On Friday, April 13, thirteen Walpole High School (WHS) students, along with WHS Spanish teachers Kate Bacon and Richard Sturges, began their trip to Madrid and Barcelona.
Once arriving in Madrid, the group was immediately immersed into Spanish culture. Students explored two plazas—La Plaza Mayor and La Puerta de Sol. For dinner, students were served a common dish known as paella, consisting of rice, seafood and various vegetables. Below, the paella is featured.
"The biggest difference in Spain from life in the US was the food," WHS senior Justin Andre said.
The following day, students explored more of what Madrid had to offer. Tour guides provided historical and cultural information about Spain's past and what a typical life looks like from day to day in Madrid.
"The biggest difference in Spain from life in the US was the food," WHS senior Justin Andre said.
"I think we experienced and saw many cool things on the trip, but really my favorite part was the encounters and social interactions we all had in the trip," Sturges said. "It was great to meet, converse and spend time traveling with others, both Spaniards and Americans."
"It was great to meet, converse and spend time traveling with others, both Spaniards and Americans," Sturges said.
During the week, students also visited the town of Toledo. Within Toledo, students participated in a guided bus and walking tour including places like Cristo de la Luz Mosque and the Toledo Cathedral.
After spending part of the week in Madrid, the group then headed to Barcelona via train.
"My favorite part of the trip was trying new foods and interacting with Spanish-speaking people," junior Mairead Morgan said.
"I will remember the difference between vibes in Madrid versus Barcelona because they are both relatively close to each other, but Barcelona had much more of a Mediterranean or beach feel, where Madrid was mostly city and architecture," freshman Juliana Cerullo said.
In the later half of the week, students explored Park Güell, an ancient town filled with gardens and artistic homes. Artist Antoni Gaudí began construction on the town in the early 1900's, and now the area is open to visitors year round.
"Overall, I think the trip was a great success. The WHS students we traveled with were wonderful ambassadors of our school," Bacon said. "They never complained; they immersed themselves in the culture by communicating in Spanish with the teachers, locals and guides and were always very attentive."