Day 7: Multi-Cultural Morocco

We went to Africa today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Boarded the bus suuuuper early & headed to the port city of Algeciras to catch a 1 hr ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to Africa!  Our ferry docked in Ceuta, a Spanish city, and then we drove across the border into Morocco to visit the town of Tetuan. 

First stop…camel riding!!! Needless to say, that was a HUGE highlight for most of the kids today. For 1 Euro, they got to ride the camel down the sidewalk in back, but was still a big hit!  Next stop, a trade school where students learn to make different handicrafts.  Next up, the Medina.  The narrow, winding streets amongst the whitewashed buildings were a bit mesmerizing…and some what stinky.  Rare things amongst the vendors of the Medina.  Next stop was the spice market/apothecary where we were able to sample some great lotions & oils…and some of us enjoyed a nice neck massage in the process.  Can’t post what people bought as they are gifts!  J  Off to lunch we went to have some kebabs & couscous, while being entertained by a fire dancer.  Still winding our way through the Medina (and having lost alllll sense of directions) we stopped in a rug store to see their merchandise…and do some haggling.  Some were successful in their bargaining…others, not so much, but what a great experience!  Last stop were some stalls with all sorts of odds & ends of trinkets and goodies.  Then back to the ferry port & ‘home’ we went.

All in all, the kids REALLY enjoyed the day!!  I think they appreciated home a little more…and were able to learn about a whole new culture that is a stark contrast from their own.

After sprinting to dinner, we had to head back to the Australian place for a Coke/Fanta/Smoothie/Water… but more importantly, some free Wi-Fi.  More World Cup action…we caught the tail end of Costa Rica beating Uruguay. Next up was England & Italy…you can hear the crowds in the streets from the rooms as there are MANY, MANY, MANY Brits down here in Costa del Sol.  No need to watch the game, you’ll hear the celebrating in the streets.

Tomorrow, we get to sleep in until 7:30…sometimes it’s the simple things in life…and head north to Sevilla.  Hard to believe it’s been a week since we left…and that we sadly have one week to go…Guess we’d better enjoy our remaining Spanish Fiesta!!

Until next time…

~steph J

My Roamin' Spartans...in AFRICA!!!

This was set up for a wedding...

Angela & Nicole enjoying neck massages at the Apothecary.

Jack's new hat that he got from the guy in the back - great haggling skills, Jack!!

Game fun on the Ferry back to Europe

Day 6: Amazing Alhambra and Fantastic Fuengirola

An early start to our day today as we had an appointment at La Alhambra at 8. La Alhambra is the last Moorish fortress before being expelled from Spain. Although it was an early start, going that early helped us beat the heat...and the huge crowds.  It was delightful!!!  We went into a few new places I had never seen...and the Lions in the patio were there!!!  And you could get within 5 feet of them!!  Love it when I get to see/experience new stuff!!  Although, the best part of my job is watching the kids make the connections with what they've learned in class...and their eyes lighting up upon that connection!!

Back on the bus we went for a quick 2 hr drive down to Costa del Sol. Our hotel is RIGHT on the beach in a town called Fuengirola. We dumped our stuff, grabbed our beach-wear and off we went for lunch. Kids picked an Italian place for pizza & pasta and then out to the Mediterranean.  A good couple hours in the sun, lounging, playing futbol & volleyball, selfies, jamming to music, and people watching made for a good couple hours!!

After dinner, we went back out again to the Australian Bar to watch the World Cup match between Spain & Holland. Spain scored first (1-0) and excitement was in the air.  That was quickly crushed by the next 5 goals Holland scored. Fun to experience it with the Spaniards, but many of the kids just enjoyed the free Wi-Fi.

Tomorrow we're leaving the continent & heading across the Strait to Morocco for the day!  Let the camel fun begin!!
~steph :)

Patio of the Lions at the Alhambra

Hanging with two of my adoptive children

Beautiful views of the Alhambra

Rob's newest souvenir

Angela chilaxin' on the beach

My Roamin' Spartans in Fuengirola

Jump jump!

Spectacular Seniors

Foot shot

Watching Spain play in the World Cup in the Australian Bar...which had free Wi-Fi

Day 5: Boring Bus...but Gorgeous Granada!

The wheels on the bus go ‘round and ‘round…’round and ‘round…’round and ‘round…the wheels on the bus go ‘round and ‘round all day long!!

We had a looooong bus travel day as we headed southwest out of Valencia towards Granada. We did a couple bonus stops in on the day.  We did our first potty stop in the gorgeous seaside town of Alicante.  We hopped off the bus and went straight down & put our toes in the Mediterranean…sigh…delightful!  Our lunch stop a few hours later was in Murcia, a town that neither I nor Mallorie had ever been to. A delightful old town square with beautiful buildings.  Our last stop was just a gas station for a quick potty break and off to Granada we went. 

A glorious town nestled in the Sierra Nevada, with its whitewashed buildings and the Alhambra towering above.  We took a quick city tour and saw the crypts of the Kings & Queens (Ferdinand, Isabel, Juana la loca, Felipe el hermoso).

A quick dinner later and we were back in mini-buses off to watch a flamenco show done by gypsies in the caves. We took a quick tour through the Albacyn area of town with the white-washed walls, and glorious views of the Alhambra at night. Fun event was being attacked by little hoodlums wielding water balloons. J  Kids…

The gypsy show was great (kids enjoyed their muted sangria) and two of our girls, Carolyn & Aishwarya, were picked to dance in the show…which was super cool as Carolyn in an amazing dancer…La Bailarina is living up to her tshirt nickname!!

All in all, a looooong day on the bus makes everyone a little stir crazy, but we weathered it the best we could and enjoyed a fabulous evening of flamenco!

Tomorrow we’re up early to see the Alhambra and then head down to Costa del Sol for some beach time!

Until the next post!

~steph J

First time in the Mediterranean in Alicante

Nicole enjoying some chocolate yumminess in Murcia

With Isabel & Christopher Columbus statue in Granada

Jack enjoying everyone else's desserts while they went to change.

Can you spot our 2 photo bombers at the Alhambra overlook?!?

Carolyn & Aishwarya after showing off their Flamenco moves!

Day 4: Vivacious Valencia

Up bright & early to say good-bye to Barcelona as today we headed south to Valencia.  It was about a 4 hour bus ride through the beautiful landscape of Cataluña, catching glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea. Upon arrival in Valencia, we hit up the market area for lunch, and then took a walk through the Plaza & hit up the Cathedral with the Holy Grail.  Valencia has such a great feel to the city with its old world feel, mixed with its futuristic feel with the Oceanarium.  We quickly, and I do mean quickly, dumped our bags and high tailed it off to the Oceanarium so we could make the dolphin show.  We then had about an hour to wander and see the sea lions, sharks, penguins, sting rays, beluga whales, and turtles.  We took a leisurely stroll back to the hotel along the main road to check out these crazy buildings.  It was a bit warm today in the sun, so sunscreen & water were a must!  We found a nice grocery store near our hotel so loaded up on water & Gatorade.  Had some down time in our hotel, and as you can see from the photos, EXCELLENT Wi-Fi!!!  After dinner, we headed back out to see the place all lit up with lights…and to try to find a place for some soccer. The kids have a soccer ball they’re itching to play with!

All in all, the kids have really enjoyed Valencia, even from the moment they got off the bus!  J  There’s so much more of Spain to see, that I’m excited to see their reactions!  Their pictures are amazing!  And they’ve taken a gazillion selfies – LOL J

Tomorrow is a quiet day as we’re on a bus for 7+ hrs, still heading south and west, towards Granada. Guess I’ll have to get creative with the group shots tomorrow!

Until the next post!

~steph J

Enjoying some yummy juices in the market

Getting our slushy fix for the dolphin show

Had a blast at the Oceanografic!

Jumping for joy in Valencia

My lovely ladies!

Night time fun

Playground antics

Awwww...sharing some horchata :)

Day 3: Bring it, Barcelona!

We took Barcelona by storm today!  It’s going to be hard to get the kids to leave in the morning.  But, leave we must!

We hopped on the bus this morning for our guided city tour.  Picked up our local guide, Dan, and headed up toward the Olympic venues where Barcelona hosted the 1992 Olympics. Although we missed a great overview photo opp due to an accident on the roadway, it was cool for the kids to see the Olympic stadium and Torch. Off to Parc Guell, a Dali-inspired park, originally designed to be a town for the upper crust of society.  Kids loved strolling through the gardens and grounds and seeing all the mosaic tile artwork. The views of the city are outstanding up there on top of the hill. Last stop was La Sagrada Familia – it was a very Dali-esque day!  Our local guide took us around to all the sides of the Basilica and explained each side.  2 of the 3 facades are done. They hope to have it done in 2026…but they need to bulldoze about two city blocks of buildings to make room for the unfinished Glory façade entrance.

Our original plan was to have the local guide drop us off back at Las Ramblas as we had free time until dinner. Well, after some creative scheming… I went off & got tickets to go in. We ended up getting a group rate, with a free Audio guide…all for 10 Euros ($15).  Soooooo worth it!!  Grabbed a quick lunch and in we went!  After all my years in Spain, it was my first time ever going in to La Sagrada Familia.  It was unreal.  The lights, the colors, the design…incredible!  You felt like you were in a forest…which goes with Gaudi’s three passions in life: architecture, religion, & nature. The kids felt sooo smart all day as we’ve talked about Gaudi, his life, and his masterpieces. It was fun for the classroom to come to life for them today.

They’re being more adventures in their Spanish speaking…taking more risks on talking to the locals… asking about how to say things… sure makes a teacher’s heart swell!!  J

After a few good hours there taking pictures, exploring, etc… we met up with the other groups for dinner.  Of course we had to stop for ice cream on our way!  Wandered around Barca a bit after dinner and then headed back to the hotel.  A long day out (12.5 hrs) but what an amazing day!  We got a bit of sun…a few blisters, but some great pics, fun memories…and about a bazillion selfies!

Tomorrow we pack up & head south to Valencia!  Off to explore what else Spain has to offer!!

Until the next post…and hopefully a hotel with better Wi-Fi so I can post pics!
~steph J

Enjoying Parc Guell

The boys chillin' in the park

We're going in!!!!

My silly sombreros!

LOVED the Sagrada Familia!!

Everyone in on the Magnum bar deliciousness!

Carolyn & Angela went for round 2 of Magnum Bars :)

Day 2: We have arrived!!

We have arrived!!  Flights went smoothly and we even arrived early into Barcelona!  And all our luggage made it too – that makes for happy travelers!  We met up with Fran, our Tour Director, as well as the other groups and off to the hotel we went. Surprisingly, our rooms were ready, so we dumped bags, changed clothes and headed into town.  Our hotel is a bit outside of center city, so the kids got to experience all sorts of public transportation.  We took the tram into the city, then took the metro into Plaza Catalunya, the main square at the top of Las Ramblas.  Las Ramblas is the big pedestrian area with all sorts of sites: artists, flowers, street artists, pickpocketers, etc… Mrs. Ward & the kids headed to lunch and some shopping & wandering while Fran & I headed back to the airport to pick up Angela. She had different flights than the rest of us as she’s staying behind to visit her brother in London. Successfully snagged Angela and took a cab back to the hotel, then grabbed the bus back to Plaza Catalunya.  Told you it was a day full of public transport…which the kid noted, wishing we had more public transport back home. They were all pretty exhausted when we headed back to the hotel for dinner.  Most of the kids headed up to their rooms after dinner for a shower and sleep (which they didn’t get much of on the plane), while the boys & I went for a ‘digestive walk,’ which entailed us finding delicious Magnum ice cream bars, a Burger King bathroom, and a pick-up game of basketball with the locals due to a lost wager.

All in all, a successful first day in Spain!  The kids say it’s Spain 1, Bettendorf 0…and they haven’t really seen anything yet.  Tomorrow is our city tour of Barcelona, so they’ll be gawking over all the Gaudi stuff.

I’ll let you know what the score is after tomorrow J

Buenas noches!

~steph J

My 'digest walk' buddies enjoying Magnum ice cream bars...yummmm!!!

Jack (in yellow) and Rob (in brown) playing in a pick-up game with the locals.

Spanish Fiesta!!

Today is our day!  We're off to Spain!  14 days, 3 countries, 2 continents, 14 students, and 2 fortunate adults. Our tour starts in Barcelona, heads south, across to Morocco for a day, up to Madrid, and then hopefully, an uneventful night train to Lisbon, Portugal. Our tour director is the infamous Fran, who I've worked with before, so we'll be in good hands!  Our flights are pretty good too - Moline - Atlanta - Barcelona, arriving at 8:30 am.
All our planning & preparing is finally paying off!
Trip #18 is about to begin - thanks for following along on our adventures!
Until the next post,
~steph :)

Here's our shirts this year...a shout out to World Cup, which starts while we're in Spain.  We're hoping to catch a few games on the TV with the locals.

La Jefa - The Boss (what else would my nickname be?!!? lol)