Kahle travels to Barcelona, Spain

By Molly Moser

Clayton Ridge High School 2015 graduate Anna Kahle traveled to Barcelona, Spain, during the month of May, visiting Roman ruins, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, and touring sites of Spanish art and architecture. 

Kahle, who is a Guttenberg native and daughter of John and Tammy Kahle, wanted to experience the history and culture of another country. “I have barely traveled so I really wanted to get out and see the world. I also wanted to travel abroad because I am going to be a social studies teacher, and I felt like traveling abroad would make me a better educator,” she told The Press. 

“The most memorable thing from my trip was when we took a day trip to Tarragona, Spain, and visited some Roman ruins in the city; then went to the beach after that. While swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, you could be out in the water swimming and look onto shore and see the Roman ruins in the city,” she explained. “It was just amazing.”

Though she met lots of new and interesting people in her travels, Kahle said the language barrier kept her from getting to know people well. “One of our tour guides, Joe, was really just an amazing guy. He had traveled so much around the world and always had the most exciting stories to tell us,” she said. 

Kahle took the trip as part of the Capstone program at the University of Northern Iowa, where she is studying social science education. According to the University, “The creation of the Capstone program as a key component of the Liberal Arts Core was intended to aid in preparing UNI students for the complex world of ideas that should engage them during their lives as educated citizens. Capstone integrates diverse studies and emphasizes service-based learning and community involvement outside of UNI.” The program was designed specifically to challenge soon-to-be graduates and promote development of analytical thinking skills; capitalize on the strengths of engaging students with different majors; link theory to practice through problem-solving activities and promote development of skills associated with self-directed, life-long learning.

While in Barcelona, Kahle visited Park Guell – a stylish park designed for Barcelona’s aristocracy in 1900. The park contains many stone structures adorned completely with mosaic tile, including a dragon fountain, staircases and terraces, columns and seating. A small house within the park was once occupied by the park’s artist and designer, Antoni Gaudi. 

Kahle visited Barcelona Cathedral, also known as Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia. The roof features a wide range of animal gargoyles, both domestic and mythical, and the crypt contains the remains of St. Eulalia, co-patron saint of Barcelona.

While this was her first time traveling internationally, Kahle seems to be hooked. “I would love to do it again. it was amazing and would encourage everyone to travel,” she reflected.