Barcelona- each day better than the last

Thursday after our lesson, we arrived at the Port of Barcelona and were surprised to discover that we were going on a boat ride around the port!  For a few people, the motion was difficult to handle, but I for one found it to be a really fascinating experience!  After we spent the first part learning about the large amount of volume the port handles every year, we got to see where they were adding on, and where every part of their services were managed.

That afternoon, I took a little break from too much site-seeing and after a fun wander around the market, I spent the afternoon in a cafe down the street, just people watching and absorbing every part of my experience in Spain!  The fresh produce, fish, and every type of food imaginable is so amazing to see in the market.

La Fortaleza

City Hall

Friday, as our last classroom day, we had our lesson on the history of Spain.  Most years, this comes at the beginning, but our professor had been out of town for the first part of our trip.  Oh well- its still fun to learn about!  Then we went to a tour of city hall.  That building also had amazing history!  I loved how many similarities I saw between that city hall and La Fortaleza (the governor's house) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (ok, mostly just on the inside or something- putting them next to each other takes away some of the similarities in my head!)

Friday evening, we were able to eat dinner as a large group at La Taula- a discovery by our professors that had some of the most amazing food I have had!  It was really fun to have as a going-away celebration at the end of a long few weeks.

At La Taula

Saturday we took a train to Monserrat, a mountain near Barcelona known for the historic Benedictine abbey that was also built there.  After touring the church and seeing the Black Madonna, we went up one part of the mountain on a fernicular which took us to an area with astounding views and the chance to see where the original hermitages were located.  Our professors even went all the way to the top and ventured along the edge with all of us students!  Finally, after most of the group went back to town, one other student and I climbed up the other side to a cross with even more incredible views.  This hike, while it was very steep, was one of the best parts simply for the experience.  The separation from the rest of the mountain gave us views of the monastery and the surrounding cities that were un-paralleled.

At the top of Monseratt- our second trip up

Climbing down the mountain the first time

Our awesome professors and a few students

On our final day, I began by attending church at the Barcelona Cathedral, or Basilica La Seu.  I can say that it was one of the most beautiful masses I have ever been to.  They had a very impressive choir, and about 13 priests holding the mass.  Combined with their use of incense and the overall environment in the cathedral, and I was overwhelmed by the whole experience.  Next, by the recommendation of our professors, we went to a little bakery for hot chocolate and churros which was much appreciated on such a rainy and cold day (the first of the trip).  Later on in the day, I went back to La Rambla and finally got the gelato I had been wanting the entire trip!

The chloister- there were geese and a rooster in the middle!

Monday was the last day, which started at 4:30 am (Barcelona time) and ended 18 hours later, at 5:30 (Central time)-- time difference makes it seem awkward.  The plane rides were long, and jet lag is going to be quite a challenge to work with, but every second was worth my incredible experience in Barcelona.

I have never been in a place where I am simply astounded everywhere I go at the history of a place, the view of a city, or simply the look of a building.  Beginning to learn about Spain in high school, and now having the opportunity to finally travel there was such a wonderful way to start 2013!

Barcelona... Not just another day

Every day has just been incredible here!  As I was reflecting on my experience, all I could think about is how  often I have just been filled with "wonderment" (ok, wonder is more appropriate)  as I'm simply walking around somewhere.

Waking up Sunday was just a phenomenal day.  We began by heading down to the Gothic Quarter to see Santa Maria del Mar, a church that was built during the 14th century.  I could not believe how well done the whole church was when it had been created so long ago!  My favorite part of that morning however, was when we went over to the Museo Picasso.  We took some small little streets and alley-ways and it was just so gorgeous and tranquil (especially when I got separated from the group for a few minutes later on).   

Later in the day, a group of us including Professor Fitzpatrick, Professor O'Connor, and Professor Janusik headed to the Roman and Greek ruins.  I can say right now that I wasn't super looking forward to this part, but I definitely wanted to take advantage of the day!  But because of how excited and passionate my professors are about every part of this trip, I can say that I really enjoyed it!  How can I not be excited about what appears to be old rocks when someone else is telling me the purpose it might have served in the past??

The architecture on this Cathedral- called La Seu Cathedral- was absolutely incredible!  It was built between the 13th and 15th centuries.  

Later that night, at the FC Barcelona game.  I was astounded to see so many people in one place! 

Monday, we went to Sagrada Familia after class.  My camera died halfway through my visit- the pictures are just on my phone from that day.  But we went up the towers, and I loved this view watching the cranes move over the top of the two towers.  Even with tourists all over, there was still work to be done at this incredible place.   

Tuesday we had a tour of Barcelona Activa.  I thought their business was incredible- helping entrepreneurs start their businesses is something that few people have the knowledge to do.  I loved the view as we were walking to their center downtown.  

Wednesday morning we visited a logistics center outside a small town about 45 minutes away from Barcelona called Igualada.  We had a gorgeous view of the mountains the whole bus ride up and I was pleasantly surprised how entertaining it was to see how their product moved about the warehouse in order to get to the end customer.  

Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon both included tours of places designed by Gaudi (I guess Monday could be included in that too!  The Casa Batlló modernist home was absolutely incredible!  They said that there were no straight lines in his design and I would believe it- with the curves in the ceiling, walls, windows and doorways, I'm not sure where else they would be. 

Then Wednesday afternoon we visited Parque Guell.  I learned that at one time he had hoped to have a whole community full of houses on this hillside (it has gorgeous views from every angle)  This picture was taken where he would have had the center of the community.

As each day has new adventures- I don't want to miss out on any one of them, so for now, farewell.  Only a few more days left of my fantastic adventure!

Barcelona- still going strong!

I can't say that I have been let down yet by this city!  There really, is nothing that has not been less than amazing!  (other than the exchange rate- I'm still a college student!)  But it is just an absolutely gorgeous city/ area, even though its winter!  Its been fun to have an "extended" Christmas season since today is the last day of Spain's celebration of Christmas (the Epiphany).  Tonight we are planning to go by the Three King's Day Parade too.  

Christmas-y lights displayed

I am absolutely loving that our classes the past two mornings have tied together with the businesses that we are visiting in the afternoons.  Our first class was about Innovation, where we visited a company called Mazel Group which is actually an engineering/ design company that has 9 companies involved.  These companies do everything from designing trash cans that communicate with the trucks to making plastic parts for our vehicles to designing concept cars.  

Our second class about Corporate Social Responsibility tied very well with the small winery we toured called L'Olivera that employs workers with disabilities with the intention to teach them skills that will benefit them later on.  This winery, although small, actually produces the "official wine of Barcelona" 

L'Olivera buildings from the vineyard

And today we've visited a winery that is much larger, but still strives for very high standards both worldwide and nationally called Torres.  

Main building for Torres

But really the best part about being in Barcelona is experiencing the city like we did on the first day.  Yesterday, we attended the most incredible fountain show with lights and music that put Vegas to shame!  (not that I've been there- but in my imagination it would)

And I've also still been in love with the cute alleys and streets all over the city.  

Just one example of what I find to be the most gorgeous streets

I'm very much looking forward to seeing even more over the next 8 days remaining in Spain!

Barcelona- here we've come!

I'm sure I won't be updating this every day of this trip, but I'm so excited about today, that I want to write about it immediately!  We arrived in Barcelona around 10 am (3 am central time) this morning (the 2nd of January).  After about an hour of impatiently waiting for our bus to arrive to take us to the hotel, we arrived at the hotel only to wait another hour because many of our rooms were not ready.  We freshened up as much as we could in the small space shared by several girls in another student's room and headed out to sight-see in our first day in Spain.  After getting cash and a subway ticket for 50 rides each, we made our way to La Rambla, a street full of shops, restaurants, stores, and historical monuments.  We split up into smaller groups and five of us headed out to find a meal.  My group ended up in a cute little bar/ restaurant that served a wonderful meal that was filling, not too outside of the box, and most importantly- within our college budget.  It began with wine and ended in coffee, as is the Spanish custom, which put us all in the perfect mood to go out and explore more!  We started walking down the main street of La Rambla toward the Mediteranean Sea and ended up stumbling into the Monumento a Colón, a statue of Christopher Columbus pointing toward the New World. 

The streets are just so incredibly gorgeous.  The architecture everywhere is just amazing!  We found a shop with a beautiful mosaic on the outside that said "Founded in 1820".  The history just bleeds from the city!  But what was even more incredible to me was noticing how in a city like this, it just seems to move like a living, breathing organism.  I've always heard that comparison, but never really understood it!  But while traversing through the bowels of the city, just how connected everything had to be was incredible!  The movement of people from place to place is what keeps the city alive all throughout the day.  (and I've only been here 8 hours!!)  

 The streets of Barcelona near La Rambla (others turned out too blurry)

 Me with the one of the lions surrounding Christopher Columbus

Quynh, myself, and Megan in front of the boats on the pier.  Do we look sleep deprived??

Well, enough for tonight.  I don't want to ruin all of the amazing parts of the city for everyone.  I'm sure there will be MANY updates to follow in the near future!

End of the World

Well, since I am making this post- it is obvious that the world did not end yesterday as "predicted" by some. Which is a very good thing- because there is way too much to look forward to next semester!

To begin with, I will be traveling to Barcelona on January 1st (which is sneaking up quicker than I thought possible) to take a class titled "Global Business- Issues/Culture".  Specific, huh?  But the trip will last two weeks (from the 1st to the 14th) and will be my first ever trans-Atlantic flight! I intend to keep updates going during that time to share more about the class.

In other news- finals are all done!  I completed the semester, which is all I can ask for.  The first few days of break did not go as planned- with a broken down new vehicle that delayed my return home, but it all ended up working out so that I got home safe and sound before the big blizzard hit Western Kansas.  My Christmas present from my boyfriend was tickets to see The Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts.  Since they started construction my freshman year, I have been dying to see a show there, so it was a perfect opportunity to discover even more about KC.

A picture from online of the center-- my camera's quality leaves much to be desired.

Otherwise, I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas- I look forward to spending time with my family and friends here in Western Kansas for the next few days.  I hope everyone stays safe and enjoys this holiday season as much as possible!  

Traditions

We're coming to a close of the semester!  The best part about coming closer to the end is all of the traditions that go along with the end of the semester at Rockhurst.  One tradition for Student Senate, is our annual dinner at Dr Quick's house.  Dr Quick is our Senate adviser in addition to the Vice President for Student Development and Athletics for our university.  Every year (to my knowledge) he and his family has welcomed our rowdy group of college students into their home for a holiday dinner.  It is often such a relief to have an evening off campus to just think about being with friends, and what is considered a part of your Rockhurst family.  Driving to a more residential part of Kansas City also gave me my first glance of Christmas lights displays rivaling those back home.  This reminder that the holidays are near also put classes into perspective, which is exactly what we all need going into finals week.

Senators enjoyed taking pictures around the fire and the Christmas tree in the beautiful home of Dr Quick

Another tradition I'm looking forward to is Senate Midnight Breakfast.  Every year, we sponsor breakfast from 10pm-midnight in the caf, right before finals week.  Rockhurst students fill up on food to energize them for the coming week (or night of last minute studying)  Senate only asks for $1 or a canned food item to fill up on all the breakfast food you can eat, and we donate the money and canned foods to St Francis Xavier church- across the street from Rockhurst.  Its a great way for students to hang out and enjoy a meal as the semester comes to a close!  

Some pictures added after the event.

The whole Senate group ready for breakfast!

Collecting the cans and donation money for SFX

What happened?

You can tell the level of this week just based on the fact that this post was evidently saved as a draft last Saturday instead of submitted for you to view!  So now here it is.
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I have been overwhelmed by all the support and attention my team's recent success at the Grundfos Challenge has received from faculty, staff and students alike at Rockhurst.  So anyone reading, I'd like to thank you for that!  An experience that began as a project for class credit has become a new life experience that I will be able to learn innumerable skills and contacts to be useful in the future.

Staying in KC for Thanksgiving resulted in a lot of hours on my feet- 34 hours in 4 days- working at a restaurant on the Plaza.  The 'break' that I expected by having all the time I could want just focusing on my own well-being seemed to disappear with my hours at the restaurant, and the projects I planned to finish only obtained a half-hearted first draft of a few papers.  Oh well, the best break prepares you for the coming weeks, and I was definitely ready to get back to class!

The closing of the semester comes with it plenty of stress, but also plenty of opportunities for fun activities.  Social Mentors had their annual ice skating event on Friday night at Crown Center.  It's always fun to watch the freshmen as they have developed new friendships and become truly at home at Rockhurst as the year goes on.  The gorgeous Christmas display in that area of Crown Center always produces a few gasps and plenty of photo ops for every social media enthusiast.

It's always necessary to pose for a roomie-pic, even if its only 3 of us pictured... with a different 4th person...

I ended up going back to the same area the following night with less of a time constraint and fewer people. (My boyfriend visited me for the weekend)