Spain: Day 3

Today we traded stone houses and livestock for bagpipes and pilgrims as we explored the narrow streets and gothic architecture of Santiago de Compostela, Galicia’s capital. Santiago serves as the finish line for hikers from all over the world who embark on a pilgrimage that begins as far away as France.

As a group, we drank coffee and had dessert in a comfy cafe and toured the cathedral, and although it was the most touristy activity thus far on the trip, it provided us the opportunity to walk on the roof and witness a spectacular view of the city. “This was probably the coolest thing I’ve ever done. That cathedral was built in 1075!” Jaren said. 

We also played a game in which we put our backs on a wall displaying a list of college majors and pointed backwards to see what college major students would be (“NOOOO!!!!” Cried Arianna when she got physics and Scott when he got theology). Lastly, as a group, we took a quick visit to la Ruela de Xerusalen: Jerusalem Street. Nestled a few yards away from the main road, this small alleyway honors the Jewish quarter that once existed in Santiago and provides a respite from the cacophony of tourism. In the middle of the alleyway stands a large olive tree, and we took a group photo to take in our first glimpse of Jewish history in Spain. This is Northern Spain: very few synagogues remain, but the subtle signs of Jewish life persist.

After orienting ourselves with the city, we turned the kids loose to eat in small groups and complete an interactive scavenger hunt in which they had to talk to pilgrims and locals to get to know the city. While this experience and the activities from the last two days are still fresh in their minds, I asked half of our students to briefly reflect on what stood out for them in their time with their groups and/or in Spain so far: 

Nathi- Today we got to explore the streets of Santiago de Compostela. We got a list of tasks to try to complete ( taking pictures with octopus, street signs, landmarks, and someone that completed the Camino de Santiago). This was amazing because we were challenged with being engaged with not only the geography of the city but the amazing people of the city. 

Max- The Spain trip has been everything and more than what I had expected! Yesterday, March 2, was our first full day here. We went on a long hike in the morning. Though the weather may not have cooperated the entire time it was such a memorable experience! Not even 5 minutes into the hike it started hailing and instead of hiding, we turned on some music and started jamming out. The hike may have been wet and for some of us muddy, but the view was completely worth it in the end. We could see the mountains and river for miles and it was beautiful! I can’t wait for the rest of the trip!!

Teige- So far the Spain trip has been a lot of fun. The highlight of the trip so far is either the food which is amazing or just being with the other people and being able to learn new things about others.

Stella- Hola! Spain has been so incredible so far. We are having so much fun while challenging ourselves to immerse ourselves in Spanish culture. Today we went to Santiago De Compostela! It was so cool for so many reasons but I personally loved it as the city has my name in it. :) We walked around with groups and got to hang out with different people while doing a scavenger hunt. I ate the best empanada with my group! I can’t wait to see what the rest of the trip brings us!

Tahel- the spain trip has been so much fun so far. My favorite part so far was walking around Santiago de Compostela. The city was so pretty and my group was able to wander around and find many fun places. The cathedral was built in such a cool way and I enjoyed learning the history of both it 

and the city itself. Additionally, we were walking around and started seeing many people on the Camino de Santiago. Lastly, we talked to an American woman and her Spanish husband and it was very interesting. 

Jillian- there are no other words to describe this experience besides how special the community is here. Being able to walk with someone who you normally don’t walk with, or a roommate you normally don’t talk with is such a surreal experience, especially considering how talking to the same group of people is so normalized back in reality. Everyone clicks immediately in this group of people, and is so comfortable with each other. I wouldn’t change a single moment of the late-night talks with my friends, breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the whole group, or any moment talking to a single person here for the world. 

Mira- hola from España! So far we’ve visited different areas in Galicia. Today, we went to Santiago de Compostela, where we had the opportunity to speak to Spaniards. My favorite memory so far was sitting in a restaurant ordering pizza, and a nice old couple asked where our Polaroids were from. We explained in Spanish to them where they could buy one and took a picture for them. From there we had a very long conversation, and the couple ended up paying for our waters. The people are so nice here and welcoming. I would expect to be judged as Americans but everyone here has very open hands and help us out. The memories that we’ve made here so far are unforgettable. 

Blake - So far, Spain has been amazing. So far my favorite part of the trip has been experiencing unique experiences you can’t do as an average tourist particularly the Monasterio de Monfero. We went to the monastery at night and got to see artifacts and learn the history of the building we were in such as how the monks buried young girls under the floors. We learned about how when restoring the Church they had to remove the mural which they just left on the ground. Then we ate dinner in the kitchen where the Monks cooked their meals. We also had Havdalah in the monastery and experienced a Pagan ceremony where we got to touch fire. Overall this was my favorite part of the trip so far. 

Jadyn- I’m having so much fun in Galicia! So far my favorite part of the trip has been the scavenger hunt we did around Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia. We got to shop around and try some great food! I’ve also had an amazing time getting to make new friends on the trip and meet new people.

Sophie- My favorite part of the trip has been talking to a local Spaniard named Carmen. She is a musician, and we sat next to each other during dinner and talked for a long time in Spanish. We talked about our families, Spain, school, and what we love. I loved getting to know her, and learning about Spain with her.

Jordan- My favorite part of the trip so far has been meeting Spanish locals and speaking with them. Originally I thought that the locals would be cold towards tourists but they turned out to be really nice.

Ava- Today was absolutely incredible! I walked around in my group with a few Weber people I haven’t yet had the chance to meet and we had the chance to learn more about each other. My favorite part of the day was how friendly and open the natives were to speaking Spanish with us. While we were eating lunch, we had the chance to talk to and share a Polaroid with an older couple that was eating at another table. While I definitely didn’t understand everything they were saying, they continued to be sweet and open to talking with us. As they left, they even paid for our drinks as a thank you for their picture. While there have been so many incredible parts already, I have absolutely loved getting to meet and talk to so many Spaniards while learning and practicing Spanish.

We ended a wonderful day with all of the ways you play when you don’t have your phone: the Spanish cup game, straightening boys’ hair, and karaoke. We’re definitely living in the shadow of Purim.

Buenas noches.

(Reflection photos and videos here)