Getting into the Rhythm of Spain

It was time to depart from Malaga, Spain, and head to our next destination, Granada! I packed my suitcases and joined the group for a one-and-a-half-hour bus ride. After a busy day in Malaga, I planned to take full advantage of the bus ride to rest before our grand adventure in Granada.

Soon, we arrived at one of the most magnificent hotels I have ever visited, the Barcelo Granda Congress. I was amazed by the elegance and intricate details of the hotel. Given my socioeconomic background, I never imagined I would have the opportunity to enter such a luxurious establishment.

After settling in, we moved on to the next item on our itinerary: a visit to the Cafeteria Bar Mayerling, where we would enjoy some delicious tapas. Tapas are unique side dishes that vary from one restaurant to another. Although they are considered appetizers, they can be quite filling. Once we had replenished our energy, we took a bus to the Albaicín, the oldest Islamic neighborhood in Granada, Spain.

Exploring the Albaicin

Adventure awaits with Horizons! One of the most exciting aspects of the trip that I was looking forward to was the Flamenco Show. This dance style shares similarities with a dance club I am part of at Purdue University. To deepen my understanding of my culture, I decided to join Baile Folklorico at Purdue. As a relatively new club, we showcase a variety of folk dances from across Mexico. This past year marked my first attempt at dancing, and I was eager to observe professionals with a similar yet distinct style. Flamenco is characterized by its intricate footwork technique. As a new dancer, I found it both challenging and rewarding to try to replicate such intricate footwork.

Group Photo after Flamenco Show

WOW! The performers moved together in harmony, whether they were dancers, singers, or guitarists. The women angelically manipulated their arms and hands to convey their emotions throughout the dance. Each collision between foot and floor was perfectly timed among the singers, guitarists, and women clapping, echoing throughout the building. Every movement was filled with passion and a fearless demonstration of the pride and strength of their culture. As the tempo of the song accelerated, the women showed no signs of struggle, thanks to their dedication to their art. It was inspiring to witness a group of people so proud and supportive of one another, despite the intensity of the emotions we experience. I hope to draw from this strength and learn to appreciate my own culture more fully and to express it without shame.

One of the performers was an elderly woman who, despite her age, delivered an exceptional performance. Her act was distinct from those of the other performers. She strapped what appeared to be small clams to her thumbs and cupped them around her fingertips. With each movement, she precisely tapped her fingertips on the clams, producing a crisp, resonant click that filled the air with an intoxicating rhythm.

We learned that a group still present in Spain, the Gypsies, would use caves as their homes within the mountains to avoid the summer heat and stay cool. The location where we are standing in the photo above is a cave that was previously used for that exact purpose.

Signing off....

Janelly Villalobos

Sitting at the Plaza of the Albaicin