Our Last Week: Oviedo > Segovia > Madrid > USA

Hola Hola!

Although it may seem like a lifetime ago, it was only last week that we found ourselves saying goodbye to the host families who had shared their homes with our students for 6 weeks and on our way to our final IUHPFL Oviedo 2018 excursions in Segovia and Madrid. Let’s go in order:

Wednesday morning started with our final goodbye’s between the students and their host families. Although sad, this is one of my favorite parts of the program, not because we’re leaving, but because it’s when the students realize how much they have gained, only because they have to say goodbye to it. They have gained life-long memories and relationships with their host families, immediate and extended, with their host brothers and sisters, and from these relationships they have grown. Here are some photos of this special moment:



























Day 1
The drive out of Oviedo was filled with lots of sobs and sniffles but after the first hour everyone seemed to become themselves again. In Segovia we saw the Roman Aqueduct with its 167 arches as well as the Alcázar, which was previously a castle and fortress to many ancient kings and queens of Spain including Los Reyes Católicos: Isabel and Fernando, Carlos V of Spain, and others. The art found within the fortress ranges from gothic to modern art, a true fusion!






























































Casual Qasim














































































That same evening, we arrived in Madrid and had some much needed chill time in the residence. It was here where the students revealed who their Amigo Secreto had been for the entire summer! I started recording videos after the first few had gone so I apologize if you don’t see your student sharing.









































































I couldn't find Mateo's video for some reason...I'm sorry!!!!!














*END DAY 1*

Day 2

The following day we got up bright and early to catch the Metro into the city. In Madrid, we divided into two groups to visit the Museo Reina Sofía and the Museo del Prado. The former is the museum of modern art and the latter holds the more classical of Spains masterpieces. After the museums we took a stroll and ate our lunches at El Parque de Retiro and rested. From there we walked to the Palacio Real and went on a tour of the royal palace. Then, FINALLY, we headed to our final destination, La Plaza Mayor. There we had our final dinner, lots and lots of laughs provided by Qasim, Blake, Richie, and Daniel. The metro home was a bit more hectic but we made it all safe and sound. 


























































































































































































































































*FIN*


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