Solid as a Rock

When I look out of my bedroom window, I can see the highest hill of the ancient city. It is not only beautiful to look at, but for me it is symbolic. It is an ancient place standing proud upon the hill. It is the city that will not be hidden. And when I look at this place, I see my life. For too long I lived in a hole and let life go on without much participation from me. And now, when most people my age are considering retirement and slowing down, I am just beginning. I raised my children and have no regrets for the time that I spent with them. But now, I will be the ancient building on the hill. I will no longer be content to stay down but will rise to the top and live my life to the fullest. That is the main reason that I decided to come to Spain. It is a major step up for me. It is my beginning. Maybe the Romans and Moors built Cáceres, but I am rebuilding myself. And someday, my students may look at me and consider me as I consider the castle on the hill. They may wonder, “How did she get there? What lay at her foundation?” And I will be able to say that part of my foundation was built in Spain, in a beautiful city where I could only communicate slightly, but where my foundation helped give me wings to fly.

Blog #4

Los Toros

I want to start by telling a very famous Cherokee proverb. There are two wolves inside us all. One of them has good characteristics such as: love, compassion, forgiveness, peace, etc. The other one consists of jealousy, hate, anger, greed, etc. The proverb says that the wolf that wins is the one you feed. Keep in mind that the Cherokee people, and most indigenous people, thank the animals they kill for its sacrifice without torturing it. With that being said, it took me a while to comprehend European traditions...traditions such as bullfighting, that have been given to places Spain has influenced, like Mexico. There are two ways of looking at this tradition. It could be honorable, or it could be an atrocity. It looks bad how well the bulls are trained to go after the red cape and not the man holding it. They stand still unless the cape is being held up at them. Sometimes a bull is surrounded by 5 bull “fighters”. This is not really a fight. Maybe, they should call this tradition something else. Not only do they get tired by charging at the cape numerous times, but they get stabbed in the back (literally and figuratively) until they are too weary to stand. After they are no longer standing, they are stabbed repeatedly in the head until they die and are drug out of the stadium by horses while the crowd cheers. However, that means the bull won the “fight”. If the bull were to “lose” by getting it’s ear and tail cut off, it would be allowed to live. I cheered for the bull several times and was told not to by another spectator. Some might say a “bullfight” is honorable. How is it honorable if you always want the bull to lose?

I must say, when the band started to play while the bull was charging at the cape, it looked like the bull was having his last dance with the “bullfighter.” I had much respect and honor for the bull. That dance showed off all of the strength the bull had before it died. Ultimately, the bulls are food. The Cherokee believe that in order to cause the least amount of harm, the strength of the animal should be understood and not demonstrated. Here are a few interesting pictures for you to decide how you feel about Los Toros. What an awesome experience!!

Week 3

My third week consisted of a trip to Mérida, Spain, going to the fair in Cáceres, and watching a bullfight for the first time in my life. During our tour of Mérida, we got to see the Roman theatre, the Roman amphitheater, and the second longest Roman bridge in the world. My favorite of the three was definitely the Roman theatre because I have seen numerous pictures and videos of musicians performing in that theatre, but actually being there was so much more fulfilling. The way the Romans set up the entire theatre was brilliant. My second favorite would have to be the amphitheater because that was where men would fight beasts like lions and tigers. It was awesome to walk in and around where the gladiators would wait until it was time for them to attack. It is crazy to think people actually did that, but I was able to experience that somewhat when I went to my first bullfight at the Cáceres bullring, Plaza de Argel. The first initial stab to the first bull was pretty intense. Yes, I cried, but after that first stab, I was able to watch the rest of the show. We were extremely lucky to be able to see Julián López Escobar, one the best Spanish bullfighters of all time. That day, he was awarded the dead bulls' ears and tail for above-average bullfights. As much as I loved my experience, I think I would have enjoyed it a little more if the bulls would have lived. I know it is an extremely old tradition, but to each their own. Lastly, I was able to experience one of the most popular fairs in Cáceres that is held here every year. I absolutely loved it. It is similar to the fairs in the United States in the fact that there are rides, games, food, bands, and venders. However, the fairs in Spain are way more fun. A lot more people go to the fairs, there are nightclubs at the fairs that are open until 6-7 in the morning, young people bring their own alcohol to drink at the fair before going to the clubs, and last but not least, there are churros which are to die for.

Scavenger Hunt - Gynkana Cáceres Purdue 2015
1. Sube a la torre de Bujaco y haz una foto a la plaza desde la muralla.

2. Entra en la Catedral y visita el Cristo Negro. Toma Una foto del interior de la iglesia.

3. Sube al campanario de la catedral y toma una foto.

4. Sube por la cuesta junto a la iglesia de San Jorge, visita el Centro de Divulgación de la Semana Santa y toma 4 fotos. Dos con un nazareno, otra con el gorro de nazareno y otra en el aljibe. 

 5. Ve al Museo Municipal y visita el aljibe. Allí haz una foto del depósito de agua.

Blog #3

Roman Theatre

I had the opportunity to go to the Roman Theater in Mérida, Spain. I was able to see first hand the Roman architecture. In the Roman theatre I was able to see the bath houses, the garden, the temple, where the gladiators were kept, and where the animals were kept. Throughout the theatre I noticed some statues with out heads. I learned that when authorities changed, it was easier to only change the heads of the statues. It is said that there are hills of old heads from the statues piled on top of one another. Another thing that caught my eye due to missing pieces were the beautiful mosaic floors. The floors of temples and other buildings were not kept sacred until not too long ago, so people would take parts of the mosaic art. However, the museum that I went to in Mérida had full mosaic artworks on the walls. The museum taught me even more about the short Roman empire of Spain. The museum showcased weapons, pottery, and architecture. Right outside the museum was a restaurant. There was so many options on the menu of new things to try. I had a veal burger with goat cheese. Conveniently, I found out that that was typical of roman food along with wine and other things.. I would have loved to experience a meal at the Roman theatre while watching gladiators fight to the death. Don't get me wrong. I think it is inhumane to have slaves, let alone, make them fight to the death...and not to mention entertaining yourself with it. Unlike how I believe the Roman’s karma took place, I’m sure the food was good. When I was done at the restaurant, my friend gave me leftover food that she did not like and did not want to waste. As we were walking back to the train station, a man in need asked us for money. Instead, I offered him the leftovers of which he thanked us immensely. It encouraged my beliefs of how good things will come your way if you do good things for others. It made me think, “Maybe that’s why the Romans spent such little time controlling Spain.”

Blog #2

Portugal

Visiting Lisbon, Portugal was splendid! It is also called Lisboa. On my tour around a historical part of the city, the tour guide said that Lisboa rhymed with Pessoa both literally and figuratively. I had the opportunity to learn about important people like Fernando Pessoa, who was a prolific writer, and a Fado singer named Maria Severa. We learned how popular and important Fado music is to the Portuguese people. Especially in the neighborhood called Alfama. From what I understood, the tour guide said that the music became popular during a big change in Lisboa. The change happened when there was an earthquake that destroyed the higher class, religious, and traditional neighborhood. The earthquake did nothing to the “sinful” neighborhood; therefore there was a lot of animosity towards the people in the lower class neighborhood and God. I also was able to see the castle in which the tour guide said the Moores hid safely from the Christians...until they were promised safe evacuation by the Christians. However, the Christians decided to kill them anyway after the castle was opened. I like how Portugal has a lot of common history with Spain including the different cultures that inhabited the two countries. However, I noticed that almost all of the people that I talked to in Portugal could speak either English or Spanish as well as their native Portuguese language. Therefore, it was very easy for me to get around Lisbon. If someone didn’t understand a word I said in English, I could say that word in Spanish and they would understand completely what I had said. It really brings to life what my professor mentioned in class about Spanglish becoming another language. It reminds me of when the Iberos and Celtas of Spain mixed and were called Celtiberos. The language of Lisbon, Portugal is mixed with English, Spanish, Portuguese and I wonder if it will have a name in the future. It was easy to find the fun spots in Lisboa! Places like malls, aquariums, clubs, and tattoo shops were some of the fun spots that some of the people in our group experienced. The plaza by the ocean was so beautiful, too. The architecture next to the small beach was such an amazing sight. I felt in awe at creation with my feet in the sand and in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean’s crystal blue water from across the world!

Blog #1

So far, I have a lot learned from this trip. When I first arrived in Caceres, Spain, I was not confident in my Spanish Speaking skills. As time has progressed, I Began to talk to my host family more. My host family not only feeds me well, but they Also help me improve my Spanish. I have gotten to experience a lot of good food Consisting of: that asparagus soup is served cold, lots of bread, fresh juice, delicious rice, farmers cheese, potato cakes, baked meals, fried foods, and pastries. It's amazing how much we talked about during our meals. This is the time my Spanish speaking skills really improved.

We talked about things like cultural differences. One of the cultural differences is that saying "Hello" and "Goodbye" are very important. However, they rarely say "please" or "thank you." There is no "excuse me" when in crowded places, either. They just push past one another. Citizens Most speak only Spanish. Especially, the older people. What was really different for me Was That people will not take it easy or even give up Their seat on the bus for the elderly. What really surprised me is That the police are a lot nicer in Caceres than in the United States. They are very eager to help people, even if it is with friendly warnings. They have conversations caring for no reason and give people the benefit of the doubt. If I have learned anything so far, it would be that kindness goes a long way .

 translation

Week #3

Since I missed the trip to Seville, this weekend I made up for it by taking a shorter trip to Plasencia. Only about an hour train ride from Cáceres, I arrived at around 8:20 in the morning. Walking through town most restaurants and little shops were closed until ten. The group used this time to explore the buildings they had surrounding their plaza which included walls, the Cathedral of Plasencia, City Hall, the Arches of San Anton, Marqués de Mirabel Palace, and the House of Two Towers. Each one was really fascinating and beautiful. My favorite was the Cathedral because of all the little details that take up the entire front door of it. As we continued to explore the town we came across a large market which I found very interesting. A bunch of people had set up little stands and were selling fresh fruits and vegetables.  Another attraction I found really interesting is the “Abuelo Mayorga.” He stands next to the bell in the Plaza Mayor and was the first thing I noticed as we walked through. Looking around the Plasencia Plaza reminded me a lot of the Cáceres Plaza Mayor, they are both surrounded by restaurants and shops, then split off into two roads that lead to more restaurants and shops! Although Plasencia did not really have cars driving around there main plaza, there was still a few cars on the side streets that seemed to only be there to deliver to stores. Although it was a very short trip we managed to see a lot of great sites and really experience the atmosphere Plasencia!

Week #2

I did not have the best start to my weekend since I missed my train to Seville, but I was determined to not let that ruin my entire weekend. I set out to discover new parts of Cáceres I had yet to explore. Thursday I looked up possible options, while there was not any sites to see, I managed to find a mall close by. I found a lot of new shops and familiar ones. I experienced my first fast food meal from another country. As someone who is usually one-hundred percent against Burger King, the meal I had was not the worst. It was not as greasy and after eating I did not feel the same sluggish way I usually do. Friday I had to make a trip back to the mall, but it was crazy how fast I got there compared to the first time I went. It really made me realize how quickly I am learning the streets and the possible shortcuts. On the walk back I decided to experience a few more firsts in Spain: pizza and frozen yogurt! The pizza came covered in what I could only assume to be olive oil, but it was just as delicious! The frozen yogurt was less impressive. Saturday was made into a day of exploring! I walked the streets of old Cáceres and looked at the beautiful scenery it had to offer. Even though the streets were like mazes to me, I found it hard to get lost, and at the end of the day made it back to the plaza with relatively no problem. Even though my weekend was not filled with new stunning structures and sites, I was really glad to pick up souvenirs for my family and spend some personal time unwinding.

Week #1

Caceres is very beautiful. My first night I learned many things about the culture. My host mom took me to the music festival in the plaza. Before we even arrived I started to noticed things that were confirmed at the festival. When I first met my host mom she greeted me with two kisses on my cheeks. For me that was new and different. The next thing I noticed was that the cars that were on the street all looked the same and acted very different from drivers in America. Walkers would just walk across the crosswalks and cars would immediately stop for them. Cars would stop at yellow lights as soon as it changes, whereas in America drivers speed through yellow lights. As we walked to the plaza, everyone just bumping and hit each other, it was not uncommon to run into crowds of people or for people to just stop in the middle of walking. At the concert stages there was a lot more kids there than I have ever seen in an American music festival. The parents were a lot less strict and I never once saw a parent yelling at their children. The people were a lot more chill and friendly. I meet a lot of my host mom’s friends and had many conversations with them (as much as I could). Everyone was really understanding of my language barriers and tried their hardest to make sure I could understand them. At the festival I got to see all the beautiful buildings that surround the plaza and really enjoy them in another setting apart from the sunshine!