Weekend Number SIX!

I have been in Granada for over six weeks, that is just two weeks away from the mid-point of my program! Through our program, we receive intercambios for our time in Spain.  An intercambio is another student that is trying to learn English.  Therefore, the idea is that you speak in both Spanish and English to help both improve.  My intercambios name is Roberto and he lives in a pueblo (small town) about 20 minutes outside of Granada named Monachil.  Therefore, we meet about once a week and practice speaking in both Spanish and English.  This Saturday, I went with him to some mountains near his pueblo where we went on a short hike.  It was quite refreshing to be outside of the city and in nature.  The hike we went on was probably only about three to five miles in total but we were walking along large rock walls next to a river; therefore, it was quite beautiful.  I have posted some photos below.

            This weekend I also visited the Catedral de Granada (the cathedral of Granada).  It was absolutely beautiful and I was surprised by how large it was.  It looks quite large from the outside but once inside, it was obvious that it was much larger than I was expecting.  The inside was full of huge white granite pillars that went from the floor to the ceiling and many parts were adorned with gold decoration.  It was build after the Reyes Católicos (Catholic Kings) took over the city of Granada in 1492.  I have also attached pictures of the Cathedral below.

            I am now in my second week of classes and I am enjoying them for the most part.  My friend and I have also started training for a half marathon that we will be running in Granada in a month (gah so soon); therefore each day we have been going for runs around the city which has been another great way to explore more areas.  Most of the time we end up running along the river, which leads to a few mountain trails and I am enjoying it quite a bit.  Tomorrow we don’t have class because there is a national holiday; therefore, my friends and I are going to return to the mountains and go on another hike! Hope all is well :)

Monachil

 La Catedral