Thursday, June 30, 2011

Kelly Felsted: Tours, France

Kelly Felsted is a junior in English at the University of Utah. She participated in the summer 2011 Intensive French Language in Tours, France, study abroad program.

When I left for France I wanted to do more than just learn a language or the history and culture of the French; I wanted to experience it all. I had a few vague ideas about what might be awaiting me, but not even my wildest dreams could have prepared me for what actually happened.

Over the course of four short weeks (with five weekends, two holidays, and a few extra days of my own time) I was able to explore Paris, Versailles, Nantes and the beaches of Pornic, Mont Saint Michel and Saint Malo, and a good number of the Loire Valley Castles.

Although at many times throughout the program I felt lost and in over my head, my host family was always hospitable and helful. Even when I was starting to feel a little homesick, the platters of cheese, fresh tarts, chocolates and endless French bread always brought a smile to my face.

While school and learning French were my top priorities during the week, each weekend was reserved for getting out of the house and having fun. Students gathered either at place plume or Ganget. There one could find different music entertainment practically every night - from an outdoor screening of Pink Floyd to a talent show filled with students from our school program. And when not hanging out around town my fellow classmates and I went to the Tours central train station where we missed only a few trains on occasion.

In Paris, I explored all the bountiful museums, monuments, tombs and churches that I could find. My top favorites of the trip would have to be the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay and the Eiffel Tower. The Louvre is a literal palace, home to the French monarch until Versailles was built. Each room of the Louvre is a breathtaking marvel of art with such exquisite ceiling detail that no amount of writing could ever do it justice. Droves of people walked down the marble lined halls to an obscure room. There I saw the Mona Lisa for the first time, over the heads of a dozen or so people as they crowded up towards the painting trying to catch a hint of the lady's mysterious smile.

The Musee d'Orsay was an old railway station that was converted in 1977 to the art museum it is today. It housed many of my favorites, including the impressionistic paintings of Vincent Van Gogh, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edouard Manet. The Eiffel Tower was once a controversial radio antenna and now is an iconic French image that cannot be missed. After going all the way up to the summit, I was able to see all of Paris and felt like I was on top of the world.

From the prestigious halls of Blois to the ludicrously luxurioius Chambord, the Chateaux of the Loire Valley proved to be similarly impressive. All of the castles I visited are worth mentioning, but if I had to pick one chateau to highlight, it would be the Chateau du Clos Luce. Located less than a mile from the Regal Chateau d'Ambroise is a humble but elegant building that was the home of Leonardo da Vinci. Hanging on the walls are various quotes by da Vinci and a few copies of his paintings, including the Mona Lisa and St. John the Baptist. In the basement and in the gardens there are intricate engineering models produced from Leonardo's sketches. From basic mechanical creations that are still utilized today to a primitive version of a tank, Leonardo proved over and over again that his mind was centuries ahead of his time.

Looking back, there is a lot more I wish I could have done and perhaps a few things I could have done differently - namely pack lighter and plan accommodation in advance. But even with those tiny set-backs and mistakes, it was all worth it in the end. I know that my time with the study abroad program was not just an experience I can put on my resume, but an adventure I'll remember for the rest of my life.

Hotel des Invalides


A fountain at the Jardin of Luxembourg


Entrance to Clos Luce


Arc de Triomphe


Chateau Azay-le-Rideau


The Hall of States General (13th Century)


Blois


Charmont


Chenonceau


 The Louvre and pyramids at night


Notre Dame


The Sacre Coeur


On the last day of school, my classmates and I received our diplomas

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Thomas Melburn: Communication & Public Relations in Beijing, China

Thomas Melburn is a junior studying Environmental Studies at the University of Utah.

When reflecting back on my study abroad to China, I think of the culture of enchantment that China has developed over the four thousand years they have been established.  Four thousand years.  That alone, is enticing enough for anyone who wishes to immerse themselves in traditions and beliefs dating back that long.  Not only is China special because it is so old, but also because of the massive contrast taking place between the old and archaic undeveloped areas and the gleaming developed areas. China is unique because it currently holds the position of a developing nation and a developed nation.  One of the restraints holding them back from being a developed nation might be the fact that China has the largest population in the world.  Beijing, one of China’s many mega-cities, holds over twenty million people.  That is over twice the amount of people in America’s largest city.   1.5 billion is where China stands on their national population.  This is a difficult figure to grasp hold of because of its enormity compared to America’s mere 300 million people.  We are now witnessing the unprecedented pace at which China is developing.  Never before has a country been so exuberant in their development, which is why China is so unique.  Nevertheless, nothing ever makes sense without context, so here are some graphics that provide a little insight into the vastness and complexity in China.






China, which is associated with all sorts of negative connotations in our western world, is establishing itself as a country with deep cultural roots and a momentous effort to become the world’s powerhouse of initiative and growth.  Shanghai, which we did not go to on this trip, houses six of the tallest ten buildings in the world.  The buildings are not the only staggering figure in China however. The consumerism and spending that the Chinese are not accustomed to is picking up.  Everywhere you look in China, it is easy to see the Western influence.  In fashion for example, name brands are taking off.  Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, are visible everywhere. Men and women are driving Mercedes Benz’s, BMW’s and Volkswagon’s.  Not too long ago either, China began to buy more American made cars per year, than the Americans did.  The fact is that Ford and GM have a bigger market in China than they do in their own homeland.  Where does this leave America in the world?  Unlike Americans, the majority of people in China do save their money and it is generally about half of their annual income.  Now it is looking like this custom of saving is dwindling, like it did in America long ago. 


So it seems that the Chinese are taking up consumerism at a fast pace, which is scary to think about considering its one and a half billion person country.  Plain and simple, the world cannot handle the consumerism of America and China together.  Therefore, the Chinese are making progress to become the leaders in the environmental and sustainability realm.  Which is very good news.  We were privileged to meet with a few nongovernmental environmental organizations while we were there and the current problems facing China are ones mostly of sustainability.  Sure China is growing at an unprecedented pace, but is it sustainable?  This is where it comes in handy to have leaders who are all engineers that focus on solving problems as opposed to lawyers who tend to place blame onto others and in return cast away any solutions that might hinder a problem solved.  Enough about that though, here are some pictures that depict Chinese culture and how they feel about the US. 







All in all, China was a very wonderful place to visit.  Beijing had the most blue sky days in over ten years while we were there.  So, you could say that our timing was lucky, but I think their environmental solutions to combat the pollution is finally paying off.  This gives hope to the rest of the world in how to sustainably build a country without sacrificing economic growth.  It is time for America to have a change of heart of China and in doing so, build more reputable relations with the Chinese because lets face it, China is not going away for a long time and we have much to learn from them. 

Tom Melburn

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Olivia Dayton: Oviedo, Spain

My name is Olivia Dayton; I had the privilege of participating in the Intensive Language Study Abroad in Oviedo, Spain. My study abroad time in Spain has been an incredible experience. When I think of the program as a whole there are so many things that made it memorable. There was joy, laughter, struggles, and more than a few tears of frustration, but I wouldn´t change anything about my time in Oviedo!

I remember clearly the moment I arrived in Oviedo and my first impressions of the city. I took a bus from Madrid to Oviedo, only 5 hours but it seemed longer because I was so excited and nervous about what I would find there. Madrid was hot, busy, and very exuberant with so much going on so I didn´t know what to expect from Oviedo. We left Madrid Sunday morning and arrived in Asturias in the evening, I remember it was foggy and suddenly the fog parted and I looked out the window and on either side of us were gorgeous hills! It was a little dreary in Oviedo but the city was clean and beautiful. The next morning my host mom walked me to the University and I was overwhelmed by Oviedo´s charm and beauty, early in the morning the streets were quiet and tranquil. The buildings were clean and bright with planter boxes on the balconies. My host mom and I walked up a narrow street and before me was the spire of the Catedral de San Jaun.  Oviedo´s Cathedral is a breathtaking sight to see. It is a magnificent work of architecture and standing before it, you find yourself in awe of its sheer beauty. I have had the privilege of being able to walk by the Cathedral every day on my way to and from school, and the sight of it never gets old. Each time I revel in its shadow and it still takes my breath away!

I have met so many great people on the program and have learned no matter where you travel, it’s the people who make the experience worthwhile. I loved going to school every day with the other students who were here and I have made some lasting friendships. I was also lucky enough to have a caring host family who cooked me amazing Spanish cuisine, and made me feel like a part of the family. One of my favorite memories with my host family was the day my host grandma told me that I was one of her grandchildren, and my host mom said I was just like a daughter to her.

I had the opportunity to travel while I was in Asturias, and I saw so many incredible things. Asturias has beautiful beaches and amazing mountains that both showcase how beautiful Northern Spain is. Asturias has a rich history that is displayed in its landscape and architecture. I visited towns with cathedrals, and others with remnants of Roman architecture, and still others with Celtic influences. One of my favorite towns that I visited was Covadunga, a beautiful town located in the Picos de Europa. The town had a church carved into the caves, a beautiful basilica, and a fountain where it is said that if you drink from each of the seven spouts you will be married in a year. Combined with the amazing views of the Picos de Europa and its rich history, Covadunga was an amazing place to visit.
I also had the chance to visit San Sebastian, a beautiful beach city in Spain, and some of the best beaches in Europe! There was such an exciting mix of people from everywhere in San Sebastian, and I was also lucky enough to learn more about the Basque culture and Basque food! The beaches in San Sebastian were amazing! Beautiful water and sand combined with views of mountains and hills and a vibrant city. 

Monday, June 27, 2011

Matthew Colson: The Bloomsbury Group & England Between the Wars: 1910-1939

I’m Matthew Colson, a U student studying English and Political Science. I got to spend 5 weeks in London as part of the British Studies study abroad program. London is composed of a rich history and the current happenings of a modern metropolis. Outside palaces of long dead monarchs merchants peddle postcards of the recent royal wedding.  Businessmen scurry through the 19th century underground railway; the tube ushers the masses around central London. President Obama meets with the Prime Minister in the city of the Magna Carta. The queen has a birthday. And Barcelona beats Manchester United in a soccer match. Lots can happen in a city like London.

In Mrs. Dalloway (a novel we read as part of the course), Virginia Woolf beautifully describes a part of what I felt in London: “In people's eyes, in the swing, tramp, and trudge; in the bellow and uproar; the carriages, motor cars, omnibuses, vans, sandwich men shuffling and swinging; in the triumph and the jingle and the strange high singing of some aeroplane overhead was what she loved; life; London; this moment of June.” From the frantic hustle of catching a train to quiet lounging in garden parks, London provides vivid contrasts and a unique variety of sights and experiences.

Our group is fortunate to stay at Regent’s College, located in a beautiful park in the heart of London. Here’s a picture of the park. My morning begins with a walk out of the lovely Regent’s Park to Camden Market.
After strolling past the stalls selling the usual tourist stuff, we headed to some very eclectic shops. We checked out a used bookshop and some vintage clothing stores. I spent from time rifling through old records from artists like the Beatles and The Clash. (To buy or not to buy? I often found myself asking my wallet). One of the strangest stores was blaring techno music and had salespeople in robot costumes. I didn’t go in. I decided it was too early for the Chinese food vendors, and got some doughnuts instead. I left the market and headed to a tube station, which, at that time of day, was eerily empty. Coincidently, I saw another member of my group on the train and found out we were headed in the same direction. We alighted (got off the train) at St. Paul’s cathedral, walked across the millennium bridge, and went to the Globe theatre to inquire about some tickets. Tomorrow’s show, sold out. We then walked along the Thames down to Borough Market, a famous, crowded and delicious food market. After a duck sandwich and some fresh fruit, I wandered back toward St. Paul’s.

For over 1400 years, a cathedral dedicated to St Paul has been on the site of the current cathedral. The iconic structure is situated on a hill and can be seen from various points around the city. St Paul’s cathedrals were built, rebuilt, and destroyed over the years. The great fire of London in 1666 gutted the building of the time. Leaders decided to undertake building a new structure rather than trying to salvage the old. During World War II, St Paul’s was a target of German bombing, but remained, perhaps providentially, unharmed. St. Paul’s represents an exquisite piece of art and architecture. For a great view of the interior you can climb a spiraling staircase 257 steps up to the whispering gallery. On this level you can hear a whisper from across the room as it echoes from the round walls of the dome. Climb up farther to the stone gallery to get a nice view of the surrounding city. I felt like going all the way, so I climbed the 528 steps to the Golden Gallery to get a great view of the city.

Across the Millennium bridge (you might recognize from the opening scenes of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) is the fabulous, Tate Modern art gallery. Once a power plant, the Tate modern now houses superb pieces of modern art. Dali, Degas, Kandinsky, Matisse, Monet, Picasso, Rothco, and many others have pieces on display. Here is a picture of one of my favorites. This is a floor with a staircase, made of red fabric suspended across the ceiling of a room. The Tate has a great mixture of classic modern art and new, edgy pieces.

To finish that day, my friends and I went to see the musical Wicked. Historic buildings, beautiful churches, marvelous museums, and great theatre made my time in London a highlight of my life. Learning in London was more than a matter of books and classes, discussions and papers. I learned in London from walking in the streets and talking to the people. Whether you’re eating fish and chips or chicken tikka masala, you are learning about London. Whether you are standing getting soaked by the rain watching Much Ado About Nothing at the Globe or crying a bit during the modern play Warhorse, you’re learning about London. Whether you’re on a boat in the Thames or walking in Hyde Park, you’re learning about London. And as I lived and learned in London, I came to love it.

Cheers,
Matthew

BreAnna Brewster: Oviedo, Spain

My name is BreAnna Brewster and I am a sophomore attending college at the University of Utah. I am working to earn a degree in biomedical engineering. Right now I am experiencing the once in a life time opportunity of studying Spanish in Oviedo, Spain and it has been such a ride. I arrived in Spain with only one semester of Spanish. The first couple of days I understood almost nothing that went on around me. But since then my Spanish has grown in leaps and bounds.
My favorite thing about Spain is the soccer. I have been playing soccer since I was four and while I am not as good as I should be for playing that long I still absolutely love playing the game and so do the people here.  When I think of popular American sports I think baseball, basketball and football and while those are everywhere in the Utah people do not play them in the streets as much as the Spanish play soccer here. My first week in Oviedo I saw people playing soccer everywhere; in the streets, in the plazas, on concrete soccer courts and in the parks. There are even signs here specifically banning soccer from places that it is dangerous to play it.
Naturally I immediately wanted to join in on the fun and so I went and bought myself a cheap ball to play with.  The money I spent on that ball is some of the best money I have spent here in Spain. The first day I went out with it I was immediately invited to play soccer with a group of guys. The day after the same thing happened with a different group and the day after. With a cheap 3.50 euro ball that lasted for one week, I was able to make friends with many of the local soccer players. It has been such a blast to get to know them and play with them.
Every night at 6:30 at the park, next to the University of Oviedo´s language campus, people gather to play and watch soccer games.  The games are often five versus five with goalies and are played on small concrete fields which makes the game play flow more like indoor than outdoor soccer game. Every 10 minutes or two goals the losing team switches out and a new team jumps in. In order to play you must get on a team of five people and get into the rotation. So getting there early and knowing people are imperative.  
What I love about it is that without referees, without having to be there, without paying to play, without the recreation division of the school planning out games, these people get together and have serious games, they actually play soccer.  I also love that people my age (19) or younger all the way up to dads, with families, that get in on the game.  Something that has been interesting to me though is the lack of girls. When I asked my Professor in Oviedo why this was she told me that soccer is still by many in Spain still considered a sport for men.  Once I learned this it has become even more fun to play with all the guys and to show them that girls really can play soccer.
It was such a fun experience to joke around with the other guys and play for a good four hours straight. Many of the people here are way friendly and being the only girl playing has made it easy for the soccer players to remember me.  I love seeing them and saying hi to all guys on the streets where ever I go. One day one when I was walking home from school of the spectators even ran out of her store to ask me if I was playing soccer that night.
Not only do they love playing the game, they love watching it. The biggest teams here in Spain are Barcelona and Madrid. They have a huge rivalry which reminds me of the University of Utah and BYU rivalry except it is throughout an entire country not just two colleges.  Right now Barcelona considers themselves the best soccer team in the world since they just won the European cup against Manchester a couple of weeks ago. The night of the match the game played in almost every bar in Oviedo and people of all ages came together to cheer on their team. To my surprise the people even let off fireworks in the street when Barcelona scored.  My favorite part of the game though was watching this little old man that was at the front of the bar watching the game. He was so into it, he talked to himself and us about the plays jumped at close shots and cheered with the goals. Spain has brought soccer to a whole new level for me. I came to Spain loving soccer and I will leave loving it and the Spanish people even more.
The city of Oviedo
Me in front of the soccer court in Oviedo
Picture of the whole court

Claire Sorensen: Oviedo, Spain

My name is Claire Sorensen, and I am majoring in Economics at the University of Utah. I’m nearing the end of my fifth week here in Oviedo, Spain, and every minute so far has been great. I’ve learned a lot, and, not surprisingly, my learning hasn’t been limited to just the Spanish language. From the time spent with my host family, the other American students, and the locals here in Oviedo, I’ve discovered many new aspects of humanity that had hitherto been unknown to me.
My first week here I spent a lot of time with my host family. At first my host mom was concerned that I knew absolutely no Spanish, judging from the blank stare I gave her when she first tried to tell me something, but soon after she was reassuring the neighbors that I spoke Spanish very well—I just couldn’t understand them. Well, I understood that bit, and laughed, because for the most part it’s true. I think I understand a lot more than I did when I first got here, but the accent definitely takes getting used to. It’s not like the stuff we speak in our classes at the U.
One of the main activities I’ve enjoyed with my host family has been shopping at the centro comercial. It’s not exactly the most cultural experience, seeing as all the music is American and half the signs are in English, but it’s good bonding time with my host mom and her daughter. One time I went out with just my host mom and spent the afternoon with her. Together we enjoyed a corbata, which she told me was an authentic Asturian treat even though it came in a box and a wrapper like something from Hostess. If there’s one thing that’s helped the most for me to pick up on more of the language, it’s been making the effort to converse with my host family.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Lisa Moynihan: Oviedo, Spain

Hola everyone! My name is Lisa Moynihan and I am a History major and Spanish minor at the University of Utah. I have had the incredible opportunity to study in Oviedo, Spain for the past four weeks. I do not know if words can adequately express how amazing this experience has been, but I will try my best to do it justice.
This is a view of Oviedo from Naranco, the peak of one of the surrounding mountains.
Spain is a country rich in culture, history and tradition. I have loved learning about and experiencing this culture first-hand over the past four weeks. Some aspects of Spain are similar to the US, but many are much different. Perhaps the most interesting difference from the United States is the schedule on which the Spanish live their lives. Nothing opens before 8 am (and that is usually just the cafes, most stores, tiendas, do not open until 9 or later), and my classes at the University of Oviedo do not start until 9:30! The biggest meal of the day, comida, is eaten around 3:00 in the afternoon. At this time most businesses close and almost everyone-men and women, children and the elderly-goes home to eat with their families. After comida, everyone takes a nice long rest called siesta! Siesta is one of my favorite aspects of Spanish life, and one I wish the United States would pick up on. Dinner, or cena, is usually a smaller meal eaten around 9:00 pm. The nightlife is never-ending and it is quite normal for people to stay out until 6:00 am on the weekends, dancing the night away at popular discotecas. It took me a while to get used to the schedule, but now that I am used to it I think I will really miss it when I go back to the US!
Living with a host family has been one of the richest aspects of this experience. And while the language barrier has been frustrating and trying at times, living in a true Spanish household has been by far the most rewarding experience of this trip. It has taught me just as much, if not more, than my classes! (Not that my classes are not fantastic, because they really are!) I live with one woman named Deme and she is truly one of the most inspiring individuals that I have ever met. She was paralyzed from the waist down in an accident 33 years ago and has consequently been in a wheelchair ever since. However, despite the obstacles she has had to face, she is an independent, strong and successful woman loved by all she meets. She is the first woman in Asturias to have a driver’s license that allows her to operate a hand controlled car and gets around her seventh floor apartment and Oviedo with the agility of a young woman. She has helped me immensely with my Spanish and has shown me unending kindness and hospitality. I am going to miss her terribly when I leave Oviedo.
Here I am with Deme and her family and friends at a Sunday afternoon picnic!
Oviedo itself is phenomenal. It is the capital of the autonomous principality of Asturias, which occupies the central northern coast of Spain. Oviedo is surrounded by mountains and has a climate much like Portland, Oregon. However, despite the semi-rainy weather, Oviedo is beautiful, green and lush. There is much to do and see in the city. Personally, I love sitting at cafes, sipping cafe con leche and eating delicious churros con chocolate (pure heaven for the taste buds) and walking around the crowded streets, looking at the unique and beautiful architecture, while observing the equally unique and beautiful people. These are some of my favorite places in Oviedo.
This is one of my favorite buildings in Oviedo. The architecture here is truly magnificent.
This is the church that was used to film Vicki, Christina, Barcelona. It is just outside of the city center.
The cathedral is central to life in Oviedo, both religiously and historically. It is the third most important cathedral in Spain and is the burial place of SIX medieval Asturian kings. You are not allowed to photograph the inside of the church, but it is absolutely breathtaking.
Another Oviedo favorite is the Sidra bars! Sidra is a hard apple cider drink that is distinctly Asturian. But the best part about Sidra is that it has to be poured into a cup from a distance so the tastes will mix correctly! The waiters at Sidra bars hold the bottle up high in the air and pour the Sidra perfectly, without looking, into a cup that is at their hip. It is incredible how hard it really is and how good they are at it! We were able to go to a traditional Sidra festival called Espicha, which was one of my favorite nights of the trip. At Espicha we got to eat traditional Asturian food, learn traditional Asturian songs and dances and pour traditional Asturian Sidra. It was awesome!
Here are two Asturian dancers performing at Espicha!
Not only have I had the opportunity to explore Oviedo, but I have also been able to see much of the northern coast of Spain… and it is GORGEOUS! Thanks to the well planned out weekend excursions and some independent traveling of my own, I have seen many beautiful places that I probably would have never known existed had I not been led there (or stumbled upon them).
This was taken at a beach, or la playa, at Llanes, a little coast town on the northern coast of Spain.
Cangas de Onis was the first capital of Christian Spain in the 8th century:
Covadonga is the site of the first Christian victory over the Moors in the 8th century. This is the cathedral at Covadonga.
One of our stellar leaders, Professor Tim Cannon, organized an incredible 6-hour hike for us in the Picos de Europa mountain range. We hiked to a small village tucked away in the mountains that can only be reached by foot or, quite recently, by train. It was an incredible hike and one of my favorite experiences of the trip.

Just last weekend a group of friends and I ventured to Basque country and spent time in Bilbao, home to the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art:
And in San Sebastian a beautiful beach town on the France-Spain border:
I could go on forever and ever. This program is amazing and has truly changed my life. I feel so privileged to have been a part of it. I believe that traveling opens doors and ideas and makes you a more informed and understanding individual. My time in Oviedo has only left me wanting more. I cannot wait to see more of our incredible world!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Amy Jo Saltzman: Gijón, Spain

Amy Jo Saltzman is a senior studying Chemistry at the University of Utah. She is currently abroad with the Advanced Spanish Language study abroad program in Gijón, Spain.

This summer I am participating in the Gijon Spanish study abroad program. We are studying Spanish history and art. Along with studying we have the opportunity to visit the places we study on excursions. One excursion took me to one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.
The day started with everyone meeting in the Plaza del Marqués, this is a historic plaza right next to the beach with a fountain and a statue of Palayo (this is also a very lively place at night with many sidrerias close by). From the Plaza we took a bus to a medieval city called Santillana Del Mar where we were free to explore the city. Santillana del Mar is said to be the city of three lies; it is not holy (santi), flat (llana), nor by the sea (mar). Santillana del Mar is however a very interesting city, as you walk down the main street you see what were once nobility houses built in the 15th to the 18th centuries. These houses are now shops selling local foods and souvenirs on the bottom level and homes on the higher levels. The main street leads to a 12th century Romanesque former monastery.
After exploring the city and tasting a few local treats we boarded the bus and made our way to Covadonga. This is an incredibly beautiful place almost hidden away in a mountain side with green trees all around. In Covadonga there are some caves that lead to a site where the Virgin Mary is supposed to have appeared to Palayo and his soldiers before the first battle won by Spain starting the re-conquering of their lands from the Muslims. Where this occurred a small chapel was built. As you walk through the cave it opens up into the open and it looks like the chapel was carved out of the wall. Under the chapel is a waterfall and a small reservoir that are accessible by stairs coming down from the chapel. Next to the waterfall is a fountain that comes from a spring called the Fuente de siete Caños or the Fuente del Matrimonio. This spring is supposed to ensure marriage within one year to anyone who drinks from it. Up the road a short walking distance is the Basilica, a stunning neo-Romanesque building. Covadonga is my favorite place I have been to so far in Spain.
 
The last stop on the excursion was to see the Puente Romano in Cangas de Onìs. This is a bridge built in the 13th century from which hangs a copy of the Cruz de la Victoria, the symbol of Asturias (the providence of Spain which we were in). We took off our shoes and walked in the cool refreshing water, ate some ice cream then got back on the bus to go home. Spain is a beautiful country full of rich culture and history. It is also full of wonderful people who enjoy eating great food and staying up late.