I made it back to USA! An experience of a lifetime! I can't wait to share my stories in person with everyone.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
My Beloved Madrid and VUCO family...
Madird, Spain...this city is everything and so much more I ever thought it could ever be...
It is as if the excitment of NYC was wrapped up in the charm and the history of Andalusion Spain. It is so incredibly beautiful! As I walked the historic 16th century streets I could barely concentrate with each step I took throughout this glorious city. I can´t quite explain why it is that I feel so connected to this beautiful area of Spain...but, I do. I feel at home, I feel as though this is where I was meant to be. Madrid...Cordoba...Malaga...Tarifa...all these beautiful places in the south of Spain hit straight at my heart.
To my new VCU family (Allison, Debbie, Kris, Patty, Rob, Sarah Jane...and, Sasha we missed you tonight...and, of course our sweet Humberto, McKenna, Osama) -- our relationships and memories together were the unexpected beautiful surprise of this experience.
aaaaaahhhhhh....Madrid...aaaaaaahhhh....Spain...I will forever hold you near and dear to my heart.
It is as if the excitment of NYC was wrapped up in the charm and the history of Andalusion Spain. It is so incredibly beautiful! As I walked the historic 16th century streets I could barely concentrate with each step I took throughout this glorious city. I can´t quite explain why it is that I feel so connected to this beautiful area of Spain...but, I do. I feel at home, I feel as though this is where I was meant to be. Madrid...Cordoba...Malaga...Tarifa...all these beautiful places in the south of Spain hit straight at my heart.
To my new VCU family (Allison, Debbie, Kris, Patty, Rob, Sarah Jane...and, Sasha we missed you tonight...and, of course our sweet Humberto, McKenna, Osama) -- our relationships and memories together were the unexpected beautiful surprise of this experience.
aaaaaahhhhhh....Madrid...aaaaaaahhhh....Spain...I will forever hold you near and dear to my heart.
We made it Madrid!
The plane ride was great and now we are off to see the city if my dreams...aaahhhhh....Madrid.
To my family...my phone is not working for some reason, so I am not able to call. But, I'm here and all is great. I'm all set to leave tomorrow morning at 7:10am and will arrive in Las Vegas by 4:30pm.
Adios!
To my family...my phone is not working for some reason, so I am not able to call. But, I'm here and all is great. I'm all set to leave tomorrow morning at 7:10am and will arrive in Las Vegas by 4:30pm.
Adios!
Last day in Africa ...last day with Cristina, Fernando and Monolo :(
Yesterday was quite a memory...our last day in Africa we braved the markets and negotiated like soldiers. When you first enter the market it's overwhelming with vibrant colors, exilerating smells and rapid movement of cars...bicycles, motorcycles, vans, buses, and people everywhere. There are words and coversations of French, Spanish, Arabic... and English spoken among the muffled sounds of donkeys and horses, monkeys, drums, snakes being mesmerized by charmers and sellers bolting out at you with descriptions of hand carved boxes.
Wow...what an exhilarating experience! I've never experienced something like this that has your senses in overload.
Our family from University of Cordoba invited us for a farewell dinner at Azar...an absolutely gorgeous restaurant! Another amazing dining experiencing continued with tabbouleh, hummus, falafel, pita, and tangein (spelling? This is slow cooking process of beef and chicken and lamb), grilled kabobs and lamb chops. There was so much laughter, many pictures, expressions of gratitude, and tears for our farewell. But, I know this is not the last time I will see my new found family...Monolo, Cristina, and Fernando. I can not express the amount of laughter and the many stories that have been shared with such passion, expression, humor, and sentiment as I have heard from Monolo and Fernando. These are certainly memories I will carry with me for a lifetime.
I look forward to the day that I can return and experience such joy again.
We of course finished our evening in true Andalusian style....ending our night at 3:50am...yes, that's right. How I'm functioning with such energy...I have no idea...but, I am :)
And, now, we are all preparing for our departure to Spain. I feel as though I am going to burst with excitements in anticipation of experiencing Madrid!
Til then....
Wow...what an exhilarating experience! I've never experienced something like this that has your senses in overload.
Our family from University of Cordoba invited us for a farewell dinner at Azar...an absolutely gorgeous restaurant! Another amazing dining experiencing continued with tabbouleh, hummus, falafel, pita, and tangein (spelling? This is slow cooking process of beef and chicken and lamb), grilled kabobs and lamb chops. There was so much laughter, many pictures, expressions of gratitude, and tears for our farewell. But, I know this is not the last time I will see my new found family...Monolo, Cristina, and Fernando. I can not express the amount of laughter and the many stories that have been shared with such passion, expression, humor, and sentiment as I have heard from Monolo and Fernando. These are certainly memories I will carry with me for a lifetime.
I look forward to the day that I can return and experience such joy again.
We of course finished our evening in true Andalusian style....ending our night at 3:50am...yes, that's right. How I'm functioning with such energy...I have no idea...but, I am :)
And, now, we are all preparing for our departure to Spain. I feel as though I am going to burst with excitements in anticipation of experiencing Madrid!
Til then....
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
I'm feeling a little "princessy"...
Really it's as if every place we stay everything we eat everywhere we look we are being taken care of with the highest level of attention. Our leaders...McKenna, Humberto and Osama are UNBELIEVABLE!!! One of the other folks in our group just said..."hmmm...I'm feeling a little hungry"... And literally 20 seconds later there was mint tea and cookies. As I'm writing this blog I'm sitting a gorgeous riad looking at a marble fountain in a room with crystal chandeliers...ornate tiles...beautiful tapestries...and yep...I'm sipping on mint tea and eating cookies :)
As I said before "what is happening?"...:)
Oh my goodness...our train ride last night was so much fun! We slept 4 to a small cabin "bunk bed" style...it was quite an adventure. We stayed up late listening to stories and jokes being shared in Spanish and we did our best to translate. Even with the language barrier...we all managed to laugh hysterically together. It was an early night for us...midnight. We've started to come accustomed to nights ending around 2am (Spanish time...not so much Moroccan time).
We arrived in Marakech around 9am the next morning.
The traffic is crazy...the buildings have gorgeous terracota color...and there are markets everywhere
Tonight we will meet with new colleagues from the university of Marrakech for dinner.
Til next time...
As I said before "what is happening?"...:)
Oh my goodness...our train ride last night was so much fun! We slept 4 to a small cabin "bunk bed" style...it was quite an adventure. We stayed up late listening to stories and jokes being shared in Spanish and we did our best to translate. Even with the language barrier...we all managed to laugh hysterically together. It was an early night for us...midnight. We've started to come accustomed to nights ending around 2am (Spanish time...not so much Moroccan time).
We arrived in Marakech around 9am the next morning.
The traffic is crazy...the buildings have gorgeous terracota color...and there are markets everywhere
Tonight we will meet with new colleagues from the university of Marrakech for dinner.
Til next time...
Wow....is this my life?
My mantra on this trip has been "what is happening ...is this my life right now?" because every moment of this trip has been one unbelievable experience after another.
So, after we arrived in Tatouam, Morocco...we traveled to a gorgeous riad (architectural structure that has a beautiful open courtyard in the middle of the structure with living areas surrounding the main courtyard. It has an open area all the up the middle of the structure with elaborated adorned bedrooms . We had a lovely dinner with our colleagues from the university in Tatouam with a magnificent Moroccan spread of food. My experience and encountered with food in both Spain and morocco have changed the way I think about what I eat...how much I eat...and how I eat. The typical breakfast has been toast with tomatoes or olives and honey, jams or olive oil with cafe con leche. It's been fabulous!
And lunch and dinner are quite a remarkable experience...the communal feeling and environment for meals is exhilarating. And then coffee and tea breaks are not grabbing a quick cup from the local Starbucks but instead it's either freshly ground espresso or a delicious mint tea and we sit and enjoy it along with a break and conversation with one another.
We learned from our meeting that the higher education system in Morocco is free to all students who graduate high school and there is only one exam at the end of the year to pass the class. There is no system of advising and all students begin college with a specific field and start taking the courses in that chosen field immediately. Quite different from our US schools. And undergraduate studies are only 3 years bc there is a focus on general education "core curriculum" during high school. The level of masters is two year and a doctorate is 3 years of study.
After our meeting and tour, we prepared ourselves for the overnight train ride...but, first we were joined by our universidad de cordoba colleagues "mi familia" :)
There presence completely brightened everything. Their free spirit is contagious.
Tales from Our overnight train experience to Marrakech to come....
So, after we arrived in Tatouam, Morocco...we traveled to a gorgeous riad (architectural structure that has a beautiful open courtyard in the middle of the structure with living areas surrounding the main courtyard. It has an open area all the up the middle of the structure with elaborated adorned bedrooms . We had a lovely dinner with our colleagues from the university in Tatouam with a magnificent Moroccan spread of food. My experience and encountered with food in both Spain and morocco have changed the way I think about what I eat...how much I eat...and how I eat. The typical breakfast has been toast with tomatoes or olives and honey, jams or olive oil with cafe con leche. It's been fabulous!
And lunch and dinner are quite a remarkable experience...the communal feeling and environment for meals is exhilarating. And then coffee and tea breaks are not grabbing a quick cup from the local Starbucks but instead it's either freshly ground espresso or a delicious mint tea and we sit and enjoy it along with a break and conversation with one another.
We learned from our meeting that the higher education system in Morocco is free to all students who graduate high school and there is only one exam at the end of the year to pass the class. There is no system of advising and all students begin college with a specific field and start taking the courses in that chosen field immediately. Quite different from our US schools. And undergraduate studies are only 3 years bc there is a focus on general education "core curriculum" during high school. The level of masters is two year and a doctorate is 3 years of study.
After our meeting and tour, we prepared ourselves for the overnight train ride...but, first we were joined by our universidad de cordoba colleagues "mi familia" :)
There presence completely brightened everything. Their free spirit is contagious.
Tales from Our overnight train experience to Marrakech to come....
Sunday, May 19, 2013
A little sea sick on my voyage....
Well, I made it to Morocco...even though I got a little motion sickness from the ferry ride from Tarifa to Tangier. It was well worth it all. When we first arrived in Tangier we walked through the beautiful streets of the old city. And off in the cityscape we saw a mosque...a synagogue...and a cathedral. These standing structures remind us that there was a time with all three religions living in harmony. The architecture is reminiscent of the structures that are standing in Spain. And it's very clear of the Islamic influences in Spain.
The colors are so very vibrant and the streets are so busy and filled with activity, with community, with an odd sense in a random nature. It's very common to see a mule on the side...vendors set up with exotic fruits and vegetables ...or shoe shiner or children playing.
We enjoyed a lovely lunch and tea overlooking where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. We then took a drive along the Mediterranean with phenomenal views on our way to Tatuam.
Our plan tonight is to have dinner with the Vice President and some of his colleagues from the University of Tatuam.
More to come soon....
The colors are so very vibrant and the streets are so busy and filled with activity, with community, with an odd sense in a random nature. It's very common to see a mule on the side...vendors set up with exotic fruits and vegetables ...or shoe shiner or children playing.
We enjoyed a lovely lunch and tea overlooking where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. We then took a drive along the Mediterranean with phenomenal views on our way to Tatuam.
Our plan tonight is to have dinner with the Vice President and some of his colleagues from the University of Tatuam.
More to come soon....
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Saturday morning and off to Africa -- Morocco here we come!
We leave this morning for Tangier on the ferry! When we arrive we stay in Tangier for two days and take an overnight train to Marakech! Spain has been wonderful and now I can't wait to experience Morocco.
It may be a while before I post again due to lack of Internet service.
Tarifa has been quaint, adorable, beautiful, spirited and lovely. And our last day in Cordoba earlier in the week was a wonderful send off by the Rector. We also had the honor and pleasure of meeting a group of young men from Africa whose bravery and determination carried them through their travels as immigrants to Spain. They shared their stories of strength with us and we were all in awe of their strong character and will. We ended our visit with tea and a lovely dessert. A saint of a social service organization name Kala in Cordoba supports these young men and encourages them to build skills to prosper for life. And above all...Kala puts heavy emphasis on the constant theme of building affection for all of these fantastic young men.
When I return I would like to collect items to support Kala in their efforts...please feel free to let me know if you would like to contribute and learn more of this fabulous organization and brave individuals.
Til next post....
It may be a while before I post again due to lack of Internet service.
Tarifa has been quaint, adorable, beautiful, spirited and lovely. And our last day in Cordoba earlier in the week was a wonderful send off by the Rector. We also had the honor and pleasure of meeting a group of young men from Africa whose bravery and determination carried them through their travels as immigrants to Spain. They shared their stories of strength with us and we were all in awe of their strong character and will. We ended our visit with tea and a lovely dessert. A saint of a social service organization name Kala in Cordoba supports these young men and encourages them to build skills to prosper for life. And above all...Kala puts heavy emphasis on the constant theme of building affection for all of these fantastic young men.
When I return I would like to collect items to support Kala in their efforts...please feel free to let me know if you would like to contribute and learn more of this fabulous organization and brave individuals.
Til next post....
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Tales from Cordoba...(Thursday morning)
Well...I just cant say enough about the culture...the people...and the food. I am absolutely in awe and impressed with the amount of respect and hospitality that has been expressed.
I just wanted to say that unfortunately Ive not been able to post pics on the blog, so please visit my Facebook page for pics.
Each morning as a group we have gathered for breakfast to discuss our articles that are related to various immigration policies and impacts. Its been interesting to have a dialogue around these issues, concerns and implications. Ive observed a focus of various themes surrounding immigration and migration...these themes are of the human experience with Loss, Transition, Maintenance of Self Identity, Acceptance, Dignity, and others to be discovered.
The Food ...one word....Delicious. Meals here have a wonderful sense of community. And my goodness lunch lasts no less than 2 or 3 hours and dinner can lasts for 5 hours or more. Yesterday we had a lunch with 8 courses and every single course was unbelievably excellent. Ive eaten tapas with partridge, ox tail, octopus, lamb, many many olives...lots of bread...chorizo...and olive oil that is clearly the best I have ever had in my life!
The Exchange with Colleagues from University of Cordoba ...this exchange have given me an opportunity to explore areas of consideration from an international point of view that I had never considered before. This experience has further increased my belief that the experience of living or visiting other countries and begin exposed to other cultures...with true integration is crucial. The faculty here have been very open to build a dialogue with opportunity for research and partnerships. The Rector(university president) is wonderful! He is incredibly down to earth and has been so gracious with sharing his professional experience and ideas of successful leadership. Ive also been able to get a fantastic amount of advice and guidance from the Vice Rector...a powerful woman who has an incredibly big heart. I am so honored to have had the opportunity to develop a relationship with both of them.
The Cultural Experience is remarkable! Im in LOVE with Spain!
I just wanted to say that unfortunately Ive not been able to post pics on the blog, so please visit my Facebook page for pics.
Each morning as a group we have gathered for breakfast to discuss our articles that are related to various immigration policies and impacts. Its been interesting to have a dialogue around these issues, concerns and implications. Ive observed a focus of various themes surrounding immigration and migration...these themes are of the human experience with Loss, Transition, Maintenance of Self Identity, Acceptance, Dignity, and others to be discovered.
The Food ...one word....Delicious. Meals here have a wonderful sense of community. And my goodness lunch lasts no less than 2 or 3 hours and dinner can lasts for 5 hours or more. Yesterday we had a lunch with 8 courses and every single course was unbelievably excellent. Ive eaten tapas with partridge, ox tail, octopus, lamb, many many olives...lots of bread...chorizo...and olive oil that is clearly the best I have ever had in my life!
The Exchange with Colleagues from University of Cordoba ...this exchange have given me an opportunity to explore areas of consideration from an international point of view that I had never considered before. This experience has further increased my belief that the experience of living or visiting other countries and begin exposed to other cultures...with true integration is crucial. The faculty here have been very open to build a dialogue with opportunity for research and partnerships. The Rector(university president) is wonderful! He is incredibly down to earth and has been so gracious with sharing his professional experience and ideas of successful leadership. Ive also been able to get a fantastic amount of advice and guidance from the Vice Rector...a powerful woman who has an incredibly big heart. I am so honored to have had the opportunity to develop a relationship with both of them.
The Cultural Experience is remarkable! Im in LOVE with Spain!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Day 2 - a new partnership developed
The faculty of the Universidad de Cordoba son las muy bueno con mucho hospitalitas! Everyone here is so incredibly welcoming and open to sharing ideas for how our two Universities can work together. Today we heard from one of the Vice Rectors regarding a Masters degree in Peace. The program focuses on conflict resolution and the fundamentals of a peaceful approach ands structure to communication. My thoughts led me to considering ways we can integrate this idea of respect and appreciation for each other's cultures in our first year student's experience. Intentionally integrating the concept of global competency, global awareness, and conflict resolution could be a unique experience for our first-year students. I'm excited to return to VCU and explore these possibilities. This experience in just a short 2 days has already expanded and enriched my approach to respecting the idea of inclusion. And, I look forward to building a strong partnership with my colleagues and new found "familia" a las Universidad de Cordoba.
I've challenged myself to attempt to speak Spanish as much as possible. And, I've found that my Spanish colleagues want to do the same with their English. We've decided to give each other permission to say all the wrong words, use incorrect tenses, and speak very slowly...it's been fantastic...lol. I've established "pen pals" so that I can practico escribo en espanol... I'm sure I have even written incorrectly right now...lol. But, I'll improve with practice :)
Today, we visited La Mazquita de Cordoba (Cordoba Mosque...also known as the Cathedral of Cordoba). This is a structure with origins beginning in the 8th century! It's absolutely breathtaking. La Mazquita has an architectural approach that incorporates the Christian, Islamic, and Jewish religions. There are many aspects of the structure that include the Star of David, Islamic arches, and the Christian cross...representing a sense of acceptance of all religions. The Cathedral was built in multiple layers by various Caliphs and even a General over various years from mid/late 700s -17th century. It's unbelievable...and I found myself extremely emotional as I walked under the arches for the first time.
We had another 3 hour lunch...OMG...that later led to a 6 hour dinner. Yes, folks...it's 3am Spain time and we are just getting in from dinner. Is this my life right now? Again...am I dreaming?
The food is fantastic! I ate a salad today with partridge ...
Everything I imagined that Andulcia Spanish culture to be...it is and more.
Ok... I'm off to bed now because we start our day at 9am with more fantastic opportunities to meet with faculty, and of course ...more eating and more wine...and more eating and more wine.
Hasta luego!
I've challenged myself to attempt to speak Spanish as much as possible. And, I've found that my Spanish colleagues want to do the same with their English. We've decided to give each other permission to say all the wrong words, use incorrect tenses, and speak very slowly...it's been fantastic...lol. I've established "pen pals" so that I can practico escribo en espanol... I'm sure I have even written incorrectly right now...lol. But, I'll improve with practice :)
Today, we visited La Mazquita de Cordoba (Cordoba Mosque...also known as the Cathedral of Cordoba). This is a structure with origins beginning in the 8th century! It's absolutely breathtaking. La Mazquita has an architectural approach that incorporates the Christian, Islamic, and Jewish religions. There are many aspects of the structure that include the Star of David, Islamic arches, and the Christian cross...representing a sense of acceptance of all religions. The Cathedral was built in multiple layers by various Caliphs and even a General over various years from mid/late 700s -17th century. It's unbelievable...and I found myself extremely emotional as I walked under the arches for the first time.
We had another 3 hour lunch...OMG...that later led to a 6 hour dinner. Yes, folks...it's 3am Spain time and we are just getting in from dinner. Is this my life right now? Again...am I dreaming?
The food is fantastic! I ate a salad today with partridge ...
Everything I imagined that Andulcia Spanish culture to be...it is and more.
Ok... I'm off to bed now because we start our day at 9am with more fantastic opportunities to meet with faculty, and of course ...more eating and more wine...and more eating and more wine.
Hasta luego!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
I'm here!
We had a great flight into Madrid! We immediately hopped on a
train to Cordoba for a reception hosted by the University of Cordoba Rector.
Oh boy...no one entertains like the Spanish. I just got back to
my room from a lovely and delightful 5 hour lunch (3-8pm) with delicious paella, wonderful
wine and fantastic conversation with my new friends in Cordoba. I'll post pics and videos soon...
and our day is not over yet...it's almost 9pm So we r heading out for tapas and wine.
Tomorrow we will meet University faculty and administrators and engage in seminars and discussions related to global awareness, migration, and collaborations between VCU and University of Cordoba.
Til then...
and our day is not over yet...it's almost 9pm So we r heading out for tapas and wine.
Tomorrow we will meet University faculty and administrators and engage in seminars and discussions related to global awareness, migration, and collaborations between VCU and University of Cordoba.
Til then...
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Day 1 - Departing the US and a visit from my sister
My emotions really hit me for the first time this morning as I drove away from my home towards the airport and thought of my Oobies (Nick and Hailey). I had been so busy preparing to leave I hadn't had time to think about how much I was going to be miss both of them and Baron while I was away. I could barely sleep last night from excitement...and this morning after double checking my carry-on luggage for two weeks (yep... i said it... only carry on)...I made a batch of rice crispy treats for Nick and Hailey :)
Thanks Mom and Dad for coming to see me last night and give me a big hug (and for bringing lots of treats for the kids)!
Total side note, but check out my mom featured on an Etsy Blog about stylish moms:
Https://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2013/stylish-moms/
We had a five hour layover in NYC, so Dayna came to the airport to hang out with me --- BEST sister ever!!
Well, in just about 2 hours I'll be in the air flying to the one place I have had dreams of going since I was about 5 years old--- beautiful Madrid. It will around 3am our VA time when I get there, but about 9am Spain time.
Til then!
Thanks Mom and Dad for coming to see me last night and give me a big hug (and for bringing lots of treats for the kids)!
Total side note, but check out my mom featured on an Etsy Blog about stylish moms:
Https://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2013/stylish-moms/
We had a five hour layover in NYC, so Dayna came to the airport to hang out with me --- BEST sister ever!!
Well, in just about 2 hours I'll be in the air flying to the one place I have had dreams of going since I was about 5 years old--- beautiful Madrid. It will around 3am our VA time when I get there, but about 9am Spain time.
Til then!
Friday, May 10, 2013
Mezquita de Cordoba
Thursday, May 9, 2013
GEO Faculty Development Seminar Participants - My Travel Mates
https://blackboard.vcu.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-4150232-dt-content-rid-7611471_3/orgs/GEO_FDS/FacDevSem-Participant%20List%20-%20FINALv3.pdf
The GEO International Strategic Iniative Award states that in effort to build capacity to support the internationalization goals of VCU as expressed in the Quest for Distinction, our faculty group is charged to:
*Recruit and retain highly qualified students from other countries
*Provide high impact learning experiences for students in a global environment
*Contribute to research, scholarship, creative expression and clinical practice in a global context
Through collaboartion, cultural immersion and rich dialogue, we will work within a broad interdisciplinary theme of peace and conflict resolution with a focus on health and human services in the context of demographic transitions.
The GEO International Strategic Iniative Award states that in effort to build capacity to support the internationalization goals of VCU as expressed in the Quest for Distinction, our faculty group is charged to:
*Recruit and retain highly qualified students from other countries
*Provide high impact learning experiences for students in a global environment
*Contribute to research, scholarship, creative expression and clinical practice in a global context
Through collaboartion, cultural immersion and rich dialogue, we will work within a broad interdisciplinary theme of peace and conflict resolution with a focus on health and human services in the context of demographic transitions.
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