Extremadura and the Beginning of Classes

Hola Todos,

Sorry for the delay in between posts. It has been a long time since I last wrote, and I figured after a whole week of hustle and bustle it was time for an update. When we were together last, I regaled you all with tales of discotecas and bars, but since then the social scene has calmed a bit, and we have finally started classes. First, last Friday Georgetown in Madrid finally concluded its orientation with an exam in a History of Spain class. The professor, a wizard with words and stories, was well known for deliberate manner of speaking and inflection (Los Roooomanos), and for his sheer knowledge of a vast number of subjects. Our exam Friday consisted of 4 broad questions, and we were asked to give our replies, which covered a vast array of information ranging from the benefits of the Spanish monarchial system to the differences between Spanish and US politics. The grade will be averaged with another from an orientation writing class, which in total will amount to 1 Georgetown credit.

Friday night felt like it ought to be celebratory, but a weekend excursion and a very early wake up (6 am) to catch the bus meant that this Friday would be a day of rest. And so, I set out Saturday morning for a trek across the city to catch the GU bus. With a chorizo sub in hand and my backpack stuffed to the gills I was ready for the trip to Extremadura, an area consisting of couple of precious towns about 4 hours from Madrid, not far from the Portuguese border. In 36 hours we stopped in 3 different cities.

- Merida - our first stop, a beautiful city with numerous Roman ruins (over 2,000 years old, among the most interesting an amphitheatre and a simple theatre (the first to have gladiator battles and the second for plays), Merida also had beautiful orange trees adorning the sides of streets throughout the city. Upon picking one off of the trees, I was informed that oranges are no good until they fall to the ground. I proceeded to lob a three point orange into the trash can. (You live and you learn)

- Caceres - the capital of Extremadura, home to 90,000 habitants, we stayed the night here, a night tour of the ancient part of the city featured stunning churches and castles, but the highlight of the trip was probably the massive all you can eat feast paid for by Georgetown on Saturday night. The meal feautured croquetas de jamon y queso, queso and crackers, fried green peppers, lots of bread, a delicous scrambled egg and mushroom casserole, and unbeknowest to the group until it came, an all you can meat selection. Let's just say I got my money's worth. In fact, you could say it was borderline gluttony. But all you can eat means eat til you can't eat anymore. Right? To top it off, several different kinds of cakes (strawberry, tres leches, chocolate) came out at the end, and they were served on platters that fed four. We ate well.

- Trujillo - the smallest of the three cities, we stopped here on our way home, another breathtaking gem, here at the city's peak a humungous fortress of a castle sits at a height that overlooks the surrounding region for miles and miles, quite a sight to see, the castle itself feautures no railings or safety devices to ensure you won't fall off, It was a bit nerve racking to be up so high with so little support surrounding, After an average lunch at a German restaurant (Yea I know, why we decided to go German in Trujillo, I don't know), (Also, note to self, next time you walk into a restarant during peak hours, and no one is seated, I repeat no one is seated, please turn around and exit.)

Upon walking around the city with my friends Ryan and Nick we came out across a bakery that could only have been heaven sent. Its name, had much significance for me, "Basilio," my Spanish nombre in grade school. I took this as a sign as we headed inside where a land of dazzling postres seized hold of our minds and quite shortly after, our tastebuds. I consumed the most fantastic ice cream cake of my life, and I devoured it within the palms of my chocolate soaked hands. True bliss if I have experienced it. On a chocolate high, we proceeded to speed back to the Plaza Mayor to inform the rest of the group that "yes, such a place exists where angels eat ambrosia, and such a place exists where humans can dine alongside them if they desire." (Basilio)

Anyway, Trujillo was a sweet and gorgeous last stop on our excursion to Extremadura. I tire now, as it nears 1 am here, so I am going to comment tomorrow on el comienzo de las clases en Comillas!

Hasta luego,

Brett

Pictures 1/2 from atop the castle in Trujillo

Picture 3 The Bridge in Merida

Picture 4 Inside the Museo in Merida (I was repeatedly scolded after I began patting the bull like I would a horse, it's an ancient statue, I wasn't supposed to touch it.)