I was able to see a bit more of the vast spanish terrain this week. Classes were not in session this Wednesday due to commencement activities. I went with some classmates to the mountians to pick blackberries or ¨molenas¨. There had been an abundance of bushes but we arrived at the end of the season and in the heat of the sun. Therefore most molenas were small and dried. But, it was wonderful to see a new area. There were beautiful views and a mix of desert plants I had never seen before.






This week was not only filled with blackberry picking, but a tour of El Palacio Real and El Prado. There is an incredible resepect and pride in history here which is wonderful to be apart of. Spanish history is full of changes and mixtures of people groups. There is a challenge to identify the true Spañiard because the true Spañiard historically comes from Greece, Italy, North Africa or other parts of Europe. Therefore, there is so much to learn in history classes and then see in the museums and on the streets.



These are photos from El Palacio Real. The king does not live here, but occasionally comes for ceremonies. In such a time, the state would close the museum and take out the good tapestries and cover the palace with flowers. It sounded like a fun event to have the king come to town, from what the tour guide said. There is a throne room I saw which was over decorated in the Boroque style. The guide told us that out of respect of the present democracy, the king and queen never sit on their thrones when holding ceremonies, nor do they wear their crowns.
I am off on another excursion now. I am going with my class to speak with a modern Spanish writer. Adios.