Spain Day 6 – Halfway through my trip
*Please note I wrote this while traveling a few weeks ago on February 20th, 2013
I’m just passing the mid point in my trip and I’m at the halfway mark in the Gredos Vaughan Town program. I’m loving every minute of this experience! Today was my favourite day from a tourist point of view. I woke up, had breakfast, then had a one-on-one with a really nice Spanish lady named Nuria. We chatted for a bit and then played a card game called “the art of conversation”, the point of the game is to inspire conversation though various questions. It was pretty interesting.
I had free time after my one-on-one with Nuria, two other Anglos Kathleen and Georgie did at the same time, so the three of us walked into town, Barco De Avila. The entire Vaughan Town groups would be coming to see the town at noon, so we figured we’d get a head start. Bev and Mayra were on their one-on-one and walked to town as well.
When we got to town we took photos of some beautiful large storks that nest on top of the town church. We looked around and made our way to the town square, where we looked at shops and I bought various locally made chocolates and a jar of local blueberry jam. The area is well known for their local beans and the vast variety they grow.
When the rest of the Vaughan Town group arrived in town we all walked over to see the castle. I took photos of storks sitting on the castle and some of the beautiful view. I had been here already with Sergio a few days ago, but it was a lot of fun to see the Castle and town again. Then the group checked out some shops in town and made our way back to the town square to have some beers. It’s a beautiful day, sunny and warm in the sun although the breeze is cool. I was warm enough in the sun to take off my jacket. (I noticed later that night that a few people got sunburns.) After some beers, olives and chips we all made our way back to the resort for our 2pm lunch.
I was pretty full from our snack in town so I only ate half of my lunch, which worked out timing wise because I had to leave before all the courses were served. I left lunch just before 3pm to go horseback riding with a very fun Anglo named Lesley. The horseback riding is run through the resort by a young lady named Carmen, originally from Scotland, but living here in Spain. She is fluent in Spanish and was very fun. She got Lesley and I ready and then we set off for a leisurely horse ride. I was riding a 14 year old cowboy horse named Rainbow. He used to round up cattle and as a result his mane and tail are cut short which made it easier for the cowboys to put on his equipment.
We rode the horses outside of the resort, towards town and onto a small country road. We passed an ostrich farm and took the road for about 34 minutes before we turned around to make our way back. The scenery was absolutely beautiful and looked like something out of a movie, with the lovely snow-capped mountains in the background. It was such a beautiful and moving experience that I had a few tears come to my eyes as I reflected on my surroundings & my experience in Spain so far. I truly feel blessed to be here. I took a bunch of photos while riding the horse, which was a bit tricky but I knew after the ride I would have to come back to this small road with my good camera.
When we arrived back at the resort we had 20 minutes to freshen up and then it was time for our 5pm group activity. For the activity we had to create a product and an advertisement for a product with a jingle and slogan. I was very surprised when right after our program leader Carlota finished giving out the rules for the activity I was surrounded by 4 people who wanted to be on my team. Probably because I work in advertising but I was told it was also because of my creativity. I had some pretty fantastic people in my group, they were Hugo, Miguel, Susan and Kathleen. We made a fun ad for a slimming body lotion.
Afterward the group activity I had an hour of free time. It was starting to get dark and clouds were rolling in bringing more rain, so I rushed back out to the trail and took what photos I could before the mountains got completely clouded over. It’s supposed to rain for the next two days that I’m here, but hopefully not.
When I returned to the resort I had a telephone meeting scheduled with Jose. The idea behind the telephone activity is that it will allow the Spaniard to practice their English listening skills without having body language to help them figure out what you are saying. On the call we act out a scenario. In this particular one Jose is Spaniard on a business trip to Dallas Texas and has lost his luggage. I played the airport attendant that he calls looking for his luggage. So we talked through the scenario for around 20 minutes and then we met in person to review and discuss the call.
Afterwards we had the last of our entertainment nights and saw the final rehearsed plays, which were a lot of fun. This was then followed by dinner and more drinks at the bar. Its 1am here and I am exhausted, time for bed.
Overall I had a fantastic day with the horseback riding, the sightseeing and picture taking. The Gredos mountains are magnificent and the surrounding area is incredible. What a breathtaking place I’m staying in. Goodnight Spain!
