. The best part about Seville is that all of the major monuments are in short walking distances from each other.

We also took the students out to one of our favorite tapas bars to show them how Spaniards in the south eat when they go out. It is always fun to be able to try a little bit of everything from each of the small plates. Local Spaniards and friends of the school, Martín and Enrique came along to teach a little about the different plates.

The first excursion came quickly and the first friday we headed off in a bus together to explore the city of Cordoba. Cordoba is most famous for La Mezquita, which is actually now the cathedral of the area but still shows much of the Moorish influence. Professors Ana and Salva gave us a tour through the massive building which feels like a mosque until you discover the very tall Renaissance cathedral nave in the middle. This picture of the students is of one of the doors outside which clearly shows the Moorish architecture.

Crossing the old Roman bridge of the city leads you to the Calahorra Tower, that was once used to protect the bridge but is now home of a cultural museum. The museum focuses on how Christianity, Muslim, and Judaism were able to live side by side in the 10th Century.

The next week our destination was just a 3 minute walk from the school to the Cathedral of Seville. It is the largest gothic cathedral and the third largest church in the world. Professor Carmen gave the tour and explained all the fascinating pieces of art and treasures that could be found inside, including the grave of Christopher Columbus. At the end of the tour students were able to climb the Giralda, which is a minaret converted into a bell tower, and is the most famous symbol of Seville.

The next excursion was a short city bus ride out of Seville to the town of Santiponce. Found right beside the town is the roman ruins of the city of Italica. The most impressive sight is the remains of the amphitheater which used to seat 25,000 people. Remains of the homes can be found, some with their elaborate mosaic floors still in tact.

After exploring Italica we walked over to the Monasterio de San Isidoro del Campo. The monastery was once home of Casiodoro de Reina who later was a major part of translating the Bible into Spanish.

Another night we met up together at a famous flamenco bar called La Carboneria. One of the appealing parts of the place is how hard it is to find. Even if you are on the right street you will see no sign bearing its name. It is only recognized by its big red doors. Every night there is a least an hour of flamenco music and dancing with no cover charge. Students were only given vague directions to find the place on their own and in the end really enjoyed the search and their reward.

Like every semester students were given the opportunity to play Bingo with the residents of La Caridad. The older men always enjoy the visit and they really get into the game! Both residents and students can win little prizes as the game is played. It is also a good way for the students to practice their numbers in Spanish.

Another holiday that took place in Seville was Corpus Christi. It is a religious festival of the Catholic church commemorating the Eucharist. Processions rich in tradition could be found all day throughout the city.

Back at the school students painted their own abanicos or "fans" to fight the summer heat and to bring home as gifts or souvenirs.

To end the students time in Seville a little piece of America came to send them on their way back home. Actors Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz came back into town to promote the premiere of the movie Knight and Day, which has many scenes shot in the city center of the city. On thursday they re-inacted a couple of the actions scenes involving Tom Cruise on a motorcycle being chased by a couple cars around the fountain beside the cathedral.

On Friday was the world premiere of Knight and Day which took place in Seville's Teatro Lope de Vega. It was an interesting mix of Hollywood and some of Spain's celebrities. Those who pushed through to the fence got their chance to meet Tom and Cameron face to face.

Summer Session 1 flew by over our three and a half weeks together. It was hard to say goodbye to those who headed back home. We wish them the best on the rest of their journey. But we were happy for those who decided to stay for Session 2! We also have three new students joining us. We have a couple excursions coming up so stay tuned!