Day 3 in Cadiz

Friends, Romans, Countrymen, I am writing to you from the great country of Spain (more specifically, Cadiz, pronounced CAH-dith) Yesterday, May 28th was a day like no other. For the first time we got what we had been told we would get – some HEAT (caliente, as the locals might say). It was a beautiful warm day in the south of Spain. We started off the day in the normal way, waking, eating a delicious Spanish breakfast (toast seems to be in fashion), and heading of to school. Some groups yesterday, as others will today, had an opportunity to sit in a class and get acquainted with the local students. The consensus was a rewarding and fascinating, if not a little awkward, experience. After school, many took advantage of the warm weather and hit the beach. Apparently, the locals had the same idea, as the beaches were well populated (but not too crowded.) We had more time than usual between lunch and our evening activity, so many a long walk on the beach ended in a siesta (nap) or long shower. We met at 8 in the old part of the city to start a walking tour. We walked in and out of alleyways and small streets, filled with plaques to famous Cadiz-ians, statues, and murals (usually of Jesus, the city is a cool mixture of Arab architecture and Christian imagery). We walked by giant buildings and did our best to understand what they were for (just kidding, the tour guides speak slowly enough so we understand most of the Spanish). The tour ended in a bar (no alcohol for us) with a stage. Onto the stage walked three men, and we were suddenly engulfed in flamenco music. Two dancers came on (a man and a woman) to dazzle us with their movement. I think most people were pleasantly surprised – the image of flamenco in our minds was a bit different than what we saw, which had very Arabic influenced vocals, a sort of Spanish tap-dancing, and even a bit of Step-Dancing included (not quite CAMotion, however). The dance ended late, so we had to go straight home. Few of us minded, however, because the Flamenco show was truly a great experience. Tonight, they tell me, we will be getting salsa lessons. Don’t worry, parents, I will make sure to get pictures of all of your children doing Salsa.
Here’s to you, from Cadiz,
Signing off
David Deerson, Spanish Speaker Extraordinaire.