Week 3: From the South of Spain to the South of France!

     This summer has truly been the adventure of a lifetime. Every morning I wake up in Granada, I’m filled with excitement for the day ahead, whether it’s a new excursion, a historical monument, or an unexpected opportunity. Week three was no exception.

    Early in the week, we visited the Granada Civil War Cemetery, a sobering site that commemorates those who lost their lives during the Spanish Civil War, Republicans and Nationalists alike. The war, marked by the struggle between a fragmented leftist movement and the rising wave of fascism in the 1930s, was devastatingly chaotic. Violence was often arbitrary, with executions carried out based on mere suspicion, rather than evidence. Walking through the cemetery and witnessing the sheer number of lives lost was deeply moving. Even more haunting, however, was the lingering presence of fascist sentiment, someone had graffitied “Viva Franco” on the cemetery’s sign, a chilling reminder of the enduring legacy of Franco’s dictatorship.

    Later in the week, we explored the Romani neighborhood and the Caves Museum. There, we learned about the Romani people who, facing expulsion due to cultural and religious discrimination, carved homes into the hillsides to survive. These cave dwellings served not only as shelters but as powerful symbols of resistance and resilience. Seeing these spaces in person gave me a deeper understanding of how the Romani community persisted despite centuries of marginalization and attempts to erase their presence. The tours this week were incredibly moving, yet emotionally heavy. So by Thursday, after turning in my first midterm paper, it was time to switch gears, hop on a midnight flight, and head to Marseille, France, for a weekend of fun and exploration.

We landed in Marseille at 2am on Friday, running on little sleep but full of excitement. Our first stop that morning was a charming patisserie, where we fueled up with coffee and buttery croissants. After that, we explored a local flea market, where I found a beautiful pair of handmade sun and moon earrings crafted in Monaco. We then made our way to a lively farmers market and strolled through the historic Old Port. From there, we visited a thrift shop and the La Vieille Charité museum before stopping for lunch. In the afternoon, we wandered through Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest quarter, admiring its vibrant street art and gorgeous storefronts. To wrap up the day, we hiked to the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, the city’s highest point, and were rewarded with breathtaking views of Marseille. We closed out the night with pizza and a taste of French nightlife.

On Saturday, we were up early again. We returned to the farmers market to gather fresh baguettes, creamy brie, cured meats, olives, and seasonal fruit for a beach picnic. The day was filled with sun, sand, good drinks, and even better company. Later that evening, we treated ourselves to a gourmet dinner of truffle pasta and Aperol spritzes. For dessert, I had a scoop of lavender gelato, a perfect end to a perfect trip.

This week reminded me that travel isn’t just about going places, it’s about everything that comes with it: the history you walk through, the people you meet, and the unexpected mix of reflection and fun along the way. From the quiet weight of the Civil War cemetery to a sunny beach picnic in Marseille, I’m learning how to hold space for both. And somewhere in between, I’m discovering parts of myself that I didn’t know existed.

-Kaylin