We take the second year BA (Hons) Geography students to Spain every April for a week as part of their field trip module. We fly to Malaga and then head into the Alpujarras mountains where we stay in small villages (Laroles and Valor) for four nights. We then return to Malaga for three nights.
Student learn about our destinations in the first semester and develop group projects to undertake while in Malaga. While in the villages student complete reflexive journals based on their exploration of the surrounding areas and village life.
The local shepherd who looks after livestock for various villagers. We were told the number of sheep has dropped from 200 twenty years ago to around 50 today.
Laroles has an open air theatre on the site of a former threshing floor. It was crowdfunded and bring performances usually reserved for large cities to the village (more info here).
Judging from the reactions, today’s performance was a comedy.
Practicing taking notes, sketching and recording reflections while in the field.
Students making observations about the use of public space.
Valour looking great in the spring sunshine.
It might only have a population of c.400, but Laroles boasts a quality micro-brewery. Pau and Davide were kind enough to show us around and provided free samples of the four beers they produce.
#TeamLaroles
#TeamValor
In Malaga John Clayton explains the transformation of the area near the harbour into a cultural quarter.
Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación
The choir stalls are impressive.
Some amazing cheese.
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