Summer Trip to Spain: This summer, 12 Abbey students spent a month in Salamanca, Spain, in an intensive undergraduate college language and culture program for which the students earned eight college credits. Salamanca is home to one of the oldest universities in the world and, according to trip leader and Portsmouth's Modern Languages Department Head Roberto Guerenabarrena, it is a tranquil city full of history, art and literary traditions. While in Salamanca, the students immersed themselves in Spanish life, language and culture.
The students also traveled to Santiago de Compostela, Leon and Segovia and lived with host families. The students participating in this year's trip were Micaela Adams '08, Liz Childs '08, Philipp Clasen '08, Kaitlyn Dempsey '08, Christina Horton '08, Jonathan Hughes '08, Kathryn Hughes '08, Catherine R. Kennedy '08, Elena McCarthy '09, David Ruhfel '08, Susan Skakel '09, and Katherine G. Strong '08.
First Report, filed by Susan Skakel, Elena McCarthy and Liz Childs:
Hola a todos,
When we arrived in Salamanca we quickly settled into our residencias and were given our class schedule. We would all be taking a civilization class, then break up into our different levels for a grammar class and have a much smaller conversation class in the afternoon at a cafe of our choice. The classes went from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm to allow us to return home for lunch and have the rest of the afternoon for sight-seeing.
We met as a group our first night under the clock in the Plaza Mayor, a common meeting place. There we learned that we would be embarking on a Novena, which is nine days of praying with a special intention in mind. Over the week we prayed at the Cathedral in Salamanca, the small chapel of the residencia, and even got the opportunity to pray in Fatima during our trip to Portugal. All of the Portsmouth Abbey students spent a long weekend in Portugal with a group from URI. We were able to stay in a four-star hotel right in the heart of Portugal. Friday and Sunday of that weekend were spent traveling to and from Salamanca, while stopping at such places as the University in Portugal and Fatima. Saturday was a beach day, and the weather could not have been better.
All in all the first week started off very well and leaves much anticipated excitement for the weeks to come.
Adios,
Susan, Elena and Liz
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Second Report, filed by Katie Strong, Katie Dempsey and Christina Horton:
The second week in Salamanca has been very educational. At the end of the week we went on an excursion to Segovia. Our classes have been challenging and our newly developed relationships with our teachers make it very exciting. We have been going to classes all morning until 2 pm and then have conversation classes in the late afternoon. This week we went to an anti-violence convention. It addressed not only domestic violence but also violence in schools. Later in the week we went to visit Sor Jesus at the Convento de las Dominicas. She was very pleasant and energetic, and was very eager to practice her English with us. We surprised her with some soda, her favorite treat.
We ended the week with a day trip to Segovia. We visited Patronato del Alcazar, a castle which they claim Walt Disney based his Snow White castle on. We also visited the Aqueduct that we learned was one of the best-kept structures of its kind. With only two weeks left, time is flying, but we are all enjoying every minute that passes by.
From Katie, Katie and Christina
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Third Report, filed by David Ruhfel and Jonathan Hughes:
On Thursday, July 19, the group took its last excursion to Galicia and Leon. After arriving in Santiago de Compostela in the evening, we had a chance to unpack and enjoy a break from classes. On Friday, the group visited a stunningly beautiful local beach. The next day we toured Galicia, visiting many landmarks as well as the Cathedral, where we once again prayed for our novena. We also saw the sepulcher of Saint James before leaving for Leon.
Back in Salamanca the following Wednesday, July 25, the entire URI program gathered for a Cena de Despedida, a farewell dinner. The festive mood was bittersweet with the knowledge that we would soon be parting ways with the many new friends we had made.
We departed Madrid for the USA on July 29.
