San Francisco Sights

Wow has it been a busy summer! While I haven't had as much time to devote to the blog as I would have liked to, I am happy to dive back in. A few weeks ago I had the chance to visit one of my best friends, Claire, in San Francisco. While she worked I spent my time wandering and sight seeing. A few of my favorite stops included visiting Muir Woods, shopping in the Mission District, purchasing a few books at Chronicle Books, and the many wonderful restaurants I had the chance to try. One of my favorites being breakfast at The Mill. Below are a few pictures I took during the trip, but there were many more wonderful ones as well! 

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On another note, during my trip I officially accepted a full-time position at Hallmark as a Lettering Artist! I could not be more excited that I will get to continue pursuing lettering surrounded by so many talented artists and designers. Between my internship, wedding planning, and traveling the entire summer seemed to fly by, but I am can't wait to see what this fall will bring!

Madrid

I can't believe it, but today was my last day in Spain! Madrid did not disappoint. We started our morning by walking to the Plaza Mayor. After arriving we were given free time to explore, shop and eat. There were street performers, one of which especially caught my attention (see below). Our final part of the tour was visiting the Palacio Real, a huge palace begun in 1738 on the site of the Madrid Alcazar which burned to the ground in 1734. We walked through a few of 2000 rooms, which were quite elaborate. The evening concluded with another concert at the church of San Millan y San Cayetano located in the San La Latina neighborhood of Madrid. It was a moving concert which took place after the Mass during which the choir sang as well. Our trip concluded with a late group dinner and an erie walk home because of the protest that was occurring that day throughout the city. It has been a wonderful week and I could not have asked for a more meaningful spring break trip! 

El Escorial & Segovia

After a restful night's sleep in Madrid, this morning we headed towards Segovia. Along the way we stopped at El Escorial, a massive monastery-palace commissioned by Philip II. We had a guided tour of the Royal Apartments and saw the Pantheon of the Kings where the mortal remains of all the Spanish monarchs from the time of Emperor Charles V are laid to rest. There were beautiful gardens surrounding the palace and I would have loved to explore them if time had allowed. We then got back on the bus and headed to Segovia. Immediately upon arrival we could see an impressive Roman Aqueduct which was built nearly 2,000 years ago. It was truly impressive. We then had time to wander through the city and eat a leisurely lunch. After spending some time shopping, the choir again sang in front of the aqueduct. I can't believe that tomorrow day of the trip! 

On to Madrid

Most of today was taken up by the long drive from Cordoba to Madrid. I can't believe we have already arrived in the last city we will be staying in before heading home! I was adventurous at lunch and tried the Bocadillo de Calamares, a squid sandwich our guides raved about. A lover of sea food, I thought it was delicious! After lunch we headed to the Prado museum. Having taken many art history classes as part of my design degree I loved seeing this collection of European art from the 12th to 19th centuries. We saw pieces by Spanish masters including Velazquez, Goya and El Greco. I thought it was wonderful to be able to see in person a few pieces I have learned about in school. After this visit we headed to our hotel which was located right in the center of Madrid. This modern city is bustling with life, and we walked past many shops on our way to dinner. I am excited that we will have more time to explore Madrid over the next two days! 

Seville

Today we traveled to Seville! Our day began with a walking tour of Seville's Barrio Santa Cruz. Seville is known as one of the great cathedral and university cities in Europe, a center for bullfighting and flamenco, and also happens to be Kansas City's sister city! In fact, we even drove down Kansas City street. Of course I loved this. Our tour led us to Seville Cathedral, and I immediately recognized the bell tower, La Giralda,  as the model for one of the towers on the Plaza in KC. We were able to climb the tower and had a beautiful view of the entire city. The choir also gave an impromptu performance in from of the church. After breaking for lunch, we then headed to learn Flamenco from local dancers. This was quite an interesting experience, and after our hour lesson we were able to watch an actual performance which was full of passion. It was another wonderful day in Spain! 

Granada

Visiting Granada and exploring the Alhambra may have been my favorite day of this trip so far. While seeing the Mezquita yesterday gave me a taste of wonderful Moorish architecture, the Alhambra was truly spectacular. We were given a guided tour of not only the Alhambar, but also Generalife, the country estate of the Nasrid Kings. The gardens were beautiful. I could have spen hours just admiring the view and all of the architectural details. After this wonderful visit we headed to the Albaicin, the old Moorish quarter, and ate lunch and went shopping. The evening consisted of another choir concert, this time at the Conservatory of Music back in Cordoba.