Rafting in Boñar, Beach time in Gijón

Dear family, friends, and fans,

The final two excursions of the group's time in Spain have been spectacular. Last weekend took the team to nearby Boñar, and the students got the opportunity to travel there from León by train so that we could all see the countryside as we passed it. After a brief safety orientation (during which the students learned important vocabulary like "row!" and "duck!"), the group suited up and took to the rafts.

Suiting up, inflating the rafts

In each raft accompanying the students was a trained professional, each of whom was highly impressed with the natural abilities of our group in the rafts. The river, while not at all dangerous, did present some interesting terrain for the students to navigate. Everyone was soaked and smiling at the end of the rafting trip.

The groups depart in their rafts

Before

After

Braving the rapids

Emerging triumphantly

This weekend took us on another aquatic adventure to Gijón in scenic Asturias. The entire excursion was essentially a much-appreciated day at a beautiful beach. We had a perfect sunny day and a gorgeous point of access to the Cantabrian Sea. From mid-morning until the late afternoon, the group had zero obligations apart from being on a beach and enjoying themselves.

The picturesque Gijón beach with city in the background

The day featured lots of sunbathing, sea-bathing, volleyball, and generally much-needed relaxation, and indeed, there was plenty of time to do all of those things multiple times. Even given the hours of beach time in the sun and the sea, the students were all disappointed to leave, in no small part because it marked the final official excursion for the program and made the idea of the upcoming departure from Spain all the more real. 

Passionate about the beach

And so we look forward to the beginning of the end here in León. The students have one more day of classes, followed by preparations and rehearsals for the farewell party on Tuesday evening, which will be attended by all of the host families as well - a big event for IUHPFL León. A couple days later, we'll depart for Segovia and then Madrid, where we'll spend two jam-packed days and then, of course, the return to the US. We'll keep you all updated as the final days progress - needless to say, the students are all quite sad about leaving León, but they are simultaneously anxious to be back with their families in their homes. Lots of mixed feelings will be wrapped up in the next week as we make preparations to leave Spain. Until the next update...