Valladolid is relatively close to Madrid. Madrid is a big bustling city like London but a lot hotter, whereas Valladolid is much smaller and only Speak Spanish. During my time in Spain I did a lot of traveling. Madrid was the first place i visited. Then I made my way around 'Castilla y Leon' visiting Leon, Salamanca, Sergovia, Burgos, Palencia and finally Tordesillas. The churches and old buildings I saw were beautiful. I did not travel only in that region as I went to Barcelona, Gerona, Lloret de Mar on the East coast. On the South coast I went to Granada and Seville.
For My 21st Birthday I went to Alicante, Benidorm and Calpe. As you can see I love travelling and seeing new places, but the place I enjoyed the most was Barcelona.
I went to Valladolid as part of my 'study abroad' year. I had a great time and for anyone who is thinking of going abroad, I higly recomend it. I made so many friends from all parts of the world, which is handy as I can stay with them if I decide to go visit. I liked the food, but I think this applies to everyone... no country's food can beat your own. I must say I did miss my McDonalds and KFC now and again. Tapas is a great snack and the amount of Sangria I drank is unbelievable. I love their culture and they sure know how to have a good time (particularly in the south), and best of all the atmosphere and their way of life is very relaxed, especially with the siestas during the day. Another reason for this is due to the fiestas they have, providing short breaks almost every month.
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| 'Global Village' an event I took part in |
Social life aside, I went to Universidad de Valladolid and studied in the department of 'filosofia y letras.' I took about 4 or 5 classes per semester and the times varied from 9 in the morning to 10 at night. I studied literature and history, mainly Spanish history. I really enjoyed it even though it was hard to get to grips with at first. The language was really difficult to understand but by the time of the second semester I got the hang of things. I feel that my knowledge on Spanish history has improved.
We all know that the Capital of Spain is Madrid, however up until 1561 Valladolid was the Capital of Spain and also the birth place of King Phillip II.
Most of us know that Christopher Columbus was an explorer looking for a shorter path to India, instead he stumbled upon America, 'The New World.' What you might not have known is that Christopher Columbus was Italian and conducted three voyages under Spanish authority. He died in Valladolid. I went to the museum dedicated to him.
In Spain there is a famous Spanish writer called Cervantes who published a book called 'Don Quixote.' Unfortunately I did not get time to see his house which has been turned into a museum too.
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| The department I studied in at 'University de Valladolid' |
Nevertheless, during my spare time I would give private English conversational classes. I taught three fairly old students who improved their English significantly. There is one I still keep in touch with and I hope to go back and see her again soon.
(A few clips of Valladolid )
