Soy española
I am at that point where there is so much I want to say, but I know that no words or pictures can do any justice to the experiences I have had in the past 4 days. I am going to try to describe a few moments that I would love to share, but just be aware that these are moments that I will cherish forever and can't begin to describe how I felt.
So Friday myself, eight of the people in my groups, and a group of kids from the University of Tennessee headed to Granada. We mounted the bus and headed southwest on Friday morning, and honestly I can say that I didn't really know what to expect. I was blown out of the water. Before we even got to Granada, I was blown away by the beautiful countryside of Spain. I recently learned that Spain has one of the two largest desserts in Europe, and I got to see it. As we traveled further and further west, it became more and more mountainous. Off to the south I could just see the snow covered peaks and to the north still more desert. When we finally arrived in Granada, after about six and a half hours on the bus, we were all blown away by the beautiful hotel CEA had reserved for us right down town in the historical district of the city. We soon learned, thanks to our lovely guide Sergio, about how in Granada when you order even one drink, they feed you a ton of food! It is wonderful. A long, stroll through the city filled with intoxicating views and picturesque avenues came to a climax when we found ourselves atop a mountain looking out the famous Alhambra. Having taken a class called "the Spanish conquest to Africa," I have learned a fair amount about this ancient palace, but I never expected it to be so insanely beautiful. Multiple times this past weekend I found myself thinking, "I could sit here and stare out at ________ forever and die happy."
So I thought that looking across the valley at the Alhambra was breath taking...that was before Saturday. In the morning we had some free time where we just meandered through the narrow streets where I was mystified by the many beautiful tapestries, the scent of burning incense, and the beautiful colored lanterns that filled every show of the Arab markets. (If you don't know, Granada is in the south of Spain and has a huge history with Morocco and there is a very large Arab population there.) After bartering and making a few purchases, we rejoined the group to head to the Alhambra. I honestly can't even begin to describe the beauty of this palace that is centuries older that the United States. The many distinctly Muslim arches give way to the most intricate wall designed I have ever seen; many of which were hand carved. It was surreal to think about the generations of Christians and Muslims that have come and gone through the Alhambra and how much care has been taken to maintain the beauty of the structure. In addition to the beautiful building, it also gives way to some of the most breath taking views of the white houses of Granada in the valley below. In many ways it feels as though time is standing still as you look out and breath the ancient dust of the Alhambra while imagining the people migrating there centuries before.
Ok wake up. After a long day of walking everyone needed a rest before the Flamenco show. The show was great. I was told that Flamenco is not really anything people sign up for, but it is passed down through generations and many families have their own small buildings where they have shows. The show we went to was no exception. We sat is a small room and listened to the live music and watched the dancers stomp their feet at an ungodly rate as they told a story through their movements. A quick pass to see the Alhambra lit up at night, and we headed for bed.
Sunday we went and saw the Cathedral as well as the tomb of the Catholic queens and kings. It was beautiful, but hard to even compare to the previous days' views. It was funny arriving back in Alicante and feeling a sense of returning home after only a few weeks. Over the weekend I had the opportunity to get to know some of the Tennessee group a bit better, and God really opened up a lot of doors to spiritual conversations. I am constantly in awe of how easily God gives way to these things. I don't even have to try and I find myself explaining the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism to people and basically why Jesus is so great! I think I may be more of an evangelist than I thought!
Alright so all of this brings us up to this week. So this week the largest festival of the year in Alicante is kicking off and it lasts until Monday. I can't even begin to explain everything that happens, because quite frankly I don't even understand half of it, but there are a lot of really cool things so you should keep reading and be ready for some sweet photos! Last night there was a huge firework display at midnight that quite honestly put every 4th of July display I've seen to shame, and they do it every night starting tomorrow! In addition to the large amount of pyrotechnics, each neighborhood constructs a beautiful statue out of wood and other materials that represents the character of the respective nighborhood. From what I have seen so far they are absolutely beautiful. I am going to go on a photo adventure tomorrow so check back!
Alright well this post has gotten a little out of control, and even though I have so much more to say I will cut myself off here. Please keep praying that the hearts of the people here will continue to soften and hear God's calling.
Standing in awe of His creativity,
Sigourney
So Friday myself, eight of the people in my groups, and a group of kids from the University of Tennessee headed to Granada. We mounted the bus and headed southwest on Friday morning, and honestly I can say that I didn't really know what to expect. I was blown out of the water. Before we even got to Granada, I was blown away by the beautiful countryside of Spain. I recently learned that Spain has one of the two largest desserts in Europe, and I got to see it. As we traveled further and further west, it became more and more mountainous. Off to the south I could just see the snow covered peaks and to the north still more desert. When we finally arrived in Granada, after about six and a half hours on the bus, we were all blown away by the beautiful hotel CEA had reserved for us right down town in the historical district of the city. We soon learned, thanks to our lovely guide Sergio, about how in Granada when you order even one drink, they feed you a ton of food! It is wonderful. A long, stroll through the city filled with intoxicating views and picturesque avenues came to a climax when we found ourselves atop a mountain looking out the famous Alhambra. Having taken a class called "the Spanish conquest to Africa," I have learned a fair amount about this ancient palace, but I never expected it to be so insanely beautiful. Multiple times this past weekend I found myself thinking, "I could sit here and stare out at ________ forever and die happy."
 |
| Looking across the valley at the Alhambra at sun set. |
So I thought that looking across the valley at the Alhambra was breath taking...that was before Saturday. In the morning we had some free time where we just meandered through the narrow streets where I was mystified by the many beautiful tapestries, the scent of burning incense, and the beautiful colored lanterns that filled every show of the Arab markets. (If you don't know, Granada is in the south of Spain and has a huge history with Morocco and there is a very large Arab population there.) After bartering and making a few purchases, we rejoined the group to head to the Alhambra. I honestly can't even begin to describe the beauty of this palace that is centuries older that the United States. The many distinctly Muslim arches give way to the most intricate wall designed I have ever seen; many of which were hand carved. It was surreal to think about the generations of Christians and Muslims that have come and gone through the Alhambra and how much care has been taken to maintain the beauty of the structure. In addition to the beautiful building, it also gives way to some of the most breath taking views of the white houses of Granada in the valley below. In many ways it feels as though time is standing still as you look out and breath the ancient dust of the Alhambra while imagining the people migrating there centuries before.
Ok wake up. After a long day of walking everyone needed a rest before the Flamenco show. The show was great. I was told that Flamenco is not really anything people sign up for, but it is passed down through generations and many families have their own small buildings where they have shows. The show we went to was no exception. We sat is a small room and listened to the live music and watched the dancers stomp their feet at an ungodly rate as they told a story through their movements. A quick pass to see the Alhambra lit up at night, and we headed for bed.
Sunday we went and saw the Cathedral as well as the tomb of the Catholic queens and kings. It was beautiful, but hard to even compare to the previous days' views. It was funny arriving back in Alicante and feeling a sense of returning home after only a few weeks. Over the weekend I had the opportunity to get to know some of the Tennessee group a bit better, and God really opened up a lot of doors to spiritual conversations. I am constantly in awe of how easily God gives way to these things. I don't even have to try and I find myself explaining the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism to people and basically why Jesus is so great! I think I may be more of an evangelist than I thought!
Alright so all of this brings us up to this week. So this week the largest festival of the year in Alicante is kicking off and it lasts until Monday. I can't even begin to explain everything that happens, because quite frankly I don't even understand half of it, but there are a lot of really cool things so you should keep reading and be ready for some sweet photos! Last night there was a huge firework display at midnight that quite honestly put every 4th of July display I've seen to shame, and they do it every night starting tomorrow! In addition to the large amount of pyrotechnics, each neighborhood constructs a beautiful statue out of wood and other materials that represents the character of the respective nighborhood. From what I have seen so far they are absolutely beautiful. I am going to go on a photo adventure tomorrow so check back!
Alright well this post has gotten a little out of control, and even though I have so much more to say I will cut myself off here. Please keep praying that the hearts of the people here will continue to soften and hear God's calling.
Standing in awe of His creativity,
Sigourney
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