Our students are the heart of our program and we wanted our audience to hear from a different punto de vista (point of view). Amelia wanted to shed a bit more light from her perspective, as well as a brief reflection of our last 10 days together.

Hola friends, family, teachers, acquaintances, etc.! Greetings from Madrid!

 

My name is Amelia Rempe, one of the students here in Spain. When I first arrived in Madrid, I found myself wondering how there could possibly be enough culturally enriching activities to span two weeks. Yet, over the course of a week and a half we have had countless opportunities to throw ourselves into Spanish culture. We move at a fast pace, and now, finally adjusted to the time change, my new friends and I start every morning eager for more.

 

As a part of the Art History and Culture seminar, I have had the opportunity to visit renowned museums including: Museo del Prado, Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, and the Museo Thyssen. That being said, learning “out in the field” has expanded my knowledge even more so.

 

The first day of July was greeted with a day trip to Segovia, Spain. The group headed straight for the Alcazar castle, previously utilized as a fortress, a state prison, a royal artillery college, a residence to Queen Isabel, and now a museum. After touring and photographing the main rooms, we hiked up a tiny, spiraling staircase to the highest tower. The view of Segovia was quite literally breathtaking, not only due to the strenuous hike, but also the picturesque, red tile roofs and rolling hills. The view mixed with the breeze was too perfect to depart from, so our art group decided an impromptu sketch was in order. (Thank you, Krista).

 

This particular moment in Segovia impacted me in a way that I thought must be shared. I felt a deeper understanding for the past and the history that has led to the generation and age that we live in. I was able to appreciate an architecturally beautiful structure, the years and years of history that came with it, while also reflecting on the amazing world we live in today and the opportunities that we have been blessed with.

 

I know from various conversations that my classmates have also had similar revelations and feelings over the course of this trip, and I’m so glad that we are able to experience the rich culture of this country together.

 

The time has flown by and I’m sad to think that the trip ends in 4 days! Despite the close end-date of our time in Madrid, I’m positive that as a whole we will take away amazing memories and a new understanding for the Spanish language, culture, and art history.

 

Sincerely,

Amelia Rempe

Thank you, Amelia, for your voice & perspective for our family & friends.