CÓRDOBA

Córdoba: A splendid Andalusian city that lived its glorious era during the Muslim dominance; in particular with the reign of the Caliph.

Similar to Toledo, Córdoba exemplifies the coexistence of three cultures: Jewish, Muslim, and Christian.

La Mezquita-Catedral, El patio de los naranjos, El Alcázar, Los baños califales, El patio de las flores....extraordinary sights!!!!!

A SCHOOL DAY

Recess at Instituto Carlos Bousoño....an informal meeting....

TOLEDO: LA MANCHA

Toledo: A beautiful municipality located in central Spain, capital of Visigothic Spain; coexistence of Christian, Jewish, and Moorish cultures, "El Greco"; Miguel Cervantes de Saavedra (Don Quijote de la Mancha); Tagus River; Alcazar fortress.

Our tourguide, Luis Alba, has published a historic book on Toledo that has been translated into several languages.

A GATHERING

Our host families prepared a friendly "fiesta"/gathering with lots of typical Spanish finger foods: croquetas, tortilla española, ensaladilla rusa, empanadilla de atún, aceitunas, carne en salsa, flan, tarta de manzana......¡Que rico!

A very special "Cumpleaños Feliz" to one of us!!!!!

TOWN HALL & MAYOR

The name of our hosting town "Majadahonda" comes from the term "majada" which dates back to the Middle Ages. "Majada" is a stretch of land (a fold) where shepherds traveling from the south to the north of Spain stopped to give their sheep a rest.

The town mayor, Narciso Foxá, along with the school principal, interpreted the town emblem, explained the role of the king of Spain Juan Carlos I, and lastly updated LSM students on some of the recent changes the town has undergone.

All students were given a gift bag during their visit to the town hall.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Instituto Carlos Bousoño: Lewis Mills student English teachers, recess in the cafeteria, friendship & sharing of languages, cultures, and customs.....

MADRID

El Museo del Prado, La Plaza de Cibeles, Estacion del tren Atocha, La Plaza Mayor....

A Warm Welcome!

Our trip was successful and we were warmly welcomed by our Spainsh host families and school. Everyone is resting up before we embark on a full agenda of upcoming activities & excursions!

TO DO LIST

SPAIN EXCHANGE FEB. 17-MARCH 2, 2008
TO DO LIST(Parents and students)


1. MAKE A COPY OF YOUR PASSPORT

2. CONTACT YOUR BANK OR AAA ABOUT GETTING EUROS, VISA TRAVEL CARDS, USE OF CREDIT/DEBIT CARD IN SPAIN
For information about the American Express Traveler's Cheque card, visit http://www10.americanexpress.com/sif/cda/page/0,1641,18622,00.asp.

3. MAKE SURE THAT YOUR CARRY-ON MEETS FEDERAL REGULATIONS

4. CHECK THE WEATHER AT: Type in Madrid at: http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/SPXX0050?from=search_current

5. REASEARCH THE CITIES WE’LL BE VISITING (Student project: further details will be given to students)

HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the 2007-2008 Home-Stay Spain Exchange Trip:

Attend Instituto Carlos Bosono" and shadow host siblings...
A day-trip to the centre of Madrid and El Prado Art Museum...
A trip to the “ayuntamiento” (town hall) and presentation to the "alcalde" (mayor)...
A day-trip to Toledo...
A day-trip to Cordoba...
A day-trip to Salamanca...
Flamenco show in Madrid...