Winery
My room
Marisol
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
Last Night in Spain :(
Tonight is my last night in Spain. I took my two finals this morning. Tonight we have the closing ceremony an then we are going to a bar where the CIDE program buys us all a free drink. Hey, we are all legal in Spain! Then we are all going to my home town for the festival. I'm staying at a friends house since I don't want to carry my luggage around at 6am with drunk people in the streets. My flight leave at 830am for Madrid. Then I leave at 1155am for Chicago. My parents and Chase and will be waiting for me there. I hope you all enjoyed my blog! Thanks for taking the time to read it, and supporting me on my journey across the Atlantic. Audios!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Marques de Riscal
Yesterday my international business class went on a company visit to a winery! It was an hour and 45 min. trip there, but the place was beautiful. Pictures to come!
Wines from the heirs of the Marquis de Riscal is still writing its history in the XXI century with the creation of the City of Wine, a project that marks a before and after in the way of understanding the world of wine.
The City of Wine is part of Project 2000, the company's strategic plan, a bridge between the nineteenth and twenty-first century, as is a commitment between tradition and modernity: construction of a warehouse (San Vicente) with the latest technology, investment in a new bottle, the installation of a laboratory for analysis and control of wine, and in general all the technological improvements to keep up to date and ensure the highest quality wines.
The complex, located in Elciego (Álava), consists of the old winery of Marqués de Riscal (1858), one of the oldest in Rioja, and a new building designed by Canadian architect Frank O. Gehry, and home to the Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Spa Caudalie ® Vinothérapie, two exclusive restaurants Rioja advised by the chef, Francis Paniego as well as a center for meetings, conferences and banquets.
Factsheet - City of Wine
Wines from the heirs of the Marquis de Riscal is still writing its history in the XXI century with the creation of the City of Wine, a project that marks a before and after in the way of understanding the world of wine.
The City of Wine is part of Project 2000, the company's strategic plan, a bridge between the nineteenth and twenty-first century, as is a commitment between tradition and modernity: construction of a warehouse (San Vicente) with the latest technology, investment in a new bottle, the installation of a laboratory for analysis and control of wine, and in general all the technological improvements to keep up to date and ensure the highest quality wines.
The complex, located in Elciego (Álava), consists of the old winery of Marqués de Riscal (1858), one of the oldest in Rioja, and a new building designed by Canadian architect Frank O. Gehry, and home to the Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Spa Caudalie ® Vinothérapie, two exclusive restaurants Rioja advised by the chef, Francis Paniego as well as a center for meetings, conferences and banquets.
Factsheet - City of Wine
Total area: 100,000 m
Hotel Marques de Riscal, A Luxury Colletion Hotel Marques de Riscal, A Luxury Hotel Colletion
Operated by: Starwood Hotels & Resorts, under The Luxury Collection brand Operated by: Starwood Hotels & Resorts, under The Luxury Collection brand STI
Living Area: 3,200 m 2 Living Area: 3,200 m 2
Maximum Height: 25 meters. Maximum Height: 25 meters. in 4 heights in 4 heights
Number of Rooms: 43 rooms Number of Rooms: 43 rooms
Spa Caudalie Caudalie Spa Vinothérapie ® Vinothérapie ®
Area: 1,000 m 2 Area: 1,000 m 2
Services: distinct and exclusive beauty treatments and anti-stress based on the natural properties (polyphenols) of both the grape and wine Services: distinct and exclusive beauty treatments and anti-stress naturally based on the properties (polyphenols) of Both the grape and wine
Restaurants
Chef Consultant: Francis Paniego, chef of Chef Echaurren Consultant: Francis Paniego, chef Echaurren
Cuisine: Gourmet Restaurant, Signature cuisine Cuisine: Gourmet Kitchen Restaurant, Author
http://www.marquesderiscal.com/secciones/43/N/22
Hotel Marques de Riscal, A Luxury Colletion Hotel Marques de Riscal, A Luxury Hotel Colletion
Operated by: Starwood Hotels & Resorts, under The Luxury Collection brand Operated by: Starwood Hotels & Resorts, under The Luxury Collection brand STI
Living Area: 3,200 m 2 Living Area: 3,200 m 2
Maximum Height: 25 meters. Maximum Height: 25 meters. in 4 heights in 4 heights
Number of Rooms: 43 rooms Number of Rooms: 43 rooms
Spa Caudalie Caudalie Spa Vinothérapie ® Vinothérapie ®
Area: 1,000 m 2 Area: 1,000 m 2
Services: distinct and exclusive beauty treatments and anti-stress based on the natural properties (polyphenols) of both the grape and wine Services: distinct and exclusive beauty treatments and anti-stress naturally based on the properties (polyphenols) of Both the grape and wine
Restaurants
Chef Consultant: Francis Paniego, chef of Chef Echaurren Consultant: Francis Paniego, chef Echaurren
Cuisine: Gourmet Restaurant, Signature cuisine Cuisine: Gourmet Kitchen Restaurant, Author
http://www.marquesderiscal.com/secciones/43/N/22
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Across the Globe
Soo coming to Europe has further inspired me to travel more! Not sure if that's a good or bad thing?? However, I decided to make a list of all the countries I want to visit in Europe, including the ones I've already traveled to. Hopefully some day I can make it to all of them!
Spain- well I speak Spanish.England- famous monuments, they speak English, it's my heritage.- Germany- it's my heritage. I love when people pronounce my last name Verner!
- Italy- so beautiful and Italian food is my favorite.
- Greece- beautiful beaches, and I want to ride a donkey in the streets.
- France- I have to see the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum sometime in my life.
- Ireland- I just love their accents.
- Poland- just to see Auschwitz.
- Sweden- I gotta visit at least one Scandinavian country.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Basque Country
I didn't quite realize before I came to Bilbao that the Basque Country is quite different than the rest of Spain. Basque people speak Euskera (form of Spanish), dress differently, and want to become independent from the rest of Spain. Here is a little bit of information on the Basque Country for you to become familiar with the area in which I live in.
The Basque Country (Basque: Euskadi, Spanish: Pais Vasco) is a region at the north of Spain, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and France. It is defined formally as an autonomous community of three provinces within Spain, and culturally including a fourth province and a small portion of France.
Basque Country is one of the world's top gastronomic destinations, with key gourmet centers in San Sebastian, Hondarribia and Bilbao.
Under the Franco regime all languages other than Castilian Spanish were severely restricted. The Spanish constitution of 1978 established the provinces of Araba, Gipuzkoa, and Bizkaia as the Basque Autonomous Region. The Basque Autonomous Region (Communidad Autonoma Vasca) has a great deal of autonomy from the national government (including the autonomy to recognize Euskara as an official language of the region), but this has not satisfied all factions of the Basque community.
The Basque people have had a stormy relationship with the nation of Spain, and for decades there had been incidents of violence made in the name of self-determination and/or independence. ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna -the Basque terrorist organization) announced a permanent ceasefire at the end of March of 2006, but has since reopened hostilities, killing two people in 2007 with a car bomb at Madrid airport, and in the summer of 2009 detonating bombs in Burgos and Palma de Mallorca.
Language
The official languages of the region are Basque (Euskara) and Spanish. Spanish is the most spoken language, but there are signs in Basque as well. Practically everyone will speak fluent Spanish, Basque is less widely spoken. 700,000 out of the Basque country's population of 2,100,000 speak Basque. From the region's location, you might expect this language to be a blend of Spanish and French, but Basque is unrelated to either of them or any other language in the world because it was developed in isolation from neighboring peoples.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Basque_Country
The Basque Country (Basque: Euskadi, Spanish: Pais Vasco) is a region at the north of Spain, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and France. It is defined formally as an autonomous community of three provinces within Spain, and culturally including a fourth province and a small portion of France.
Basque Country is one of the world's top gastronomic destinations, with key gourmet centers in San Sebastian, Hondarribia and Bilbao.
Cities
- Vitoria-Gasteiz — the capital of the autonomous community
- Bilbao — largest city of the region
- Balmaseda
- Getaria — top-notch fresh seafood at this fishing harbor
- Guernica (Basque: Gernika) — a thriving commercial town with great historical and cultural significance for the Basque people
- San Sebastian — the provincial capital curved around a dramatic moon-shaped beach hedged in by cliffs
- Hondarribia
- Portugalete — suburb of Bilbao with a beautiful old town and port
- Zumaia and Zarauz — glorious sandy beaches, not far from San Sebastian
Under the Franco regime all languages other than Castilian Spanish were severely restricted. The Spanish constitution of 1978 established the provinces of Araba, Gipuzkoa, and Bizkaia as the Basque Autonomous Region. The Basque Autonomous Region (Communidad Autonoma Vasca) has a great deal of autonomy from the national government (including the autonomy to recognize Euskara as an official language of the region), but this has not satisfied all factions of the Basque community.
The Basque people have had a stormy relationship with the nation of Spain, and for decades there had been incidents of violence made in the name of self-determination and/or independence. ETA (Euskadi Ta Askatasuna -the Basque terrorist organization) announced a permanent ceasefire at the end of March of 2006, but has since reopened hostilities, killing two people in 2007 with a car bomb at Madrid airport, and in the summer of 2009 detonating bombs in Burgos and Palma de Mallorca.
Language
The official languages of the region are Basque (Euskara) and Spanish. Spanish is the most spoken language, but there are signs in Basque as well. Practically everyone will speak fluent Spanish, Basque is less widely spoken. 700,000 out of the Basque country's population of 2,100,000 speak Basque. From the region's location, you might expect this language to be a blend of Spanish and French, but Basque is unrelated to either of them or any other language in the world because it was developed in isolation from neighboring peoples.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Basque_Country
Here is a sign with Basque written on the top & Spanish on the bottom (very different!!)
Monday, July 23, 2012
On Holiday in London
Olympic Park
Changing of the Guards
Tower Bridge
Countdown
London Update!
Sorry for not posting on the blog for the past couple days. We didn't spend much time in our hotel room except for sleeping. However, the trip was wayyyy better than I expected, and I had the time of my life. The weather was 70 and sunny every day, which is very unusual for London. I went with four girls that are in my program. We arrived in London very late Friday night, and didn't get to our hotel until around 1am. Saturday morning we took the metro to the Olympic Park for our 11am tour. Luckily, the metro has all day passes called oyster cards, which only cost around 7 pounds. We toured the outside area of the Olympic Park, and learned a lot about the area, the decision making, history, and improvements that have come due to the Olympics. We weren't able to get very close to the park, but close enough to get good pictures. It was breath taking!! We saw the stadium for the track and field, aquatics, and BMX. We also saw the apartment buildings where the athletes will be staying. Holiday Inn is catering 24 hour dining services. There are stadiums located all around London too, not just in one area. While touring the city, we saw the stadium for tennis as well as the park for outdoor swimming, biking, and running. After the tour, we went to the gift shop and got lots of goodies. While we were leaving, we say a group of people taking pictures. We walked up and saw Phillips Idowu (GB long jumper) holding the Olympic torch!!!
After the tour, we went to Kensington Palace. This is the place where Will and Kate are going to be living in a year. We didn't get to see the part where they are going to be living, but we did see the museum with collections from previous kings and queens. My favorite was the exhibit on Princess Diana! They had many gowns that she wore.
Later that night we went to a local pub for fish and chips (England's famous dish). It was amazing! Then we went downtown to see the London Eye and Big Ben at night. This was one of my favorite memories of the trip, because the view was incredible. I've never seen something so beautiful in my life.
On Sunday, we got up early and went to Paddington Station to see the famous paddington bear. Then we went on a double decker tour bus to see the rest of London. During the tour, we saw Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Tower Bridge (w/ the Olympic rings), Big Ben, and much more. We also took a ride on the London Eye, which is a giant Ferris wheel with enclosed baskets. At the very top, you could see all of London. While on the ride, a USA women's swim team athlete got on as well!!! Also, we arrived at Buckingham Palace just in time for the changing of the guards!!
After the tour, we got on the train to head to the airport for our 6:20pm flight back to Bilbao. Unfortunately, while on the train ride I got very ill. When we arrived at the airport, I could barely walk or stand. We passed through security right before I fell to the ground and couldn't get up. Luckily, my wonderful friends found the police, who found the paramedics. The paramedics spent the next 45 mins or so calming me down and helping me with the pain. They were the sweetest and nicest people. Luckily, my back and stomach pains subsided, and we were able to make our flight just in time. I'm completely fine now, and didn't have to go to a hospital. I just need to drink a lot of water and get some rest. Although the situation was quite frightening, I wouldn't take it back. I've never had such good medical treatment from such genuine people. It was so nice to get to talk to British people, and ask them questions about their culture. I was so thankful that this happened in a country where they spoke English and not in Barcelona (where we were going to go). I'm also thankful for my friends who helped me through this!
Overall it was an amazing trip that I will never forget. Although it was very short, I made a lot of memories. I definitely want to go back to England again!! The country is full of so much history and famous monuments and nice people. Pictures to come soon!
After the tour, we went to Kensington Palace. This is the place where Will and Kate are going to be living in a year. We didn't get to see the part where they are going to be living, but we did see the museum with collections from previous kings and queens. My favorite was the exhibit on Princess Diana! They had many gowns that she wore.
Later that night we went to a local pub for fish and chips (England's famous dish). It was amazing! Then we went downtown to see the London Eye and Big Ben at night. This was one of my favorite memories of the trip, because the view was incredible. I've never seen something so beautiful in my life.
On Sunday, we got up early and went to Paddington Station to see the famous paddington bear. Then we went on a double decker tour bus to see the rest of London. During the tour, we saw Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Tower Bridge (w/ the Olympic rings), Big Ben, and much more. We also took a ride on the London Eye, which is a giant Ferris wheel with enclosed baskets. At the very top, you could see all of London. While on the ride, a USA women's swim team athlete got on as well!!! Also, we arrived at Buckingham Palace just in time for the changing of the guards!!
After the tour, we got on the train to head to the airport for our 6:20pm flight back to Bilbao. Unfortunately, while on the train ride I got very ill. When we arrived at the airport, I could barely walk or stand. We passed through security right before I fell to the ground and couldn't get up. Luckily, my wonderful friends found the police, who found the paramedics. The paramedics spent the next 45 mins or so calming me down and helping me with the pain. They were the sweetest and nicest people. Luckily, my back and stomach pains subsided, and we were able to make our flight just in time. I'm completely fine now, and didn't have to go to a hospital. I just need to drink a lot of water and get some rest. Although the situation was quite frightening, I wouldn't take it back. I've never had such good medical treatment from such genuine people. It was so nice to get to talk to British people, and ask them questions about their culture. I was so thankful that this happened in a country where they spoke English and not in Barcelona (where we were going to go). I'm also thankful for my friends who helped me through this!
Overall it was an amazing trip that I will never forget. Although it was very short, I made a lot of memories. I definitely want to go back to England again!! The country is full of so much history and famous monuments and nice people. Pictures to come soon!
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