La Gran Catedral de Toledo

As its highest point seeks to pierce the heavens, the grand Cathedral is a significant cultural and scenic landmark of Toledo. Its construction took nearly 300 years to complete, which I consider quite an impressive amount of time. Yet, these 300 years were not vainly spent dawdling about, as nearly every inch of the Cathedral is ornately decorated with statues and architectural designs that all point up to Christ.

In addition to the ornate gothic architecture, the interior of the Cathedral is bestowed with elaborate colorful statues, artistry, paintings, and the like. The Cathedral holds many great works of Christian art that proclaim the glory of the Lord for which it was built.

Today, I attended the Sunday Mass held in this great Cathedral. While the exterior of the edifice is impressive, I was blown away by the vastness of the intricately crafted interior. The pillars within the center of the Cathedral strove upwards, highlighted with thin gold ridges that intersected and crossed on the hemispherical ceiling. Beyond the the hemisphere, the Cathedral's roof suddenly dives upward towards its highest point. Beneath this point rests the altar. Just behind the altar and the cardinal seats (is this the correct terminology?) stands a wall carved into a beautifully colored architecture detailing key biblical scenes and saints. At the bottom center stands Mary, larger than her surrounding figures, the symbolism of this placement apparent when the viewer looks up to the peak of the sculpture, where Jesus hangs on the cross. It is as if the sculpture details Jesus's birth through his life up to his ascension to heaven, or in the literal sense, up to the higher reaches of the Cathedral's peak.

I could have sat contemplating the depth of this wonder for hours, had I been allowed the time. But, if all goes well, I will be able to return another day and explore more of the proclamatory art within the Cathedral. Perhaps I shall visit another of Toledo's many ornate churches and cathedrals next week.

¡Mis Adventuras en España Comienzan!

Bienvenidos a mi blog!

I slept little the night before my departure from the States, figuring that friends, family, and last-minute packing were more important than sleeping before a long flight. I felt wide awake with anticipation as I left the house at 5am, knowing that my adventures were soon to begin. After a short layover in Washington, DC (so close to school!), I bade the U.S. farewell and dreamt of the adventures soon to come.

Upon arrival in Madrid I found a student who is also attending the Fundación de Jose Ortega y Gasset summer program. We sat and chatted until we saw a group of students following a guide with a sign for the Fundación. Despite our uncertainty over whether or not this was the group we were waiting for, I decided to join them as they walked to the bus to deposit their luggage. I chose correctly, and immediately began acquainting myself with the other students in the program.

After discussing what details we knew of the program, I quickly realized that I was not the only person who did not know the full details of the program: where would each of us stay? what classes wouldd we take? ect. We all had an idea of what we would do, based on what we requested, but nothing had been established yet. Most students were anxious to learn these details, but I had no worries: it seemed that arrangements had been made for us, but we simply had not yet been informed.

My assumption was correct. We had not been informed of the full details of our stay since the details had not yet been confirmed, since certain arrangements such as internships and homestays were subject to change. I now live with a host family, as I had requested, with a mother, father, and one older and one younger brother. They are very nice. Some students are living in the dormitories in the Fund (our abbreviation for the Fundación de Jose Ortega y Gasset); however, it is more difficult for the students in the dorms to fully immerse themselves in the Spanish language and culture to the same extent as those living in homestays. I also registered for two classes: 20th Century Spanish Literature, and a recitation course for my internship at the FEDETO (Federación Económico de Empresario Toledano - Economic Federation of Toledean Business, or something like that). I have heard that my literature class is intensive and difficult, but that's essentially what I want and need. I will explore these topics in later blog postings.

I am among 120 other foreign students, mostly from the U.S of A., studying at the Fund this summer. Since the University of Minnesota and Ohio State have programs directly connected to the Fund, the majority of students are from these universities. I originally thought that I was the only student from GW, but I later learned that there is another person from GW, but I have not met him yet.

A lot of students are discussing possible travel plans within Spain and to Europe in general. I have no concrete plans, but I hope to visit Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, possibly other cities, and at least one other nation. I can't decide which country I want to visit most. (This is stuff I also need to discuss with my mother...it is alright if I go, right?)

So, I think that is an adequate introduction to my blog and my adventures.
Hasta la próximo posting,
Alejandra