Author: nazyusha

Nazerke Aitmukhanbetova is a sophomore majoring in Health Service Administration and minoring in biology at Florida International University. She is very passionate about art, painting, cooking and learning new languages. Growing up in Kazakhstan, she always had the inclination to help others as a result of her family who is greatly involved in the medical field. There she was able to participate in various volunteer opportunities that inspired her to choose her profession. Now her goal is to change the world of medicine and raise it to a become a better one.

Encounter as Text

“Tirso De Molina” by Nazerke Aitmukhanbetova

Weeks of excitement about my Spain study abroad trip kept me awake at night, thinking of all the exciting sights that I am about to explore. Finally comes the moment when I board the plane, and 9 hours later, I land in beautiful country I have been dreaming about for months. Just seeing it from the height of a bird’s eye out of the airplane’s window, was immediately breathtaking. As my foot stepped on Spanish soil, I could not believe that it was happening to me. Hearing enchanting Spanish speech around me was so inspiring that I made a solid decision to start learning this incredible language on this trip. As I sat in a taxi, I could not take my eyes off the busy streets of Madrid, fascinatingly looking out of the window the whole ride to the hotel. I thought to myself, “my childhood dream has come true.” 

It is 6p.m. on the clock as I’m getting into the Metro Line 1. Having to take a bus to school throughout my childhood, I am quite used to public transport. The stop I am at is Tirso De Molina. Interestingly enough, the station has been available for use since December 26, 1921. Being curious by my nature, I read the origin of this station’s name prior to my departure.  I found out that this is the name of one of the famous Spanish poets, who was also a playwright of the Baroque era and a Roman Catholic monk. He was born in Madrid.  It was fascinating to find out he was also the one, who gave us the character Don Juan, who you can find out about through The Trickster of Seville and the Stone Gues. It is worthwhile to mention that the poet himself was one of the first who preferred an abundance of female protagonists in his novels.

As soon as I drive up to my station, I hear loud traditional music and see a lot of people mingling around, bright terracotta buildings, warm colors. Spanish summer has already established its presence here. Immediately upon leaving the station, I saw a statue, which I immediately realized was enlightened by the playwright. While walking around the station saw a lot of people, and a lot of welcoming cafes.  The most intriguing part for me was definitely passing through the streets and local houses, so beautifully maintained by their residents with great attention to the details. Undoubtedly, the best way to get to know the country is to start exploring the culture, the people that live there.

 It was nice to see many benches where one could sit down and enjoy breathtaking Madrid. That is exactly what I chose to do, taking a minute to myself, letting this city enchant me with its magic, enjoying the present and cherishing that very moment life has presented me with. There are many different residences that you may see, and each one offers a unique history. The street itself has an exceptional auras of cozy warmth given that there aren’t any towering buildings or modern constructions. I hear conversations  over tea at restaurants in the area.

Madrid as Text

“Living off sangria and siestas” by Nazerke Aitmukhanbetova

Every trip that I have had in my life benefits me tremendously by rebooting my brain and making me take a fresh look at life and people around me. Unquestionably, one of the most memorable trips of my life was the one in Madrid. Before coming to Spain, I consulted with many people who have already seen the beauty of Europe, and everyone unanimously agreed on how their lives changed after visiting colorful Spain.   

My personal Renaissance era started after visiting Madrid. Interestingly enough, my cultural vision seemed to have been revived and changed drastically in a very positive way. The Renaissance was revolutionary for the history of art in the same way as my trip to Spain was revolutionary for my identity and personality. The scope of such big changes in Europe is huge, especially in the Renaissance era. Spain was the change in my cultural outlook that I was so desperately looking for.  

We visited the Museo Nacional del Prado Museum. I contemplated many Renaissance paintings and was able to comprehend that all the historical events that took place on the territory of modern Europe led to big changes in the rethinking of culture and art. Similarly, it also happened in my life. Madrid is simply sublime: food, people, art, museums, architecture.  

As soon as I entered the Prado Museum, my curious mind could not let go of the idea of name origin. Soon I found out that it means “museum of the meadow”. Having seen a plethora of breathtaking art pieces, the most memorable one that comes to my mind is “The Garden of Earthly Delights”. This work of art was created and brought to us by the Early Dutch master Hieronymus Bosch. The first thing that came to my mind was that this museum boasts not only collections of the best paintings in the world, but also the storage of extremely fragile art. At home in Kazakhstan, I rarely get to see some of the rarest paintings the World has to offer, so my appreciation of what I saw was very genuine. My thoughts led me to realize how grateful and lucky I am to be in that moment. The next piece of art that impressed and surprised me is “La Maja Desnuda” by Cuadro de Francisco de Goya. Just imagine what a scandalous picture this was in the 19th century, depicting nudity of a woman in such pose. I also really like the image techniques in this painting of large strokes, and light and shadow. The very look of the girl gently invites the viewer to contemplate her. These paintings were made when society was not ready for female nudity, because then body was depicted only in mythology.  

I can also compare my arrival with the book “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. After all, in one week we have already visited 3 cities and that Friday we are going to another one. For me, it’s like I’m walking a whole path to greater awareness in the arts and in the culture of Spain, all thanks to an amazing opportunity presented to me by FIU Honors and my Professor.

Segovia

Segovia was our first trip, and I have to admit, I had no idea what a breathtaking beauty was awaiting me. As a cherry on top, it was my birthday celebration on that day , so I had an amazing mood going for this trip. Filled with intense emotions ranging from excitement and anticipation to pure and genuine happiness, my journey to Segovia began. 

The first landmark that greeted our group was a wall, which age is staggering 2000 years. It reminded me of a gate that was awaiting for our arrival. Interestingly enough, during our visit to the city, I found out that  Jews, Muslims and Romans visited this city and each religion has left its mark in this city.

 During my visit I learned that Juan Bravo, a leader who opposed Charles V, has a bronze statue dedicated for his bravery in leading in the War of the towns of Castile. This big revolution happened in 1520 and 1521. The statue itself speaks of his courage as he holds the flag of freedom and looks confidently forward, which gives goosebumps to the spectators. Unfortunately, he failed to bring this uprising to success, and was beheaded. 

 I also have a monument to Juan Bravo imprinted in my head. Later on, I discovered that theatre was named in his honor.  For me, it says that the people living here have not just a history,  but can also fight for their freedom. In the city itself, I see a lot of mudejar and Romanian style. I noticed a lot of arches in the city that reminded me of an Islamic mosque, which gave me a sweet feeling of my home – Kazakhstan.

            The next place was something that you would see only in Spain. After all, I had never seen such art anywhere else. It was Catedral de Segovia. For me, the most memorable part was to see the work of Cristo Fernandes “dead Christ”. Such a detailed and painstaking work was done by the artist on it. The work is very accurate, you can see the pain and heavy emotions looking at the body of the Christ. In this work, the naturalist shows the pain and craving that Jesus went through. The work on this art is very demanding and painstaking. Fingernails made of bull’s horn were used to show a realistic body. Also in this work, the polychromy technique is used very carefully and beautifully. Streets bright and beautiful. When I went to explore more local parts of Segovia. I was impressed by the main area of the city, there is so much culture and art together. Plaza Mayor is an archetectural work that amaze me because you can immediately notice the renaissance influence. The location looks like a favorite spot of the locals, it is filled with a lot of cute cafes and colorful buildings.

            In conclusion, our trip to Segovia, will always have a special place in my heart. I will cherish these memories and Spain study abroad forever.

Andalucia

Each story begins with “once upon a time”. For example, once we were young children who were just learning to walk and speak our first words, and this was the beginning of our story. Every person has a story, and every place has some kind of memory. For me, Andalucia will leave its story in my life that will allow me to say “Once upon a time I visited Andalucia”. 

            Cordoba’s Mosque-Cathedral is a very interesting place that incorporates Islam and Christianity. This place made it clear to me that everyone “must see”. In the past, I mentioned how Spain is a bright and  truly beautiful corner of this planet. But it also has a special history that is simply not possible to imagine anywhere. I have not contemplated any place like this, where the Renaissance juxtaposes with Islamic art. This place caused me different and mixed emotions. It was as if I had passed several centuries in one hour in one place. The reason for that is the change of religions in Spain, which influenced the art and culture tremendously. Also, this place is very different from all the cathedrals that we visited. Interestingly enough, the direction for performing Prayer was not on the side of Mecca in the South. I noticed a lot of beautiful mosaic decoration works. Also, of course, it is extremely important to mention the ceiling and the height of the building, which is simply stunning and makes you think of  how it was possible to build such a artisanal masterpiece. 

            For me, as a Muslim myself, this place evokes different emotions like greatness and beauty of this place is impossible to unsee.  But the fact that it was changed makes me think about the oppression of Muslims. On the other hand, if it would not be changed, it would be destroyed completely. Modification has been going on for centuries in culture, in language, and in architecture. Absolutely everywhere and this is also part of the story that goes through life with us. And of course it is not surprising that this historic place has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984. The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba was built by the Emir Abd al-Rahman I. Because of the dimensions it is one of the largest mosques in the world. The epoch, culture, and faith were changing in these ancient walls.  Royals and ordinary people entered through these doors. I agree that this place is great, but I should admit that it’s a little cruel to see it. 

Just as with everything and everyone in life, this story started with “once upon a time” it was a Mosque,  and now it is the Cathedral.

Nazerke Aitmukhanbetova is a sophomore majoring in Health Service Administration and minoring in biology at Florida International University. She is very passionate about art, painting, cooking and learning new languages. Growing up in Kazakhstan, she always had the inclination to help others as a result of her family who is greatly involved in the medical field. There she was able to participate in various volunteer opportunities that inspired her to choose her profession. Now her goal is to change the world of medicine and raise it to a become a better one.

Encounter as Text

I am very thankful to my parents for instilling in me at an early age the value of traveling and exploring the world. By the time I turned 18, I have been to 6 of the 7 world continents. However, I haven’t had a chance to travel to Spain. The moment I saw Spain study abroad program announcement through honors college, I decided to seize this opportunity. I am so enthusiastic to travel all over Spain, explore every corner of it, taste real Spanish Gazpacho and Salmorejo, listen to the traditional flamenco, explore its unique culture that experienced 800 years of Arabic influence beginning the 8^th century, and practice my broken Spanish.

Also, I like the way this program is structured. I am truly fascinated to take the class before going to Spain, prepare for the trip in advance. Throughout the semester, we have field trips,  talk about important aspects of Spain and its history, things we should be aware of upon arrival.  And in my opinion, in order for the trip to be perfectly successful, you need to prepare very well for it – learn about the best places and historically understand where you are, because when you know you already have a store of knowledge about a certain place, then studying it is much more informative. Also, I enjoy working with our Professor, who truly cares about us, the students and makes me so passionate about coming into class every Friday.

I am extremely motivated for this class and for our trip. Although, I am not going to lie – I’m a little worried about class tests and quizzes. For me, tests for certain books have always been a little difficult. But I also know that I have a strong work ethics and that I am hardworking and it is not in my nature to give up. I am here to work on my weak points and change them. That is the part of learning, after all, isn’t it?

Usually, flamenco and bullfighting come to mind when people hear the word “Spain”. But I have studied a lot about Spain all my life and have always been interested in it, for example, I am very fascinated by tapas, paella, gazpacho, the Prado Museum or the Sagrada Familia. According to one version, the name of the country (España) goes back to the word Hispania, which in Phoenician meant “land of rabbits”. Which is really a very interesting fact. Also I am madly interested in the art of Picasso and I know that one of his paintings “Guernica”, painted in 1937, can be seen in the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid. This picture is very rare because it speaks of the horrors of war and its length is almost eight meters. I have never been to Spain but I cant wait to explore it and learn about some other aspects of it that ordinary tourists don’t know about i really want to meet the locals.

Being born in Kazakhstan, I am Muslim. I am thrilled to explore Arabic influence on Spanish culture. As Syllabus states, we are going to visit Cordoba, the city where the Great Mosque is located.

I often like to look at different landscape photos and one day I came across a beautiful landscape with beautiful water and beautiful houses. Later I found out that this is the Costa Brava in Catalonia. And this place seemed so unusual to me. Nature has created a true paradise here. The coastline is generously indented with small bays, and the economic unattractiveness of the area has left intact the pristine landscapes, preventing ports and moorings from forming there. There are many cozy small towns on the territory of the resort, which are smoothly located one after another. And I have a great desire to see this beauty in real life.

Transatlantic Exchange as Text

“I am, indeed, the product of transatlantic exchange.” Nazerke Aitmukhanbetova of FIU

February 14. 2023

All the material I have read and mastered so far was extremely soul-touching and tremendously impressive. I would like to first mention the Colombian exchange: the greatest era of exploration, change and intercontinental exchange in culture, faith, food, language, flora and fauna, customs and traditions the world has ever seen. It all started with the people from the Old World embarking on a journey to the New world, which brought the discovery of potatoes, tomatoes, cocoa etc. Presently, these are the foods we use on every day basis, thanks to the Columbian exchange. However, the cultures got destroyed and violated as much as they got enriched.

The past beats inside me like a second heart.

John Banville

In this blog, I find it essential to talk about the book I have read recently, “Chronicle of the Narvarez Expedition,” which showcases the cultural exchange. In order to travel to and conquer the region known in Spanish as La Florida, Pánfilo de Narváez gathers an expedition in Spain. In the book, you can often notice how Cabeza de Vaca describes the innovations seen in the New World. He was mind-blown: being there for 6 years, he was surprised by everything he learned from there. I was also really struck by the moment that indigenous people made him a doctor, and showed the different kind of medicine they used. It was interesting the way they cut around the wound and breathed there. I also observed a similar scene in the movie “Apocalypto”: one of the Indians had a swelling bruise under his eye, which affected his vision. His father made an incision, which facilitated in clearing the swelling. This movie left a great impression on me: the struggle for your child, the desire to save for your people, and how the war changed the regular Jaguar Paw hunters.

Nevertheless, I also can see the angle the director, Gibson, of this film wanted to produce it. He created in a way that enabled horror in the watcher’s mind through the various shots of the Mayan civilization. One can see how the director pictured a form of narcissism with the way in which the natives like the modern Western civilization, would leave their victim’s corpses out on the field. From the way they spoke to the actions the natives’ displayed, on can see that like the Spainards they felt invincible. One of the writers of the movie, F.

Safina, says that the dilemmas that the natives seen in the film, the Mayas, are present in today’s society. So, when one looks at the fall of the Mayans, their cause of death, it is remarkably like many of the problems in today’s culture surrounding the idea of arrogance.

Photograph taken by Aruzhan Tleuva in Kazakhstan, Almaty /CC by 4.0

Speaking of myself, I am an international student. I, myself am an exchange of cultures. I often tell local people from Miami about my customs and traditions. For example, eating horse meat is a completely normal thing to me, but when I tell my American friends about it, they find it jaw-dropping. I moved from Kazakhstan first to New York, then to Miami. One thing that struck me immediately after I got out of the airport and sat in my Uber, is the strength of Spanish influence. My driver was a great example of that. Spanish language and culture found a sanctuary, home away from home here in Miami. As a person, who was always fascinated by Spanish culture and language, I found the best city in the United States to live in!

Moving a thousand miles away from my home in Central Asia, here I am, five centuries after this monumental historical event occurred, in Miami, writing an essay about it. I am, indeed, the product of transatlantic exchange.

Deering Estate as Text

“Diving in to the past” Nazerke Aitmukhanbetova of FIU

February 14. 2023

Photograph taken by Nazerke Aitmukhanbetova of Deering Estate /CC by 4.0

With great fascination and tremendous awe, I walked onto the grounds of the Deering Estate and Stone House. As soon as we entered the premises and observed its beautiful nature, the path with tall trees greeted me and lured me into the sumptuous estate. The house we toured took my breath away: vintage yet chic design with exquisite and rich colors that illustrates the magic of the 20th century. Arches, crafted in Islamic architectural style that circumvent the windows, drew my attention. I have always been very interested in Eastern architecture. It is so interesting to see these motifs being used in American architecture of the 20th century, which speaks for itself to how people exchange cultures all around the world. Moreover, the fact that American people were inspired by Moorish Architecture serves as proof of Americans being developed, creative, and inspired by the Islamic World. Also, after visiting Deering Estate, I began to study similar architectural features in Spain: it was intriguing to find out that the mosque of Ibn Adabbas in Seville has a lot of similar arches, all enticingly beautiful and neat. 

Another thing that made an unforgettable impression on me is the underground wine cellar, which was precisely hidden and carefully locked by a large and heavy door with tricky locks as if it was made for a bank vault. This part of the Stone House looked very mysterious, and to be honest, it gave me goosebumps as I walked down the stairs. Turns out Charles Deering was a fine wine collector during the Prohibition Era on wine and liquor. According to Deering Estate Sign, he had many connections that allowed him to keep such alcohol in his home. On the tour I learned that when the archaeologists found this wine cellar, they had a problem opening the locks for several days. Well… after contemplating these locks in person, I am not surprised. However, as soon as they succeeded, it was discovered that all the alcohol was destroyed, with not a single bottle surviving after all these years of Deering meticulously collecting his alcohol. This wine cellar was immense and vast. It is mind-blowing to realize how much quality wine was carefully hidden in the basement of this house during the Era of Prohibition and its strictly enforced laws.

In conclusion, I would like to mention that it is with great enjoyment and sincere interest that I attended this field trip, learning so many exciting new facts about Florida and how it was influenced by Spanish culture. There are so many hidden gems that not even locals know of. Even though I am an international student that moved here only a year ago, I want to explore every corner of this state in connection to this class and Spanish culture. This being my first field trip, I am thrilled for the ones upcoming!

Photograph taken by Nazerke Aitmukhanbetova /CC by 4.0

History that we need to know

Historic Miami by Nazerke Aitmukhanbetova of FIU

We are not makers of history. We are made by history.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

That day I found out about Miami, and its art scene was the best one in my life. The very first day I discovered it was when my parents brought me to Art Basel after graduating high school. As a person who used to go to art school and work at an art gallery in my hometown in Kazakhstan, I genuinely appreciate art and artistic expression. Therefore, this time that we went to downtown Miami, it was breathtaking to me to see the art and the history of Miami.

 What I noticed during my life in Miami, people have yet to talk about what kind of history it has. But everyone says what a crazy life this city can give you. Just a few hours during the walk through downtown Miami during Espana Study Abroad class gave me more historical Florida than I have gotten in two years of living here. The following paragraphs will outline three landmarks of Miami that impressed me the most. 

 I want to start with the fact that there are many beautiful places around downtown Miami where you can have breakfast. A lot of them are at affordable prices as well. Our walk started at the GOVERNMENT CENTER. And of course, the first thing you can pay attention to is how enormous this building is. Which in my opinion, speaks of its greatness and power. Then we went through and saw a fascinating installation, “DROPPED BOWL WITH SCATTERED SLICES AND PEELS”, created by Pop Art collaborators Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. I believe this installation represents two Florida symbols: oranges and chaos. 

Photograph taken by Nazerke Aitmukhanbetova /CC by 4.0

I appreciate it with all my heart that I have an opportunity to live and study in Miami meanwhile exploring its beautiful art scene during one of my favorite classes at FIU. For me, Miami is always associated with modern art. And in the scattered oranges, I saw.  

The next part of our walking class was this charming WAGNER FAMILY HOMESTEAD house that represents a long and fascinating history of discrimination that took place in the 19th century. It was built by the mixed couple William Wagner, a German immigrant, and Eveline Aimar, a French-Creole immigrant. During the downtown walking class last week, the Professor mentioned that the son of this couple was killed on racial grounds. Being a minority race in America and sometimes facing discrimination myself, it was heartbreaking to hear this story because I can relate to it myself. 

Photograph taken by Nazerke Aitmukhanbetova /CC by 4.0

Another place that impressed me during our walking class is Henry Flagler Monument. I am not going to lie. I have heard this name every time I go back to my apartment after visiting my friends in downtown Miami: there is a road named after him. During the class, I learned both amazing and horrible things about this person. As much of the positive impact he had on Miami with bringing the first railroad, it is tremendously important to recognize his negative influence in creating a segregated colored town. In conclusion, the walking class made me value the freedom and liberty of the current time. I am incredibly thankful to this class and my Professor for making me realize the deep and meaningful history of such a fantastic town as Miami.

Photograph taken by Nazerke Aitmukhanbetova /CC by 4.0

Magic Realism

“Magic in literature” by Nazerke Aitmukhanbetova of FIU

Magic Realism is a genre in literature and art, which integrates supernatural details as well as sensational events into otherwise realistic narratives, blurring the line between the two worlds. After reading a few books of this genre during this class, I outlined two essential and definitive elements from similar genres like fantasy: realistic setting and magical elements. Concerns related to cultural identity, egalitarianism, and the spiritual world are commonly addressed in these books. Several well-known writers, including Salman Rushdie, Isabel Allende, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez, have incorporated magic Realism into their writing. Magic Realism is a popular and thought-provoking art form among readers and critics. 

Going back to its origins in the Americas, particularly in Latin America, Magic Realism emerged as a significant literary movement in the 1940s and 1950s. Latin America’s cultural, religious, and social traditions have resulted in a distinct blend of reality and fantasy, as evidenced by the region’s literature. Such genre has been frequently created to make a political or socioeconomic point. Many Latin American novelists have used this literary technique to discover the aspects of their societies, such as economic hardship, unequal distribution, and political persecution.

There are many unique works of literature where we can easily recognize Magic Realism, such as “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle” by Haruki Murakami and “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Diaz, or world-renowned “Harry Potter” by

Funny enough, since my early childhood, I have been a huge fan of Harry Potter, yet to be honest, I have never thought that this is an example of magic Realism as well: Muggles live a normal life, but their world is connected to the one of Wizards. I haven’t known about the existence of such a genre before reading the book “100 Years Of Solitude,” written by Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez. This book is a real masterpiece, which immersed me in a special magical world, developing my imagination. The novel does an exceptional job of blurring the boundaries between the real and magical, frequently employing richly imaginative and artistic language with the purpose of depicting a surreal world that is both knowledgeable and dreamy. I devoured this book in a heartbeat: a world that is so familiar yet so strange with the presence of ghosts (Buendía family’s ancestors), prophetic dreams that foresee the future (we see it when Remedios the Beauty dreams about a white moth, which symbolically represents her own death), levitation, time travel, and telekinesis. All these elements are a part of normal life in the city of Macondo, which is both tremendously fascinating and extremely spine-chilling at the same time. Magic Realism may be enchanting and strongly innovative for some readers, but it may be concerting or disorienting for others. It is eventually up to the reader to decide how they feel about Magic Realism, but genuinely speaking, I have had a great time exploring this genre.

            It is tremendously important to mention that Magic Realism can be observed not only in literature but also in art as a style that juxtaposes realistic and fantastic elements. Leonora Carrington’s paintings also implement Magical Realism. Carrington was a British-Mexican surrealist artist who was famous for combining illusion, fairytales, and personal imagery in her work. Her work frequently incorporates mythical creatures and vivid natural landscapes, which easily grab a viewer’s attention and put one in complete enchantment.

            As a matter of fact, this genre is very varied and can be seen in many ways. However, I understand it as a symbol of life in which the material world, objective reality, retains its specific real appearance while acquiring some otherworldly, transcendental meaning that lies beyond every day, a rationally comprehensible system of measures.

In conclusion, I am thankful to the people of Latin America for creating such a special genre as Magical Realism in literature and art. I am thankful to this class for introducing me to it as well. By nature, I love the challenge, so exploring perceptions of reality through the lens of ambiguity, allegory, and symbolism allows me to engage with these texts on a deeper level of understanding. This, in turn, pushes me to the world in a completely new and surprisingly different way. My adventurous nature as an explorer inspired me to take this study abroad class and go to Spain and explore a foreign country. This exact same nature inspires me to explore the foreign world of Magic Realism.

Vizcaya

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”

Edgar Degas

Vizcaya Miami is a historic estate located in Miami, Florida, and is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. 

Vizcaya is a unique and intriguing name,  which I’m not used to hearing all quite often. The first thing that comes to my mind when I hear it is a city of great beauty – Venice. Speaking by my first impression, it will be something from Europe.  The stunning Italian Renaissance-style mansion, with its ornate architecture and elaborate gardens, is a testament to the grandeur and luxury of the Gilded Age. As soon as I stepped my foot on the premises, I immediately felt tremendous fascination by the trees around, which lure you to see a pure hidden gem behind them. 

James Deering definitely knew how to attract attention to this villa. Back in 1912, he began building this beautiful villa, which completely allows you to immerse yourself in a special luxury, exquisite design and construction, and wealth that says how he wanted to showcase. Interestingly enough, he acquired this area from Mary Brickell. He hired Paul Chalfin, whose artistic talent quickness turned such an area into Europe far from Europe. Even the fact that he arranged an opening party in the theme of Italian peasants tells me how much he wanted to demonstrate the guests the European style. It is mind – blowing to realize how much he cared for this house that he was willing to fly people in to work on it, bring unique and antique pieces of art all the way across the ocean to have it in his collection. His passion for art and architecture, which is represented by Vizcaya, is definitely seen now over the years. One can only imagine what it was like for the attendees to see this for the first time: Italy and the Mediterranean style. There are so many aesthetic statues throughout the villa personifying how well versed Deering was a big fan of mythology and history. Each part of this beautiful estate seems to speak about the character of the owner. I remember on the window glass it was written “J’at dit” which means “I have spoken” which just screams for me – I did it.  

As a person with a big appreciation for art, I have noticed several pieces of Italian Renaissance era. Some of the most notable pieces in the collection include a bronze statue of Hercules, an 18th-century Italian secretary, and a pair of 17th-century Venetian mirrors.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Vizcaya estate is the attention to detail that went into every aspect of its design. The appearance of every room, every piece of furniture and musical instruments was so antique. Although the garden, which seemed like everyone’s secret love place, was my favorite. Every little component is thought out by architects. Looking at the garden, I can only imagine how magical it was to walk through it in the 20th century. 

In conclusion, the Vizcaya Miami is a remarkable testament to the grandeur and luxury of the Gilded Age. Its stunning architecture, elaborate gardens, and impressive collection of art and decorative objects make it one of the most significant cultural landmarks in Miami. Overall, Vizcaya visit was an out of this world experience, which will always stay in my heart.

Behind the scenes of the theater

Miami España as Text By Aitmukhanbetova Nazerke of FIU

In my opinion, theater is one of the most difficult forms of  arts. Indeed, it combines literature, acting, and music. In order to make a high-quality performance, it takes a tremendous effort from a large number of people, and the success of the performance depends on every individual. First of all, some sample of literature is taken as a basis: the text is one component, and acting on stage is a completely different one. Then, the magic happens when the producer’s imagination comes into play – he sees the whole action from a certain angle and he must convey his vision to the actors and the viewers as well. 

I want to begin by saying there is a plethora of  contrasts between theaters in Spain and theaters in America.  Both Spain and the United States have a lengthy history of theater yet their artistic traditions are very diverse.  Theater has an extensive history in Spain, going back to the medieval period. Interestingly enough, it encompasses many types of show art such as flamenco and puppetry. In contrast, theatrical art in the United States has its origins in European theatrical traditions, but it has evolved into a distinct and innovative art form over time.

The disparities in theater are also influenced by the languages and cultures of the two nations. It is worth noticing that the majority of theatrical performances in Spain are in Spanish or Catalan, and they frequently touch on the country’s cultural and political heritage.  Whereas the performances in the United States are typically performed in English and represent the country’s numerous heritages as well as contemporary social problems.   

Also, the genre differs for historical reasons as well: Spanish theater performs a  broad plays in terms of genre, encompassing drama, comedy, and musicals. On the other hand, musical theater is a particularly popular genre in the United States, with numerous classic and modern musicals being performed on Broadway and other theaters across the country.

  In terms of the audience,  Spain is generally more mature and may have a greater degree of education than the average theatergoer in the United States. Furthermore, in Spain, going to the theater is frequently regarded as a nice cultural activity, whereas in the United States, it is regarded as a kind of entertainment for people of all ages.

In many theaters in Spain, you can see the fascinating Flamengo dance. These fantastic dances, which encompass the movement of the legs, and are incredibly breathtaking. Great attention is also focused on the grace of the movement, and also the mimicry of the tanuor conveying emotions in which you can notice both sadness and passion and tenderness. This art emerged in the theater of Spain in 500-250 BC, when Indian dancers arrived in Spain through the port of Gadir to entertain the royalty. Almost 1000 years later, the Moors came, as well as the Gypsies, who brought with them dance styles from Pakistan and Persia, which significantly enriched the already existing Andalusian styles.

It is important to notice the racial aspect of Spanish/Latino theatre as well. Due to the inaccurate portrayal of Latino people in works like “West Side Story”, which was authored by non-Latino artists, concerns regarding racial stereotyping and prejudice have emerged. Controversies also surround the issue of casting of non-Latino actors in Latino theatrical roles. Latino people and cultures are typically represented on stage as being aggressive, competitive, exotic, and resistant to change. Many people view the musical West Side Story as an example of Puerto Rican stereotypes. The reason for that is because this musical served as the foundation for a lot of later racist discourse about Latinos in general.

Talking from my personal experience, I was fortunate enough to live in the city with a vibrant theatre scene. Each time I would go with my family to see a new play, it was an adventure. I remember explicitly the exact day when I went to the theater for the first time, which was  March 8, International Women’s Day. I saw the “Nutcracker,” which impressed me with elaborate costumes, fantastic acting and soaring music. Funny enough, I wanted to become an actress at some point, making my parents watch my acting with siblings. Theatre visits would make me realize how much I love strong female characters. I also remember my mom and I going to a wonderful performance of Don Quixote in my town. I remember seeing big curtains and a hall that looked very antique. The performance itself was beautiful. Looking back, theatre shaped me as a person and my worldviews in countless ways.It taught me about empathy and imagination, the importance of storytelling. I came out filled with love, and I immediately realized what a theater in Europe could be. I have always wanted to see a real European theater. After that experience, I started watching a lot of different videos of theaters in Spain. Their passion and love looked genuine on the stage of the theater. It seemed so unusual to me and then I immediately realized that Spain is a particularly creative place. Overall, I am very excited to explore Spanish theatre culture and learn more about it, which study abroad will gift me with. 

Departure as text

“Ready to travel” by Aitmukhanbetova Nazerke of FIU

From the very childhood I was fascinated by the Spanish culture, therefore, I was truly enthusiastic about taking this class. With utmost certainty I can tell that studying Spain and Spanish influence on Americas have changed my worldview dramatically. Most importantly, this course and multiple field trips that we had changed my vision for art and history, which have always been my favorite subjects. For example, when we visited the Vizcaya Museum, I felt as if I time traveled through several centuries, seeing how special is the art of Europe and how Deering appreciated it. This class helped me to imagine how beautiful and breathtaking Spain itself would be.

I enjoyed the Professor’s teaching style, which incorporated reading literature and watching movies, through which we explored the history. I was very impressed by the movie “The Libirator,” where Simon Bolivar is the leader of the struggle for the independence of the Spanish colonies in South America. He liberated Venezuela, New Granada, Ecuador from Spanish rule. His strength and courage were transmitted through every minute of the film. It gave me goosebumps after seeing the way the Spanish colonies wanted their freedom. Of course I was mind – blown by the character of Bolivar, who died for the struggle and told the world that he was not just a man from a good family: he convinced that he was a fighter for justice and a military man. This character gave me a vision of how the Spanish people know how to fight for their freedom. 

Comparing myself at the beginning of the class to myself today as we are getting close to the end of the semester, taking it was not only my best decision, but also became my new vision. Now I saw Spain differently. For me, it was a country that boasts a wonderful climate, excellent beaches and a warm sea, interesting sights, bright holidays and delicious cuisine. However, it addition to all these wonderful things, now I see it through a lens of vivid story, art that has seen the centenary of the world, literature where writers not only write but also express everything they can fight for. This class gave me an opportunity to feel and see Spain so much more in-depth than it is shown for tourists. It is worth noticing that this class also helped me to see Miami from the other side as well. Now I see how Coral Gables is a very European part of Florida, where many streets are named as in Europe.  Even the streets you walk through immerse you in a special time.  

I have loved dancing for as long as I can remember myself. From the age of 7, I was engaged in folk dances in Kazakhstan, and then I began to study ballet. I always knew about the beautiful Flamengo dance. I’ve always dreamed of seeing these special movements live. For me this Spanish performing, which signifies love and passion, is, in my opinion, a great art of motion that is both timeless and contemporary, since the intensity of love knows no time or dates.  This dance rises the heart and energizes the spirit, allowing you to express yourself through dancing. Flamenco is an amalgamation of dance, music, and vocal that is a very unique artistic style for me. Flamenco dancing is a beautiful, complex representation of passion reaching on crazy emotions of love. As a dancer and major fan of dancing, this is a huge reason for me to fall in love with this lovely culture.

In conclusion, this class has been nothing but great experience with great people. I am grateful to Honors College and our Professor for offering such a wonderful course, breaking it up for Spring when we study the” theory,” and Summer, where we get the “practice”. In the span of the semester, I have explored every aspect of Spain and its culture, which built up my excitement of visiting it even more. I can not wait to board the plane for a wonderful journey with wonderful people.