Bull Running

This unbelievable cultural event is one tradition that must be experienced. Therefore, if you are visiting Spain during the week of July 7^th through July 14^th this event must definitely be on your agenda. This event takes place in a beautiful city called Pamplona. In terms of spectacle Bull Running is the most awaited event of all the year’s festivities. This event is for the most daring people of all. It consists on gathering as many people as possible, especially young men, and grow as much courage as possible. After singing some memorial songs, a number of fighting bulls are let out onto the streets and begin running towards their destination (bull ring). Then the people release all their adrenaline by running in front of the bulls and risking everything just to be as close as the bulls as possible, keeping in mind that “the closer the better.” The bulls run a half a mile distance along the narrow streets of Pamplona, as well as the runners in front of them.

But if you are prefer feeling safe and secure, you can also be part of the thousands standing in the crowds, and watching all the high-risking action. This event is by far the most outrageous of all the cultural events in Spain, but it is also something that cannot be experience anywhere else.  

Granada

Granada is located in one of the Southern regions of Spain called Andalusia, and it is without a doubt one of the cities worth visiting. Granada is known for its beautiful Alhambra Palace, and most importantly for all the tourist attractions that the Sierra Nevada Mountains have to offer.

A tour around the Alhambra Palace might be one of the best deals to book when visiting Granada. The tour includes places such as the magical world of the Arabian Nights, the inside of the majestic palace and the beautiful surrounding gardens. During this tour one could learn to appreciate the unique art styles and fine examples of Moorish architecture. Carved cedar-woods, cupolas, ornate ceilings, frothy stucco work, and exquisite mosaics decorate all these incredible places. This tour will supply you with a substantial amount of interesting facts, and all the answers provided by the knowledgeable and friendly guide. And most importantly the tour is affordable for students, for it just being $47.63 all included. Clicking the following link will give you additional information on this amazing deal. 

http://www.alhambra-granada-tours.com/product/spain-tours/granada-tours/

The following is a picture of the majestic Alhambra Palace, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful places on earth and Spain’s top rated tourist attractions.

After educating yourself with some history and great architecture, visiting the Sierra Nevada Mountains would be dynamic and adventurous. The Sierra Nevada is a natural park located in Granada. It offers a great variety of tourist attractions including: clubs, night life events, sightseeing and most importantly the opportunity of skiing in one of the most beautiful and outrageous mountains in Spain. There are more than 20 mountains 3000m and higher. So there is plenty of adventurous activities that can be done while enjoying a breath taking scenery. 

Apart from skiers and snowboarders, the park and mountains are popular with hikers, climbers and birdwatchers. The picture on the left it’s just a sneak peek of this amazing place.

Tapas 24

Tapas 24, a New York Times top restaurant in Barcelona is one of the most traditional and exquisite places in Barcelona. Carles Abellan, owner and chef of Tapas 24 blends the extraordinary traditional Spanish tastes with a unique twist of modern Barcelona to delight customers with the best food in town. Its centrally location (on the corner of Diputacio and Passeig de Gracia), contemporary atmosphere with two bars and walls decorated with mosaics, and non-stop kitchen is open from eight in the morning to twelve o’clock midnight. Its paper bag menu, exquisite sangria and amazing bowl of bravas (3.50€), crisp french fries doused in a spicy tomato sauce and a thick garlic aioli, will make you experience Barcelona’s culture to the fullest.

Mountain of Montserrat

For All the

Hikers & Wine Lovers Out There...

For those who love exploring mountains and living life on the edge, Montserrat is the place to go! If you don’t mind a taste of wine while you are up there, you can also visit Montserrat’s Tower Winery where you can learn about Spanish wine and its production process. Montserrat is just as breathtaking up close as it is from afar, with naturally formed rock pillars littered along your route to the top it is sure to be a memorable adventure.

However, if you feel like you just want to relax and delight yourself with the incredible and peculiar taste of Spanish wine you can simply travel up the mountain to Torres Winery through a cable car available to all visitors. Torres Winery is nothing but charming. Here you can taste and enjoy a few glasses of  Spanish wine while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Whether you are an expert in the distinct tastes, aromas, acidities, textures and balances of wine, or whether you just want to learn something different, Torres Winery is  definitely a place you can’t afford to miss.

Don't just be ordinary, be extraordinary! Climb Montserrat's wild structure, and get a taste of Spanish wine!

Definitely an experience

                      you will never forget!

For more info on travel plans and tours to Montserrat visit this link: http://gospain.about.com/od/catalonia/qt/barcadtmontser.htm

Opium Mar

Located in the Passeig Maritim 34, Opium Mar is one of the best, exclusive, and classy bars in Barcelona. Its bar-restaurant-disco concept blends Barcelona’s cultural offspring with its modernist enhancing environment to create a perfect and unforgettable night.  Opium’s seaside terrace and innovative design combines all the friendly, smiley, and welcoming people in Barcelona. This awesome place shapes all Europe’s dance music culture nad amazing people; As Opium's guests express, “Madre mia, some hot chicas at Opium. The music is really great, not too heavy. This is the place in Barcelona if you want to meet beautiful people and spend a lot of money”. Each year Opium Mar hosts the Barcelona Music Conference (BMC), a two-day event with the world’s best DJ’s.  This festival shows the enormous economic potential and human charisma this Mediterranean city carries.

                                                                 www.clubregion.com

Opium’s excellence and delightfulness is not just located in Spanish territory, Opium’s amazing party crew has spread all around the world to impress everyone with the high quality of their service and music sessions.  France, Italy, USA, UK, Brazil, Belgium, Egypt, Russia and Germany are some of the fortunate witnesses of Opium’s parties. So what are you waiting for??  Just 20 Euros and a few friends will make Barcelona and Opium Mar one of the most desirable places to party during summer 2012.

Extra Thoughts

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

Traveling with friends is one of the most amazing experiences you will ever have. The friends are the family we choose, are the builders of new memories and the gatekeepers in our lives. Traveling with them will make you understand how much you can give, and how much are you willing to receive. This experience will teach you things about yourself that you didn’t know you have. Sometimes I feel afraid being away from home, but I will never change what I have learned, what I have explored, what I have gained. I actually enjoy every second being away. I love being in new countries, traveling with new people and sharing my life with everyone. I realize that being happy is more than a smile, is giving what you know and what you have to people that appreciate what you are.  

I was just thinking about the time I have been away from home, and I just wanted to share it with you.

Have a great day!    

Donde estoy?!

Being abroad in Barcelona has a lot of benefits. First, you are going to experience a new culture, second you are going to learn a new language, and finally you are going to have the time of your life.
Being in a foreign country is never easy, and it's even harder when you’re not familiar with the language, but don’t worry I have some tips that could be useful in your future experience in Spain. 

Since Spanish is the official language in Spain; I’m going to list a couple of words and phrases that will be helpful while you’re abroad in Barcelona.

Good Morning! -- Buenos Dias!

How are you? -- Como esta?

Goodbye -- Adios

Thank you -- Muchas Gracias

I don’t understand -- No comprendo

My name is _____ -- Mi nombre es _____

Whats your name? -- Como es su nombre?

Do you speak English? -- Habla ingles?

How much does that cost? -- Cuanto cuesta?

 I will like something to drink -- Quisera algo para beber

Where is the bus, taxi, subway? -- Por donde esta el bus, taxi, metro?

Excuse me, where is the ____? -- Disculpe, donde esta_____?

Can you take me to this address please?-- Me podria llevar a esta direccion porfavor?

Can you take us a picture, pleas? -- Nos podria tomar una foto, porfavor?

Traveling is a great way to expand you knowledge and understanding about life, and what better way than being able to live this magical learning experience in a beautiful country like Spain!

Come to Barcelona!!

Barcelona is a place where the past lives harmoniously with the future. A city full of color, flavors, beaches, architecture, hand craft experts, progress, art. Great artists such as Gaudi and his beautiful structures, Picasso with his paints and sculptures are just a few complements to this magical place. They have heart-warming human beings; people that fall in love with the flamenco music, their exquisite food and wonderful weather. There is nothing better than Barcelona!!  

Top 10 places to visit in Barcelona

Are you wondering what are you going to do while in Barcelona? Well, here are some tips for you, see all the different museums, galleries, monuments, and restaurants Barcelona have for you.


1. Visit La Sagrada Familia and Hospital de Sant Pau: La Sagrada Familia is home to Gaudi’s famous unfinished chapel. Hospital de Sant Pau is a fully working hospital built with a famous modernist Barcelona design. These two favorite tourist attractions are located just five minutes away from each other.

By: Moyan Brenn

2. Walk around the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter): Barcelona's most famous district. It displays a gothic architecture style with narrow streets and tall buildings which delight visitors.

3. Climb the Montjuic: a hill that was selected as the Olympic stadium of Barcelona where the 1992 Olympics were held. You will enjoy the art gallery and the city’s spectacular view.


 4. Wander down Las Ramblas: This is the most famous landmark in Barcelona. The mosaic ground, the pleasant people, the street performers, and the amazing architecture makes this place one of the most beautiful places in Barcelona. You will find the Plaça de Catalunya, the Columbus monument, and the Canaletes Fountain. According to legend, if you drink from this fountain you’ll return to Barcelona some day!!!

5. Explore the Picasso Muesum: one of the most visited places in Barcelona. Located in La Ribiera, the museum has one of the most extensive collections of art and shows the relationship between the artist and the city.


6. Visit La Boqueria Market: it’s displays are a work of art; they have everything from stacks of fruits and vegetables, to souvenirs for your loved ones. The Market is not only the most important in Barcelona but also the largest in Spain.


7. Visit Barri de Raval: This is formerly one of the most dangerous places in Barcelona. Fortunately, this place is no longer considered a hot-spot and is known for its chic restaurants, bars and shops. It is a popular hangout spot for young people.

By: Moyan Brenn

8. Poble Espanyol de Montjuic: This small Spanish village illustrates the style of houses and architecture from different parts of Spain. It’s a place where you can find traditional Spanish art and it is well known for its Flamenco show at tablao de Carmen.


9. Barcelona FC Museum: If you are a soccer fan, this is the place for you!! You will find trophies, pictures, and statues from wall to wall. Also, you will find their changing rooms, VIP lounge, press conference areas etc. In other words, you will see Barcelona football club home.


10. Grand Teatre de Liceu: One of the world’s most important opera houses. It is located in the Plaza Sant Jaume. It is known for its performances such as; Montserrat Caballé, Josep Carreras and Jaume Aragall.

Welcome to Spain!

What is Gators in Spain?  (www.gatorsinspain.com )The most amazing, rewarding, fascinating, stunning experience you will ever have in your life. But… are you afraid of going to a foreign country full of new people, new languages and new cultures??? Don’t worry! The College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida has an amazing team that will give you the most perfect experience aboard. During summer 2012, Barcelona, Spain is the place to go. Their culture, atmosphere, food, people etc. will delight you!

For the next couple of months, I will be posting a lot of different information about the program and most important of all about Barcelona. I will make you fall in love with this city!

If you’re trying to find some information or an answer to a question, please feel free to leave me a comment. I’ll see what I can do about getting it answered for you.