Rolling hills of Ronda

In front of the Puente Nuevo, the New Bridge

Entrance to the Arabic Baths

One of many chapels in Ronda

Oldest bullring in Spain

Us "watching" a bullfight!

      Finally done with the early start intensive program! We had our final exam today which entailed everything we've learned in this past month (grammar, vocabulary, oral, etc...). Yesterday, our group had to present information on tapas in Granada as part of our final exam. Both the exam and the presentation went well! Now we have a break until Monday when we start our actual semester courses- 5 classes (2 mandatory courses + 3 spanish/english electives). Since we have a 3 day break- three other girls and I are heading to Paris tonight and coming back Sunday evening! So excited to explore France!

   This past weekend our study abroad group traveled to Ronda, a smaller city in Spain south of Granada. Ronda is known for its scenery: gorges, bridges, rolling hills and historic architecture. It's one of the largest white hill towns. The pictures I took don't do justice to the beauty and awe of the landscape. The rolling hills made me miss the Midwest which I hadn't realized until I left the city and went to the open landscape. While in Ronda, our group took a walking tour around the outskirts of the city and then through the middle. The main attractions were its gorge-spanning bridges, the oldest bullring in Spain, Arabic baths and scenic lookouts. The "postcard" bridge, Puente Nuevo, (the one you will find if you look up Ronda, Spain) is called the New Bridge, not because it has recently been built but rather because it's "newer" than the others- it's age is that of the United States.

     A few of us decided to tour the inside of the bullring. Though I would probably never go to an actual bullfight since it's too inhumane for me, it was interesting and exciting to see where they keep and release the bulls. We were able to go onto the actual bull fighting arena and sit in the stands as if we were watching an actual bull fight.

    The next day, we stayed within Granada and explored the Sacromonte neighourhood and the Abbey. It's located further up in the mountains in the Albayzín district and is home to Granada's Roma community. The Sacromonte neighbourhood is known for its cave museums which represent Granada's Roma tradition of cave-dwelling. From this neighbourhood, there were spectacular views of La Alhambra which was perfect for the time of day we were there since we had the chance to see the sunset over La Alhambra making for beautiful pictures!
    Last night, my friend Holly and I booked our flight to Germany for the end of February! We'll be spending four nights in Berlin. But first things first... tonight, technically, early tomorrow morning, we're taking a bus from Granada to Madrid to catch our flight to Paris! So incredibly excited to visit France! Can't wait to see what this adventure has in store for us, hopefully no problems at the airport or with the transportation there... The first of many adventures/trips this semester!

Chow!