From March 25 through April 4, twenty-six Southern Lehigh students, along with vice principal Mr. Jason Lilly, social studies teacher Mr. Matt Cooper, Spanish teacher Señorita Jessica Swartz, and Spanish teacher Señora Joan Imms, traveled to Spain to explore the culture and history of various cities throughout the country.

Day 1: Granada

Southern Lehigh students started their experience in Granada. They first took to the streets and had a quick walking tour of the city. After the tour, students were able to explore the market area and have their first taste of churros and chocolate.

Day 2: Granada

To start the day, students were challenged with a scavenger hunt. To get acquainted with the city, each group was given questions to ask the locals, and a map with specific monuments that they had to locate and take a picture of. Students even witnessed a protest concerning employees wanting more pay. After the scavenger hunts, students traveled to the “Alhambra,” a palace located in Granada. Afterwards, students were given free time to explore local foods and restaurants. Right before dinner, students visited a Moroccan Tea House. After the tea house, the group viewed a gypsy flamenco show, the combination of flamenco music and dancing to essentially tell a story through song and dance.

“I felt like the whole group was willing to try new things and they were really open to cultural experiences,” Sra. Imms said. “Everyone was pretty open to what we were seeing and doing, and that isn’t always the case.”

Day 3: Granada to Seville

On day three, students took a bus from Granada to continue their travels to Seville. A quick pit stop at an olive oil farm allowed the travelers to taste test authentic olive oil. One strange taste was olive oil and ice cream. It sounds disgusting, but the combination of an orange flavored olive oil and a bit of chocolate ice cream, was an amazing taste. Upon arrival in Seville, a quick walking tour occurred. Then free time was given for lunch and exploration of the various sights of the city. Afterward, students toured the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. To end the night, another flamenco show was available that told a love story.

Day 4: Seville

A tour of Seville started off day four.  First on the list was an exploration of the Plaza de España, a landmark to represent the Renaissance Revival style in Spanish architecture. Students then visited Plaza de Toros, a bullfighting ring. After exploring the ring for awhile, a an unforgettable salsa lesson was a fun experience for the students. The group continued on to the Metropol Parasol, a mushroom-like structure that provided various tourists with a fantastic view of the city. On the way home, the travelers ran into a religious procession, la Semana Santa, or holy week.

Day 5: Seville to Córdoba to Madrid

On day five, a bus took the group to Córdoba for a walking tour of the Mezquita. This cathedral was a Jewish Quarter and Synagogue. The group then left Córdoba to continue their way onto Madrid.

“There was a lot of cultural experience,” junior Monica Gunkle said. “I feel like I learned a lot.”

Day 6: Madrid

On day six, the adventure started at the Royal Palace. With beautiful architecture and phenomenal artwork, the palace was a remarkable structure. Next, the students were able to visit El Retiro, a park that, while situated in the middle of the city, is tranquil compared to the hustle and bustle of Madrid. There they were able to spend time with their friends either taking a nap under a tree, or eating ice cream. The day finished with a visit to the Museo Del Prado, an art museum displaying works from the 12th to the 19th centuries.

Day 7: Madrid

For the students’ last day in the city, they were given the option to either visit the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, also known as the Real Madrid Soccer Stadium, or La Reina Sofia (a contemporary art museum). Afterwards, they met up with Spanish students who were at a camp to learn more English. Prior to dinner, students were able to spend a little more time exploring the city and encountered yet another procession for la Semana Santa.

Day 8: Madrid to Barcelona

On day eight, students traveled from Madrid to Barcelona by train. Once in Barcelona, the students were able to walk around Montjuic Hill and observe a wonderful view of the ocean. In Park Güell (yes, the place where the “Cheetah Girls” was filmed), the students were able to view architect Antoni Gaudí’s work.

Day 9: Barcelona

The next day, the group visited the Sagrada Familia, a large Roman Catholic church. The construction of this church will not be finished until 2026. This was the first time a Southern Lehigh group had the ability to go inside the church, which was breathtaking.

“I really liked the cathedrals, they’re so interesting!” sophomore Megan James said. “The details were beautiful.”

Afterward, the travelers enjoyed a bike ride through the city and were able to spend some time at the beach. During their free time, there were numerous museums and shops to visit. Some students even enjoyed their free time at the beach!

Day 10:

The last day was bittersweet for most students. Though the adventure home was a long one, many people were excited to get back to their everyday life at Southern Lehigh.