Drizzled in Gold: How Seville Transformed My Palate

By: Christ J. Desruisseaux

Sevilla completely transformed the way I think about food, especially in terms of sourcing, preparation, and preservation. Our time on the olive farm was eye-opening. I learned not only how to properly handle and store fruits and vegetables, but also gained a deep appreciation for the process behind producing something as seemingly simple as olive oil. I was surprised to learn how versatile high-quality olive oil can be when we drizzled it over chocolate ice cream, which turned out to be a surprisingly wicked combination.

We were taught how to distinguish real, high-quality olive oil from the cheap, mass-produced alternatives. Since returning home, I’ve become a passionate advocate for olive oil, so much so that my friends are probably tired of hearing me preach about it. But when you’ve seen the process from tree to bottle, it’s hard not to care. 

But beyond its culinary influence, Sevilla is also one of Spain’s premier cities for art and architecture. From iconic locations like Plaza de España and the Seville Cathedral to the stunning international pavilions such as the Argentine and Brazilian buildings, every structure felt like a work of art. Each was built with purpose and pride, using materials sourced from their respective countries, reflecting the city’s role in global collaboration and design.  

In all honesty, I wish we’d had more time in Sevilla. Even though our visit was brief, what I saw left a lasting impression. The beauty of the architecture, the soul of the food culture. It all made Sevilla one of the most enriching stops on our whole trip.

Discovering Alicante’s Beauty and Soul

By Aury Villalona

Upon arriving in Alicante, one of the 1st structures one will notice is El Castillo de Santa Barbara. The climb was a bit challenging for about 25 minutes, but every step was worth it. As a group, we decided to venture to the top where we were rewarded, we were rewarded with beautiful views of the entire city, the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea, and the vast sky above. The weather was perfectly sunny with just a light breeze to cool us down. It was a bit of a workout, but the sight from the top made every effort feel worthwhile. The views were absolutely stunning, and I couldn't help but pause and take it all in.   

El Castillo de Santa Bárbara itself was a marvel of history. This fortress, dating back to the 9th century, was originally built by the Moors during their occupation of Spain. It later played a significant role in the defense of the city, having witnessed numerous sieges and battles over the centuries. As we explored, we saw remnants of medieval walls, watchtowers, and even some old cannons that once protected the city from invaders. We were also able to attend a ceramic and art exhibition "El arte en las pequeñas cosas" where we explored archaeological finds from different artists of varied eras that capture the distinct culture of Alicante over the century.

After exploring the castle, we wandered through the streets of Alicante, making our way to La Explanada de España, a beautiful promenade that runs along the beach. Palm trees lined the street, creating a lush, tropical vibe, and the sea was right in front of us. The view of the Mediterranean was enchanting, the waves sparkled under the sun, and the atmosphere felt so peaceful. 

 

As someone from the southern part of the Dominican Republic, this place felt special in a way I can’t quite describe. The seaside, with its calm waters and endless horizon, connected me to my roots. I couldn’t help but think of my father, who passed away 18 years ago. He loved the ocean, and everything related to it, just like me. From him, I inherited my love for beach life and fishing, and standing there by the Mediterranean, I felt as though I was honoring his memory.

After the long walk, we headed to our hotel near San Juan Beach and the next morning, we took a leisurely walk along the beach. The calm and serenity of the sea paired with the gentle morning sunlight made for the perfect start to the day.


Alicante truly stole my heart with its stunning landscapes, relaxed atmosphere, and connection to my past. It’s now my favorite city in Spain. Hasta pronto, Alicante!