I'm required to go on at several excursions for my Spanish business class. We already went to the Christmas candy factory, and today's excursion is to Puente Tabla (an archeological excavation site where the Iberians lived in the 3rd-5th centuries) and to a necropolis (cemetary/tomb) in Porcuna. It's Semana de la Ciencia (science week) so they university has these excursions free. Even though they are focused on archeological stuff, it's supposed to tie into tourism, which we're starting to study in our class.
We were up on a hill and the view was incredible. The morning light was great too. We had to meet at the university at 8:30am, but of course we left late, so we didn't get here until probably 9:30 or a little later.
From the dig site you could see all of Jaén. The castle is up on the closest hill, and you can't really see it, but the cathedral is down below the left side of that same hill...and of course, olive fields.
These rocks (although you can't see the layout very well here) were the houses. They were all the same length and rectangle. Very orderly.
A little bit better view of the houses (well...their bases at least).
Stefanie and Luisa
It was pretty interesting because the tour was lead by people passionate about this subject. However, the language was really technical and specific, which was a little difficult for us foreigners.
There was also a group of high schoolers with us that were really inmature and 'pesados' (annoying). I certainly could have done without their company.
One of our guides explaining everything.
A "street" in between the two buildings
Their area of worship
The inside of the front entrance to the city.
One of the archeologists working at the dig site.
Jaén and it's famous olives.
Although some areas had some fog, it was a beautiful day.
There's me!
The outside fortress under the moon
Path leading up to the dig site. If you see a bigger version of the photo the moon is above the hill.
Here's some info about Puente Tabla if you're interested (and speak Spanish)...
I thought the excursion was supposed to last until 2 but around 11-11:15 we headed out. As the university came into sight, we ended the opposite direction. I was really confused. I thought some people were taking about going to a restaurant, but we ended up turning into a gas station with a cafe and getting out for coffee. I stayed there chatting with my Spanish prof, Fran, and a couple of German exchange students. About 15 minutes later we hopped back on the bus and headed to Porcuna, about 30-45 minutes away. We were *there* until 2pm. It was actually really warm today. The weather has been a little chilly lately, but today was beautiful.
These photos are from the necropolis in Porcuna...
The main tomb you see in the lower left corner had the 2 most important people in it.
And of course, olives! Before too long the workers will be out there in the fields picking them, bringing them in and making their world famous olive oil.
Here's some info about the necropolis if you are interested...
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