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.

“Those Who Haven’t Seen the Alhambra, Haven’t Seen Anything”

I was able to live out this old Spanish saying this past weekend, in Granada.  Friday, after classes, a few friends and I hopped on a bus and traveled some three hours to see the Alhambra and everything Granada had to offer.

Let’s rewind a bit.

My friends and I chose Granada because we thought it would be an easy “practice run” in preparation for our future trips.  Little did we know that no matter how close or far a location, how expensive or inexpensive, planning a trip required LOTS of work. And I mean A LOT. There was a time, last week, when I began thinking being a travel agent was my full time job. Everything from booking transportation to hostels to activities needed meticulous detailing. Nonetheless, it was an informative crash course in adulthood and traveling.

Back in Granada, CR, AJ and I settled into our hostel at 10PM on Friday night.  We picked an ideal location just seconds away from the Alhambra Palace.  Afterwards, we took a long walk (downhill) in search for a late dinner. On our way up (a very large, steep hill), we noticed how fortunate we were to be lodging right on top of a mountain, overlooking all of Granada.  The lit-up town was beautiful from where we were standing.

 The next morning, our group was reunited for an early morning tour of the Alhambra.  With very few people roaming around the palace at 9:30AM, we pretty much had the palace to ourselves for five solid hours. 

The Alhambra, in all its magnificence was much more of a colossal edifice than we had imagined. Starting off in the Nasrid Palaces, we made our way through the Mexuar, Comares and Palace of the Lions – each built in three different time periods by various Muslim rulers. Next, we explored through one of the oldest parts in the Alhambra, Alcazaba, an area used for military purposes in the 14^th and 15^th centuries.  Here, we climbed up the Round Tower and the Watch Tower (each with calculated heights enhancing the strategic location of the Alhambra) and allowed ourselves to enjoy the breathtaking view.

After making our way through the luscious Generalife (plant life), we headed toward Plaza Nueva, the center of Granada.  Bubbling with life and personality, Plaza Nueva was the nucleus of diversity and artistic creativity.  Displaying handcrafted tile mirrors, carved wooden pieces and intricate jewelry, the stores and people of Granada retold the age old story of how Muslims, Christians and Jews lived in harmony under Muslim Rule. 



HI MOM! This is the closest I got to the Court of the Lions since it was closed for restoration.

Aside from visiting the Alhambra, I had the opportunity to visit the chapel where Queen Isabel and King Fernando are buried, shop in Espana’s most high end stores and enjoy the most delicious FREE tapas (a tradition throughout Granada), all weekend long.

An Emotional Muslim

“Fanáticos, matadores y las terroristas” (fanatics, killers and terrorists) were the words our tour guide used to describe Muslims.  She said that most people in Spain, and around the world, have this negative image of Muslims despite the history, culture and enlightenment they contributed to societies over years.  After seeing the saddened look on my face, she reassured me that there were many educated individuals in Spain who have studied Muslim dynasties.  “Sin ustedes, no tenemos la que tenemos ahora” (Without you [your people] we wouldn’t have what we have today).

I have never felt so proud of being Muslim than I did this morning.  We had the opportunity to visit al Alcazar, a large Spanish castle in the center of Sevilla. Our tour guide, a Sevillana and Christian by birth, took us through the castle explaining the history behind various parts.  It used to be at the center of a progressive and prosperous Sevilla – the capital of Andalusia – where kings ruled, diplomats made peace, sailors and merchants traded goods from the Americas to Europe, and above all Muslims and Christians lived in harmony.

Accrediting the Muslims, the guide pointed out the beautiful artwork within the structure.  Symmetrical shapes, vibrant colors, Arabic calligraphy, multiple trees, gardens and fountains are the sole marks, of the 10^th century Muslims, remaining after the Christian Empire took over in the 12^th century.  She said that the décor and attention to detail was what the Christians loved about Muslim artwork and decided to copy it when renovating the castle, after driving them out of power.

The tour continued and this pride was mixed in with a bit of unhappiness.  As I walked through the corridors and gardens of al Alcazar, I realized that my people’s years of hard work were partially erased with the stroke of a brush and chiseled stucco and wood.  The Islamic touch was replaced with paintings of Kings and Queens, crosses, and gothic architectural styles.

Yet, I left feeling energized but with a big burden on my shoulders.  My Muslim forefathers did so much for the communities they ruled in.  From architecture to literature, they revitalized civilizations across the world.  And what have I done? Nothing as monumental as what they’ve accomplished.  But I do have the ability to preserve their triumphs by educating those around me.  By retelling their history, I can restore what is in danger of being lost forever.