Submitted by MaryVictoria Barr on the 2014 spring semester study abroad program in Granada, Spain…
The past ten days have been a bit crazy and fast paced because my parents were visiting. I re-did all the historical sightseeing that I did my first couple weeks here. I took them to the Alhambra and explained the unique history of Granada, how the Catholic Kings came and conquered the city which was under Muslim influence and control back in the 1400s. We also visited the Cathedral, which I hadn’t been in before. It is incredible. The place is gigantic and the architecture is very interesting because it is so intricate and the different styles are very noticeable.
I showed them the typical lifestyle of Andalucia, which is the southern region of Spain, how it is slow paced, tapas are everyone’s favorite past time, and how history has a huge influence over life here. I think they really enjoyed their stay here and I am so happy that I got to share this experience with them. It was nice to show them all the things that have made me love this place as much as I do. Although it was sad to see them leave, it was actually really good to come home to my host family and spend time with my host Mom and host brothers and sister. It’s amazing how I really have become part of the family in the past three months and that’s such a comfort.
Semana Santa (Holy Week) is coming up, and it is a very serious week for the city of Granada, lots of processions everyday because the country is 95% Catholic so everyone basically celebrates Easter. I, unfortunately, won’t be here to experience the religious rituals because we are traveling since it’s our spring break. I leave on Thursday for Ibiza, which is an island of the coast of Spain, and then after 5 days there I am flying to Rome for 5 days.