We started this morning with one of the most interesting on-site visits so far. We visited a company called Tekniker. Tekniker is an innovative company that works on cutting-edge technology, fostering bright new ideas, and helping young minds get started on leading the next generation of invention. Their facilities were so impressive. The compound had to be bigger than Benedum, and it was loaded with expensive machinery and a great work environment. They even have it kitted out with a cafe, gym, and climbing wall. Honestly, it was fantastic.

After we finished up at Tekniker, we got changed into our athletic clothes and headed to the painted forest. We met up with Mangel, and as we started up the 3-mile trail, I was able to have a great conversation with her about her life and her family. She is very smart, and I was able to take away some amazing things from this conversation.

The trail ended up being way muddier than expected. By the time we got to the top, all of our shoes were caked in mud. Luckily, we were able to sit at the top of the hill and enjoy a nice lunch break before going to enjoy the beautiful views in the painted forest. We knocked out the forest section of the hike way quicker than I expected, and along the way, we saw some really creative artwork. I felt really in touch with nature by the end of it. Then we started our 3-mile trek down the hill.

After we finished the hike, we got on the bus to ride to Gernika, a place I didn’t know much about before this trip. Honestly, this became one of my favorite things I learned about on the trip. Mangel taught us about the German bombings during the Spanish Civil War and how Hitler and Mussolini used it as a prototype for attacking Central Europe. The worst part about it, though, wasn’t the fact that Franco gave the city to the Germans; it was the fact that the Germans attacked during a market and maximized casualties. Only 8 buildings remained standing after the bombings. The only 8 to have been housing National Socialist Loyalists/Soldiers.

I absolutely love learning about history, especially World War II, so this really struck me hard. The emotions I was able to feel from visiting this place were deeper than anything else I had felt on the trip up to this point, and will most likely feel on the rest of the trip. After we were finished at Gernika, we also had to face a heartfelt goodbye with Mangel, one of the favorite people I have met here in Spain. Maybe our paths will cross again someday.

I am sad to only have one day left!