Buenos Tardes from Spain

Today was quite a treat. We went to a place called Toledo which has history dating back almost 2000 years. We got to see a bunch of things that were quite spectacular. I´ll start from the beginning. Well, when we left today we got a late start because two of our company slept in quite a while and didn´t show up until 10:15 where we had wanted to leave at 10:00. But, they came and we got a move on. Some of us (including the two american chaperones) went to sleep on the ride, but everyone was quite excited to go and see Toledo. When we got there it was already quite amazing. It is really like and old town from medival times. Its like a page out of a history book. It really is a beautiful place. I was personally in awe from the moment we got there.

We then went to do a tour on a little motor train which took us around the city showing us various parts of the city. theres some serious history there. We found out that many different people have dominated the city, all being Spanish apperantly. There Spaniards at first. then it went to the muslims and Arabs for a time and then was taken by Christians. The city´s history had its ups and downs, but has now become a calm little settlement full of history. We saw various parts o fhte city up close. I will say that something that caught my attention is the architecture of the buildings. There are many castles that are still there from those early times. I also found it funny that many of the Spanish kids were somewhat bored because to them its nothing new. Its similar to when people like us go to Washington DC or Baltimore. We´ve been so many times that its already normal. Regardless they had fun as well.

After the small train we got to go and do a walking tour which took us to one of the biggest cathedreals in the world. I think the guide said its the fifth biggest cathederal. It was amazing. We walked around inside and saw all the various features. it has three organs of varying size. the oldest comes from the 1500´s and was a gift from an emperor to the Cathederal. it also had various paintings that are originals as well as artifacts that that are priceless. We couldn´t take pictures inside unfortunately. It was great though.

After that we had time to go and eat and then walk around the town on our own. There are many places that sell various things like armour and swords from the old times. it was a quite a sight to behold. Well its late. It was a very fun day today. We all enjoyed. Hope everyone is well.

                            -Johnathan

Day of welcome

The big news today is that we had a  welcoming ceremony where we heard a couple of speeches  and a few other things. The main leader of the Youth program here in Tres Cantos talked a bit and I gave a speech as well. Also, a man who is one of the chief financial advisors for all of Spain was present. He spoke some good things about the importance of establishing a good relationship between us and our two countries. All in all the experience was good. We then got to eat at a restaurant up the road. Well, we didn´t really eat there per say because we didn´t sit down and order stuff. We were all standing or sitting and just talking to one another. We got to eat some good food. They had various snacks and things and put them all on plates. They have very good ham and salami here. I think we all really liked it. We also got some time to get to know each other a little better and have some good conversation. All the kids are getting along really well. Its amazing to see that even with a language barrier, the kids still get along and have so much in common. I think its great. Also, a few of the kids went to Madrid today. They told me that it went really well. They bought a couple of things and got to see some unforgettable sights. Well, I hope all is well on the other side of the world. By the way, the picture on top is from the welcome meeting we had.

                        -Johnathan

First real day

Today we had our first activity as a group. We started out by doing a little puzzle where we had to build a square with various odd shapes. Being brilliant, young, American students, it took us only 30 minutes or so. The lady who runs the program over here said that she gives the same puzzle to 6-year olds from various countries adn it takes them five minutes. That made me laugh. But, after that we embarked on a journey, I guess you could call it that. In said journey we quested to the far reaches of Tres Cantos. We went to the central part of the city. We saw their library and we even took a picture with a lady who didn´t really seem to know what was going on. Well she did but, it was funny to see 44 students both American and Spanish, pass through and gather around the woman to take pictures with her. She works at a goverment facility where they take care of various things with ID cards and what not. Then we went to the pool for a while where we got to cool off and enjoy some time together. All the Kids are having a good time. Its tough at the beginning to understand whats going on as we try to get the language down, but its fun at the same time. All the Spanish kids are very patient and all the Spanish parents are treating the American kids like their own. Its quite amazing to see the hospitality here. Spain is great. Everyone here is very nice and its a beautiful country. I hope this finds everyone well. Hasta luego.

                                                  -Johnathan