Sunday, August 12, 2012

O-my...





As I mentioned earlier, Oviedo is known for its collection of curious statues around the city. Here, you can find everything from a matador's bust in El diestro to William B. Arransberg and (dedicated to travellers) to a Botero nude called Maternidad to a recreation of one of Velazquez's Meninas to Woody Allen. Yes, that's right, Woody Allen - who fell in love with city while filming Vicky Cristina Barcelona here. While the novelty of these creative pieces  has worn off for the locals, our students certainly enjoyed seeing - and posing with them. Do not adjust your screens, the last photo is exactly what it looks like.The work of Spanish-Basque artist Eduardo Úrculo, the Culis Monumentalibus does not go unnoticed. Measuring over 13 ft high, the piece was quite controversial when it arrived in the square in 2001.

O..yum!

While Sarah visited the cathedral with the students, Bea and Ron made their way to a nearby sweet shop to puchase a well-known treat for everyone. A little wary after seeing what was offered at the market (whole fish, pigs' trotters, sheeps' brains, etc.), the students weren't sure what to expect when they were told they'd be trying "something typical from Oviedo." Needless to say, when Bea opened the box to reveal rows of puff pastry filled with almonds, eggs and sugar (known as carbayones), they were quickly convinced - and READY to eat!




  

O...o...Oviedo...

Uncharacteristically warm (and sunny!) our group had the perfect day for our journey north. After learning to escansear sidra in a plaza, trekking through the local market and viewing some, ahem, of the usual statues that mark Oviedo's streets -  we made a stop for "story time" with the La Regenta, known throughout Asturias for her romantic antics and certainly no stranger to scandal. In the picture, you can see Bea and her assistant summarizing the timeless drama, and both were sure to point out the importance of the cathedral's tower to the story (seen behind).

Intrigued by her story, the rest of the students decided to pose with notorious Regenta as well before we made our visit to the cathedral/