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Barcelona!

Our final week began with a “goodbye” to our host families in Valencia. Then we traveled North up the Mediterranean coast to Barcelona. Barcelona is a multicultural city that is home to the famous architecture of Antoni Gaudí and celebrated paintings of Pablo Picasso.  Experimenters had free time to apply their experiences from Madrid and Valencia to explore the city between cultural activities. 

Despedidas are a form of “goodbye” parties, to wish you well before your travels. Host families brought all kinds of Spanish food, from traditional dishes to tasty snacks, and served it potluck-style at the beach.

After 10 days of immersion in the daily lives of Valencian families, it was bittersweet for Experimenters to say goodbye.

After orienting ourselves to cosmopolitan Barcelona on the first day, Experimenters visited Gaudís most famous work, La Sagrada Familia.

Experimenters learned that Gaudí utilized concepts and evoked aspects of the natural world in his architecture.

Experimenters were free to roam and soak in the ceramic wilderness of Gaudí’s other famous work.

Park Güell was originially envisioned as a residential community before ultimately becoming a public park. 

A trip to culturally-diverse Barcelona would not be complete without a visit to the World History Museum, where Experimenters enjoyed an interactive experience learning about cultures from around the world.

Joseph got really interactive with this exhibit :) 

Barcelona was a fun and relaxing way to end the program, with a balance of independent exploration, reflection, and cultural activities. 

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Valencia

In Valencia, Experimenters had 10 days to truly immerse themselves in the local culture, integrating into their host families, exploring the city, and contributing to the revitalization of the Patraix neighborhood.

The Experimenters received a warm welcome upon arriving in Valencia. In Spain, it is customary for women to be greeted with two kisses on the cheek, and for men to be greeted with a handshake. 

With a beach and historical sites, Valencia offered plenty of castles for Experimenters to see. 

Experimenters could not visit Valencia without trying horchata, a drink the region is famous for. Unlike horchatas in the Americas, the Spanish horchata is made from tiger nuts instead of rice. 

Host families exposed Experimenters to traditional Valencian garb, as well as some more modern trends. 

After a weekend getting to know their host families, Experimenters got to work. They spent each afternoon learning about the history of the Patraix neighborhood, restoring a historical site, and creating meaningful and creative public art. 

Edvin gives some context for the mural restoration project.

Steven explains his collage work. 

Experimenters learned crochet to make tree covers and graffiti out of yarn. 

Will describes his yarn graffiti.

 In the mornings, Experimenters explored the city of Valencia and its culture.

Experimenters saw the city from a different perspective by bike. They learned about biking as urban transportation, and some even learned how to ride for the first time!

Experimenters learned about Valencian culture through its cuisine, making traditional paella, as well as Spanish tortillas, artisanal lemonade, and a dessert made with Valencian oranges. 

Will didn't need a plate to flip his tortilla.

 We have just a few more days left with our families and community work in Valencia before heading to our final stop in Barcelona. 

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Brilliant video by Experimenter Evenson!

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Experimenters piece together the many components from laser cutting and 3D printing for their final model..

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The 3D image is sent to a printer and constructed out of plastic.

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Tyler explains how to use the software for 3D imaging for a streetlight, to bring the sketch to life.

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Experimenters size up the vacant lot and envision opportunities to reclaim the space for the community.

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A Flamenco performance brought historic Spanish culture to life!

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Experimenters sampled traditional Spanish cuisine throughout their time in Madrid.

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Bienvenidos a España!

Experimenters explored Madrid by foot, bus, and subway, visiting museums, parks, and other historical and cultural spaces. Here are some first impressions of what they've seen and experienced:

"El Palacio Real de Madrid is a beautiful, magnificent palace that is home to the king of Spain. Although today not much goes on here on a daily basis (the King is more of a figurehead), it is beautiful to look at and maybe have a picnic under the trees in the parks that surround it." - José

El Palacio Real at sunset

“In my short time in Madrid, I learned how little is needed to create something that is appealing and safe for the environment. Spain is very conscious of the environment, and they do a great job taking care of it.” – Anthony

 Recycling plastic bottles for public art

After assessing public spaces through extensive walks through different neighborhoods in Madrid, Experimenters used innovation and technology to draw sketches, 3D print and laser cut a model, and assemble their vision for an ideal public space. The final proposal will be presented to the community for public input, and eventually submitted to city council.

Experimenters had to work together to synthesize many elements into one single vision to rejuvenate the vacant public space.

The final master plan to be presented to the neighborhood and, eventually, city council!

Next week, we’re off to the East Coast for our homestay and community service in the Mediterranean city of Valencia! 

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Arrival in Spain!

We arrived safely in Madrid on Saturday. Our group is settling into our first hostel, and we have begun program orientation.