NO NI NÁ

Successful weekend in Córdoba y Cádiz? No ni ná.

Making friends with some Spaniards and learning phrases in Spanish that would never be taught in the classroom? No ni ná.

Conquering a six mile hike in sloshy/muddy terrain? No ni ná.

Slacking on my blog posts? No ni ná.

If you hadn’t figured it out by now, No ni ná is the superlative of “yes of course” or “this is the truth,” one of the few colloquial phrases I learned on a two hour bus ride with some Spanish intercambios.

Again, I apologize for the length of this blog, it’s been a while since I’ve last posted, but I’ve had a fun-filled, PACKED weekend to share with you all.  So, this past Friday, I had a field trip for my European Corporate Organizations class which prevented me from traveling outside of Spain (I usually leave Thursday nights for excursions).  Nonetheless, I embraced the weekend in Spain, surprising learning much more than I had expected.

This field trip was to Cáfe AB’s manufacturing warehouse.  A little background: Cáfe AB is Spain’s premiere coffee producer, virtually monopolizing Sevilla’s Cáfe market.  Served in almost 100% of the local bars, cafes and restaurants, Cáfe AB prides itself in its coffee blends, mixing together Arab and Turkish flavors (among others) into one packet, creating a unique taste.  We had the chance to see this production, learn about the company’s coffee bean regional sources, play the role of coffee bean farmers (weeding out the bad beans from the good ones) and of course, sip on some quality coffee. NOM NOM NOM.

On Saturday, CIEE took our program on a day trip to Córdoba. Once again, I was able to relive my religious history during our tour through the Mezquita (Mosque).  Originally a sacred haven for 30,000 Muslims (centuries ago), the Mosque has now been “renovated” into a church. When our tour guide was asked if Muslims still came to pray he responded, “No porque hay personas enterradas en la iglesia. Los Musulmanes no rezan en un cemetario” (No, because there are people buried in the church. Muslims never pray in a cemetery).  Walking through the corridors – observing names etched into pillars (in Arabic), examining beautiful Roman inspired archways, attempting to make out the calligraphy on the walls – I wished I was alive during Muslim rule to experience prayers in the Mezquita.



We also visited a church, a Jewish neighborhood and an old synagogue. I especially loved the little Jewish town and was suddenly reminded of the days of Bar/Bat-Mitzvah, Yom Kippur and Hanukah I encountered in junior high and high school. Great memories J

Sunday, I stepped out of my element and went on a six mile hike through the jungles of Cádiz, bordering Málaga.  For those of you who know me, I’m not one to lace on my hiking shoes, strap on a fairly sized backpack with a raincoat, lunch and LOTS of water.  But, somehow, my inner Jane came alive and I trekked through a week’s worth of muddy terrain, in the rain, to the top of a mountain, into the small pueblo (town) of “El Bosque.” I definitely felt a great sense of accomplishment once I reached the top, and vowed to take advantage of another Senderismo (hiking) opportunity.

Unfortunately, I’ll have to stop here for now. Studying for midterms has been physically and mentally taxing.  I think we’re all looking forward to Thursday post-exams, when we can fully celebrate the Irish culture…St. Patty’s Day!

Until then.