EHS Spain Trip 2023

2:30 Arrival @ Logan Airport: Easy Security, stashed up on snacks. 

At 5:00 we boarded the first plane. My seat was 24A window, Bea’s was on the aisle seat across from me. The seats were alright for the 6 hours we were seated. Dinner in the plane was a choice of pasta or chicken, I chose cheese ravioli, and it came with a delicious dessert of Chocolate Mousse. 10/10 in my opinion! I slept for 2-3 hours, and woke up for a Portuguese airplane breakfast sandwich. 

Landing into Lisbon was super pretty, all the lights created an orange hue that lit up the entire city. After getting off of the plane, we had to take a bus to the next terminal to catch the main airport. We were already running late due to the snow in Boston. Then the bus driver didn’t leave for another 10 minutes. Customs was insane and they were confused about why we were such a large group. In addition to that, security was chaotic. There were so many people that made the process much longer than it should’ve been. It didn’t help that the most of us didn’t know Portuguese. 

Although hectic, we made it through, eventually, but at different times—not altogether. This led to us not all making it to the plane in time for boarding. But we were able to get new tickets for the following flight to Madrid at 9AM. While waiting for the flight we got food with airport food vouchers of 6 Euros. Bea and I got McDonald’s to satisfy our stomachs, it was as good as McDonald’s can get! The Airport was incredibly overwhelming as everyone spoke Portuguese only, and there were so many people. 

Our flight left at 9:55. I took an hour long nap, which was the majority of the flight, and then we were there in Madrid! Luckily, when we arrived, our bags were all there—despite the crazy delays and whatnot. We took a 30 minute bus ride to our hotel and got our rooms and unpacked our bags. 

First thing on our agenda of the day was to go to the Plaza Mayor to eat, shop, and explore. Most of the students ate at Gustos which had amazing outdoor seating, and lots of traditional Spanish food. After eating, we explored some more; and before leaving, we watched some B-Boys perform. It was exciting and awesome to see. 

Following the Plaza we went to the Cathedral and the Palace which were very gorgeous. The interior of the Cathedral was even more pretty though, considering its size and beautiful architecture and decor. 

Lastly, we walked uphill to get a gorgeous view of the city at the sunset. The walk home was on Mi Gran Via. We ate dinner nearby the hotel with our budget money and went straight to bed in the hotel at 8:30-9PM.

¡Hasta Mañana!

-Marley Beltre & Beatriz Mella 

We woke up very early to meet at 7, then took the metro to the train station. We got breakfast there, and then got onto the high-speed train. The train went all the way to Segovia, and then we took a bus into the downtown area. In Segovia, first we walked around and saw the Roman aqueduct. There were a lot of stairs, but the view was very pretty. Afterwards, we went to a small market in the Plaza. People bought clothes, spices, and fruit. Then we went to the Alcázar castle. We got to wander around the rooms, throw coins in the well, and climb up the tower. Again, there were many stairs, but the view was great; and the castle itself was pretty as well. From there we went and toured the Cathedral of Segovia. It was very pretty, and similar to the one in Toledo, if a bit smaller. We were going to go to Jewish cultural center to look at the Jewish influence in the city, but it closed at 1 and it was 12:58 by the time we got there. We were also planning on eating together in a sandwich shop, but it has closed at some point and so wasn’t there. Instead, we went out to eat in smaller groups. 

Our group went to Vips, a Spanish fast food chain. Then we walked around downtown Segovia and shopped, going to many different shops. We went to a shop full of cork purses and wallets, some clothing stores, and jewelry shops. After a few hours, we met back at the aqueduct and waited for the bus. Again, we took the bus to the train station, took the train to the metro, and then took the metro back to the Plaza del Sol. This time, though, the metro was so full we barely all fit inside. We had to ride for at least 8 stations, and it seemed like more and more people were squishing on. Once it was finally time to get off we all made it, but barely, giving both Señoras mini panic attacks. From Puerta del Sol, we were given some free time for the next two hours until the Flamenco dance at 8:25. 

Our group decided to run into a few clothing stores, and then a friend showed us Jollibee, a Filipino fast-food restaurant, for a nice snack. We had Chickenjoy (fried chicken) and peach mango pie. It was delicious! After this outing, we returned to the hotel to get dressed up and ready for the show. At 8:25 we met in the lobby and walked to the flamenco show, which was only a block away. Before the show we got drinks and then sat down. It was set up with many small tables of two centered around the flamenco stage. As the show began they served us many tapas (appetizers). We had olives, gazpacho (a cold tomato soup), and a personal charcuterie board with different types of ham, cheese, bread and a mini Spanish tortilla. The show itself was incredible. 

There were three dancers, two women and one man, the women especially had vibrant and colorful dresses. The dancers were accompanied by a group of musicians, two guitarists, two singers and a drummer. The music was lively for the most part and had a strong beat. The dancers’ footwork was immaculate and incredibly fast. The tapping of their feet combined with the music and atmosphere created a mesmerizing show. After it was over around 10:00, we returned to the hotel and all went to our rooms. Most of us were able to shower and finish up our packing to be ready for the morning. Our last day was fantastic! 

~ Elly Federspiel & Lucia Bonafede

If given the opportunity to travel during your years at EHS, please do! The experience was one to remember, as we were able to bond so much more with our peers and teachers. In addition to that, we were able to become one with the culture, which furthered our learning as growing students. It's a one-in-a-lifetime experience, and you won't regret it! :D