Jacob Kovick EIL Spain
My trip to Spain truly began with the gathering of the group in New York City. We met at the airport several hours before our flight to Spain, so that we were all at least acquainted with each other and the level of Spanish of our group. I immediately noticed that even though everyone in the group had had two years of Spanish, like me, Jackson Satz and I were miles ahead in all parts of the language. This detail made it difficult at times to speak fluid Spanish with the group, sort of the opposite of what I had originally expected, which was to be difficult to keep up with a higher level of the language. However, it is also a testament to the fantastic language program we have at MBA. The group as a whole was quite anxious to finally get to Spain, and hop right into the culture and the full language immersion.
Madrid (Days 1-3)
Upon arriving in Madrid after the grueling seven hour flight, we were greeted immediately by the intense Spanish heat and business of the big city. As we sleepily gathered our bags, we prepared for a long first day of sightseeing and cultural immersion. Throughout our three day orientation stay in Madrid, we saw almost every major landmark, including El Palacio Real, El Prado Museum, and La Reina Sofia. These visits served not only as fantastic sightseeing, but also as great opportunities to learn numerous reasons as to why Spain is as it is. During the free time in Madrid, I spent much of my time walking around and exploring the different types of shops, restaurants and much more. This was a great experience to see and try new things, and to re-immerse myself in the Spanish language. Right off the bat, I noticed the difference in the Spanish that we have learned and the language spoken in Spain: new verb conjugations, accents, and much more. We also used this time to acclimate to the Spanish schedule of late lunches and late dinners, due to the siestas and late sunsets. Throughout the city, I began to notice the amounts of poverty and lack in wealth throughout the city, and what would be the country as a whole. This feature was complemented by my learning that Spain is one of the poorer countries in Europe, due to its past governing and much more. However, Madrid is a beautiful city, and served as a great place to get to know the group, and begin our stay in Spain. |
| El Palacio Real |
Toledo (Day 4)
On our way to Andalucía, we stopped for a few hours in the ancient capital of Spain, Toledo, to explore some of the history and monuments there. Adding on to my knowledge of Spain from Modern Euro history, we learned more about the relationship between the Spanish state, the Catholics, and the Moors (Muslims). Here, we were given the freedom to explore the city and walk around. We saw some beautiful buildings and views, which complemented the history and beauty of Spain. The amount of amazing artisan projects and art there showed the change from the history of the city to where it is now. Finally, we departed more towards the south for the bulk of our stay in Spain.
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| Overlooking Toledo's palace and cathedral |
Granada (Days 5-17)
Having arrived in Granada the night before, we were tired yet ready to begin a more constant routine in living the Spanish lifestyle. For the first day, we began the daily routine of morning classes, followed by lunch, siesta and different fun activities throughout the night. The group stayed in the dorms of a boarding school in Albayzín, the Arabic-influenced part of Granada. However, it was an easy walk to any of the three parts of the city, as we would do almost every night.
During the cultural classes we learned about the heavy Muslim influence in southern Spain, the significance of bulls to Spain, and about the Flamenco. Our first big group activity was a visit to La Alhambra, a massive, ancient Muslim fortress which the Christians would conquer later in history. The construction feats and the views were magnificent and was a true demonstration of some of the culture contrasts of which we had learned. Then, one other night, we went out in the city to see a flamenco show at one of the most famous flamenco bars in Spain. The rhythm, speed, and emotion of the dance were indescribable. Another artistic experience we had was a gymkhana, a massive scavenger hunt around the whole city. The objective was to see the difference between vandalism and the graffiti. Due to the difference in social classes and resources available, much of the graffiti was beautiful art which displayed the true, anonymous, attitudes of the people. I also talked a little fútbol with my awesome teacher, Juanfe. I expanded on my previous knowledge of the Spanish league by learning that the rivalries were more about the intense mutual hatred between cities instead of the teams themselves. The classes were a great way to learn more about some of what we had been seeing and would see.
During the afternoons and nighttimes, we filled our stay with plenty of activities, planned and unplanned. Each day we would have a full group activity, which was run by our group leaders and also our Spanish leaders. These ranged anywhere from water balloon fights to spending entire half-days at the beach. My favorite activity was the day when Arturo, one of the Spanish leaders, invited several Spaniards to come to our dorms and play soccer, basketball and much more with us. After this visit, these same Spaniards of our age continued to return for more of our activities and would also take us out into their city at night. Most of these nights we would go walk around the city and hang out in parks or go with the girls shopping. (I forgot to mention that our group contained just three guys, including myself, and nine girls). Because of this detail, the boys often found ourselves having to make our own fun because we were heavily outnumbered. The group became accustomed to the city very quickly though. Before we knew it, we had found favorite restaurants and ice cream places, just as if we were living in our own home cities. By the time we had to leave Granada, everyone was sad to leave our new Spanish friends. However, we were also excited to finally meet our Spanish families and I was pumped to mostly lose English for the next 10 days.
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| The group in front of La Alhambra |
During the afternoons and nighttimes, we filled our stay with plenty of activities, planned and unplanned. Each day we would have a full group activity, which was run by our group leaders and also our Spanish leaders. These ranged anywhere from water balloon fights to spending entire half-days at the beach. My favorite activity was the day when Arturo, one of the Spanish leaders, invited several Spaniards to come to our dorms and play soccer, basketball and much more with us. After this visit, these same Spaniards of our age continued to return for more of our activities and would also take us out into their city at night. Most of these nights we would go walk around the city and hang out in parks or go with the girls shopping. (I forgot to mention that our group contained just three guys, including myself, and nine girls). Because of this detail, the boys often found ourselves having to make our own fun because we were heavily outnumbered. The group became accustomed to the city very quickly though. Before we knew it, we had found favorite restaurants and ice cream places, just as if we were living in our own home cities. By the time we had to leave Granada, everyone was sad to leave our new Spanish friends. However, we were also excited to finally meet our Spanish families and I was pumped to mostly lose English for the next 10 days.
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| The Beautiful Mediterranean from the beach at Salobreño |
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| At the Center of Granada |
Guadix (Homestay) (Days 18-28)
We woke up on the morning of the travel day, and immediately left for a one hour drive to our homestay city of Guadix. Upon arrival, we noticed the significant difference in size and population between the two cities. Our host families greeted us with hugs and double-cheek kisses (a commonality in Spain). From there we were on our own with the families, and truly living and acting as a Spaniard for the next ten days. As I got to know my family, I learned that both my host brother, José, and my sister, Cristina, either had learned or were learning English, respectively. For the first two days of my stay, my brother had his final two English exams so we agreed to speak English and Spanish to help him study. Through this, I learned that even while José spoke very very well and Cristina was learning, the majority of Spanish students take English only because it is mandatory in school, and do not progress very far. Also, when I thought that Spanish couldn't get any more different, it continued to change. Guadix has its own dialect, which they call "Guadixismo". Through this, many s's become silent because of the speaking speed, there is a lisp on any soft c's and all z's, and many words were shortened. For example, "Más o menos, me gusta hablar el español para mejorarlo todo" (more or less, I like to speak Spanish to improve all of it) becomes "Ma o meno, me guta hablar español pa mejorarlo to". Needless to say, this was very difficult to learn, but came easier as time passed.
Each day, the group would all gather, along with host brothers and sisters, and participate in several different and exciting activities. These ranged from community service, to going hiking, to going to the beach. The highlight of these activities, for me, was our visit to Castril. There we began by hiking through a mountain range and seeing some of the amazing views of the plains. At the top of one of the mountains, there was an awesome pool where we spent the rest of the day swimming, playing cards and enjoying the nature. During the days, when we weren't at an activity, José and I would typically go hang out at the pool because of the heat. There we would swim and play cards with his friends, some of which I got to know pretty well through my time spent with them. At nights, we would typically go out with his friends or with the group for tapas, and then either go hang out in the park and play games or go to parties throughout the city. Because of this, tapas quickly became one of my favorite foods. The sense of community in Guadix was something that I had never experienced. Everybody knew everyone and all were good friends, for the most part. Therefore, when one town celebrated, so did everyone. I was lucky enough to experience this one night with my brother and the rest of the Americans at the Fiestas de Santa Ana.
The homestay was truly a life-changing and memorable experience as I learned so much about myself and about the amazing Spanish culture. All the families were sad to part, and as we all left, we realized that we only had one more Spanish night to live up in Madrid.
Each day, the group would all gather, along with host brothers and sisters, and participate in several different and exciting activities. These ranged from community service, to going hiking, to going to the beach. The highlight of these activities, for me, was our visit to Castril. There we began by hiking through a mountain range and seeing some of the amazing views of the plains. At the top of one of the mountains, there was an awesome pool where we spent the rest of the day swimming, playing cards and enjoying the nature. During the days, when we weren't at an activity, José and I would typically go hang out at the pool because of the heat. There we would swim and play cards with his friends, some of which I got to know pretty well through my time spent with them. At nights, we would typically go out with his friends or with the group for tapas, and then either go hang out in the park and play games or go to parties throughout the city. Because of this, tapas quickly became one of my favorite foods. The sense of community in Guadix was something that I had never experienced. Everybody knew everyone and all were good friends, for the most part. Therefore, when one town celebrated, so did everyone. I was lucky enough to experience this one night with my brother and the rest of the Americans at the Fiestas de Santa Ana.
The homestay was truly a life-changing and memorable experience as I learned so much about myself and about the amazing Spanish culture. All the families were sad to part, and as we all left, we realized that we only had one more Spanish night to live up in Madrid.
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| Hiking in Castril |
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| The Boys and our Brothers |
The Return (Days 29-30)
Finally, we spent our last night back in Madrid. We arrived mid-afternoon and proceeded to shop and walk around until dark, while spending as much time together as a group as possible. We spent our last night talking into late hours at El Retiro, the same park at which we began our journey as strangers. We left the next morning with a long day of travel ahead of us, including almost missing our flight back to America because of a broken train. As we arrived in the States, emotions built up, if they hadn't been already, and everyone was sad to leave the family we had created over the past month. We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. I knew I would definitely miss Spain and all it had given me, but I was happy to be back on home soil.
Thank You
Firstly, I would like to thank Sr. Paolicchi and Sr. Kamm for all that they have taught me about the wonderful language that is Spanish. It has already opened so many doors for me, and I am sure it will continue to do so. Also, many thanks to Sra. Victoria and Sr. Paolicchi for all the hard work they put in to ensure that everything went smoothly on the detailed end. Thanks to Montgomery Bell Academy and the Spanish department for selecting me to go on this trip, and enhance my language skills.
Also, I am sincerely grateful to the Wilson Family and its generosity for sending me on this trip. It means so much to me, and many more that we are financially able, and have the opportunity to go on trips like these, because of this. Much appreciation.
Lastly, thank you to everyone I met as a part of my trip, either through The Experiment, or the Spanish people. Thanks to José and my amazing homestay family for accepting me, and making me an honorary Spaniard for a week and a half. You all made my time there one to remember.
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