« My Quest To Find The Runner’s High | Home | College Survival Tips – Part 1 (Classes) »
Toledo, Spain—Part 1
By Julia S. | June 19, 2012
So I’m abroad! Studying abroad, that is, for the next 7 weeks—in the walled city of Toledo, Spain, a very old and very historical place about 40 miles outside of Madrid. This post will be mostly pictures, as I think I’ll still need another week or so to truly comment on what it’s like here.
Some things to mention so far though—there are tons of Ohio State kids here. The program I’m at right now, La Fundación José Ortega y Gasset, is attended by students from many colleges, but, being so huge, OSU has sent a lot of people for the summer. In fact, I know that this summer program is very popular for Ohio State students pursuing majors/minors in Spanish (You can also study here for semesters, too). Granted, it’s still mostly new faces to me!
My days have mostly consisted of hours walking around the city, going to class, and, of course, Spanish everywhere.
My view from the window of my room
Some street signs. The streets here are so hard to describe, it’s like being in a video game. It’s all asymmetric and narrow, with cobblestone everywhere, like a beautiful maze.
A broad view of Toledo
The biggest cathedral in Toledo. The architecture is crazy ornate. The city has been the home to many Muslims, Jews, and Christians, at the same time even, giving it a lot of diverse religious history. It’s actually nicknamed La ciudad de las tres culturas (The City of Three Cultures) for that reason.
We went and watched the Spain vs. Croatia soccer game in La plaza de toros. I took this during the frenzy of Spain winning the game.
Rude Awakening: Study Abroad offers so many opportunities, but it can be stressful. Meeting new people, travelling, seeing the city, adjusting to new sleeping/eating habits, being away from family/friends, classes, homework, my research project, and living outside of the comfort of your native language makes for a lot! Time management is going to be KEY.
Pleasant Surprise: Siestas. We should institute them in the U.S. Not that I don’t already nap every day at home, but, still.
In firm friendship,
Julia Rose S.
Topics: Author, Julia S., Study Abroad | 1 Comment »
June 19th, 2012 at 8:35 pm
I am really insanely jealous! Enjoy your summer :)