Educational Muslim Friendly Traveling
Educational Muslim Friendly Traveling
We know that each trip may have a different purpose and no two travelers are alike, and that was the case of our travelers last week. Just a couple of days ago we waved goodbye to a group of forty Jordanians, thirty five kids and five teachers enjoyed their eight day cultural and language trip in Spain. We were delighted to support and collaborate with Global Edventure Travel with its client. Global Edventure Travel is a destination Management Company providing a high standard of overseas tours and travel options for schools and adult groups worldwide.
Altair Destination was born as a cultural exchange of language and culture between Hispanic and Arab Culture in Oman, it has evolved for years until it reached Spain and has transformed into the travel agency we are now, still being a bridge to discover a land, the culture and break stereotypes.
During the eight days, travelers enjoyed language lessons in Madrid and Barcelona, combined with cultural activities. Spanish is currently one of the most important languages in global culture and business. Mornings started with lessons in a prestigious school and continued with the itinerary carefully tailored for students, not an easy task to keep kids between 12 and 14 years old focus and entretained.
Students experienced the best of Spain for the cultural immersion exposure, marvelous weather, unique culture, beautiful scenery and wonderful people. They also enjoyed this unique cultural opportunity with no concerns, as meals accommodated also halal menus. We take into consideration Muslim-friendly options for many of our travelers.
We are delighted to provide these experiences and we are sensible to the needs of our travelers, enabling us to make the right recommendations tailored to their needs, values and beliefs. Spain has a dominant Islamic heritage; however, establishments are in their infancy with regards to Muslim-friendly services.
Magerit, ‘place of water’ in Arabic
Did you know that Madrid’s surrounding area was then called Mayrit?, which comes from the Arabic term Mayra (meaning water or giver of life), which later changed to Magerit, which means ‘place of water’ in Arabic. The name then evolved to Matrit and then eventually, Madrid.It is always interesting to see the influence of Arabic in Spanish Language.
Around the Spanish Capital
While in Madrid we embraced the vibrant energy of the Spanish capital visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid, the origins of the palace date back to the 9th century, when the Muslim kingdom of Toledo, concerned about its defense against Christian attacks, built a fortress that would later be used by the kings of Castile.
The Plaza Mayor is a major public space in the heart of Madrid, it was once the center of Old Madrid and over the years it has been the setting for many public events, from bullfights, processions, fiestas and theatrical productions to trials of the Inquisition and even executions. Nowadays it is home to many traditional shops, bars and restaurants, with cultural and even sports events happening there. Only a few blocks away is another famous plaza, the national famous Puerta del Sol square , it is the neuralgic center of the city. Its main attraction is the clock that chimes to mark the beginning of the year. Here you can also find the statue of “The Bear and the Strawberry Tree” and Kilometer Zero.
Madrid’s tablaos
Since Flamenco is part of the Spanish culture on our last day, we had the fortune to witness with our large group The flamenco offer of Madrid’s tablaos, it is said to be the best national and international launching pad for the most important artists of this cultural genre. This region hosts flamenco shows continuously, either in its theaters or tablaos, or in halls and venues. Singing, Dance, Guitar, Castanets and Percussion; an educational proposal adapted to all types of audiences.
Toledo – Mix of cultures
Toledo is known as “The City of the Three Cultures,” as it was a rare city where Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived and co-existed together. All of this background is important because it explains why Toledo is a great city to study culture and history in. As Toledo is so close to Madrid we did not miss the opportunity to pay a visit and learn about all the interesting facts with a guided tour that took us to all its corners.
Teachers and Tour Managers of the trip
Barcelona & Gaudi
While in Barcelona it is a must to visit Antoni Gaudí´s masterpieces, he was a Catalan architect and designer known as the greatest exponent of Catalan Modernism. Much of Antoni Gaudí’s career was occupied with the construction of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona. It was unfinished at his death in 1926 and its construction is still in progress. Other notable projects included Park Güell, Casa Milá, and Casa Batlló, which we visited and had the opportunity to enjoy and learn about a couple of these master architectures in a guided tour.
We stayed in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and just a few minutes away from the Cathedral, Plaça del Rei, Las Ramblas. An excellent location for discovering the magic of Barcelona and its wide range of cultural, commercial, gastronomic and leisure activities. Interesting fact is that rambla comes from the Arabic word ramla or رمل , which means sand and in this case refers to the sandy deposit which would gather in the bed of the stream. It also refers to the fact that this particular kind of stream is filled and emptied depending on the rain, meaning that it could be dry at certain periods.
The Barcelona experience was closed with a visit to Barcelona’s Poble Espanyol, a top attraction in Barcelona where history meets culture and leisure. A unique space for activities, concerts and exhibitions in Barcelona. In short, El Poble is culture and leisure for everyone and offers a wide range of activities, offering workshops and craft courses led by professionals.
Paella Cooking Workshop for 35 kids led by professionals
Educational Trips
Traveling and learning is a great opportunity to get to know a country, especially for schools and colleges. These trips are created and tailored to the institution’s request. Students can experience the best of Spain for the cultural immersion experience of a lifetime. Marvelous weather, unique culture, beautiful scenery and wonderful people.