10 de Julio- Madison N

Hello all!

Today began the second week of our great adventure. We started up the day with an early rise and a walk to school at 8:30. Many of the girls went to get pastries such as crepes, waffles, or croissants before our long school day! In class today, my group reviewed the verb tenses of Imperfect and Preterite. In the class of conversacíon, we discussed and read invitations to different events and had to communicate back to them either accepting or declining. In Spanish Culture, we went into details about the different 17 Spanish provinces and their characteristics. Directly after school, we went to a jewelry store and toured an underground exhibit where we learned about the importance of jewelry and beads in Spain. For example, there were certain rings with stones on them that signified engagement; however, a woman could not wed until all of the stones had fallen off. We also learned interesting stories regarding the rings and jewelry of Madames, divorced women, rich people, and the poor people.

After the tour, everyone went home and took a siesta preparing for the crazy event that was happening later. At around 4:45, everyone gathered and got ready to kayak on the Rio Tormes. We all got much wetter and dirtier than we expected throughout our not so calm track down the water. Although the end resulted in many capsizes, branches in the face, and a couple lost shoes, everyone had such a fun time in the sun. Next, we ate a quick snack and returned home to eat a quick dinner and prepare for the Flamenco show. The long Flamenco show was very pretty and artsitic. I enjoyed the different dresses and dances that appeared in each routine. Overall, it was a very busy and fun day  in Salamanca!

-Madison