We all know how difficult is to settle down in a city you don’t know, but the truth is that our Fall 2008 study abroad students did it very well right from the very beginning of the semester. After the first week adjusting to a new life style, people, schedules and the Spanish pace, our group felt ready to explore the surrounding area in Alicante and learn about the different traditions and resources that the city and the surrounding province has to offer.Last Friday evening, we had our second Alicante Step by Step Activity to La Vila (Villajoyosa). First, we had a ride on the TRAM, a very modern train along the Costa Blanca, from where we could see different spots such as Playa de San Juan and the small coves hidden in the landscape on the way to our destination.
Once in La Vila, we walked down the Port and Beach area, where everybody could take pictures of the colorful Sailors' houses. From that part of the tour we learned that sailors painted their houses in very bright colors, so it was easy for them to see their homes while out at sea.
We enjoyed the very warm evening by strolling around the beach. Our students discovered how easy and inexpensive it is to make their own trips from Alicante, just by getting on the TRAM! The beach was a big hit, as were the palm trees, quietness and safety of the area, which made it a very relaxing trip.
Of course, this activity wouldn’t be complete without the visit to the Chocolate Museum. We were introduced to the Valor chocolates in Alicante and toured the factory facilities, laboratories and machines. We were all amazed to see how clean it was! And the best part of the tour came at the end: A CHOCOLATE TASTE in the Museum. We were offered different chocolates that we ate up before returning home. Yummy!