Semana Santa and little bit more

These past couple weeks have been very hectic for me. I have been traveling, and studying quite a bit. I have decided that I am going to work a little harder during the first half of the semester so that I am not stressed out at the end, what a concept. I guess, first I will start with my classes for this semester.

I am only taking four classes, just like last time, but I believe the course load will be easier this semester. Two of the classes will not have a final exams and the others, the exams will be in the first week of June. The classes are, translated into English, Comparative World Politics, Nationalist movements in Spain and the rest of Europe, Ethnology in Mexico and Central America, and Latin American Short Story class. All the classes are very interesting and I enjoy going to class and learning.

Last semester I was overwhelmed with two full-length novel literature classes. This semester I decided to do things differently. I have come to discover that I like Latin American Literature better than I like Spanish Literature. For those of you who can't believe that Spanish Literature and Latin American literature are different, I am sorry, I can't explain it either. The Ethnology class really intrigued me the first day I went. Since I was in Mexico this summer, I have wanted to learn as much as I can about the country. In a broad sense, we discuss the relationships between the colonizers and the indigenous people from many aspects; economy, tradition, religion, etc. Great Class.

The Comparative World Politics class is just that, and very interesting. At Santa Barbara I haven't had a chance to take classes like these and I have always wanted to. Same goes with the Nationalist movement class. I am learning things about Spain's history that puts our (The U.S.) problems into perspective.

That is pretty much it for the classes. I have readings and essays to write throughout the semester and I can assure you that I attend class everyday, haha. As for my travels, I have been doing a lot. Since the semester started in February, I have taken day trips to Segovia and Alcalá de Henares, spent some time with Seara's cousin MaryCate and Seara's dad, before spring break and during our spring break road trip through the eastern part of Andalucía, respectively. Let me walk you through the trips in a quick and orderly fashion

Segovia is really cool, fun, and had a lot to offer. Segovia is known for its old Roman aqueduct that towers above the rooftops and was constructed without morter. Only gravity holds together this standing testament to Spanish history. Alcalá on the other hand, was a sleepy little town whose only claim to fame is the birth place of the author of Don Quixote, Miguel Cervantes. Above all these trips, the road trip with Seara's dad was one of the best trips I have been on. We managed to cover a large part of Spain and see a lot of amazing things. We spent a day in Sevilla, a day in Cadiz, two days in Gibraltar, one day in Ronda, and afternoons in Jerez and Tarifa. In addition, we saw some really cool small villages tucked away in the mountains, the remains of an ancient Roman city, tiny little beach towns and the legendary Pueblos Blancos. All in all, it was an amazing trip.

I could talk forever about these places, especially the road trip, but I think you guys would get a little tired after page 10. Here are the pictures of my trip and if you want some more stories or a detailed report, I would be glad to share them with you guys. I will write another post regarding the road trip so check back soon.

As for the next couple weeks, I plan to visit a friend I know from Mexico in Barcelona and then My parents and Frieda come to visit. The vacations just keep getting better and better. We went through a little cold spell, but it is sunny and bright again. Hopefully it stays that way.

I look forward to seeing you (Mom, Dad, Frieda), I am sure all of you will see the pictures when they return.

Patton