Spain is a country of diverse landscapes, climates, peoples and cultures, forged over the centuries into a political unity. Physically separated from the rest of Europe by the Pyrenees mountain chain, Spain also found itself isolated internationally during General Francisco Franco's dictatorship (1939-75). Since Franco's death, however, and with the restoration of its monarchy, Spain has regained its place politically, economically and culturally within mainstream Europe. But despite the rate of progress, many aspects of life remain untouched, and Spain still retains much of its traditional character.

While in Spain, our Penn State group took an excursion to Toledo and Ávila, and I had the opportunity to travel to several different towns and cities on the weekends. What follows are some of the photos of my travels around Spain during my stay there. I hope you enjoy seeing them as much as I enjoyed taking them!