LITERARY PÍCAROS AND PÍCARAS AND THEIR TRAVELS IN EARLY MODERN SPAIN

Accommodations and expenses

Each participant will receive a stipend of $3,300. Given the current exchange rate and prices in Spain, the stipend will not cover all the costs of the trip and you will therefore need to supplement it from other resources; we suggest that you calculate from $2,500 to $3,000 for additional program-related expenses. You might consider also requesting a subsidy from your school administration, local Rotary Club, or other institution. Applicants should note that the NEH will not give supplements to cover expenses beyond the regular stipend.

We recommend that you book your flights as early as possible to obtain a good airfare, since we will be traveling during high season. Please note that all participants are required to fly on U.S.-owned and/or operated airlines. (As an example, American Airlines operates the flights on Iberia Airlines from several U.S. cities). Participants will be responsible for travel within Madrid, which has an excellent metro system extending to the Barajas airport. The metro and buses in the city are safe and inexpensive means of transportation. The NEH Program budget will cover transportation costs to towns outside Madrid, as well as most museum entries.

Participants will be housed in the equivalent of two to three-star hotels. Each hotel has been chosen for its central location and, whenever possible, for its historic charm. Because hotels vary from city to city, we cannot guarantee an equal level of comfort; some hotel rooms may seem small in comparison to more exclusive hotels. It may be necessary to share a room with a colleague in some cities to lower the cost of hotels.

Summers in Spain are usually warm to very hot and dry, especially in Sevilla. Although hotels are air-conditioned, participants should dress in light clothes that can be easily laundered. Shoes should be low heeled and comfortable for walking. Sunblock, sunglasses, and hats are highly recommended. Visits to churches require appropriate dress code. Because we will be visiting the medieval sites of various cities, where cars are not allowed, there will be considerable walking and stairs involved, often in hot weather. Participants should take this into consideration when applying.

The cost of food in Spain varies widely, depending on whether you snack at cafes, purchase food in grocery stores, or dine at full-service restaurants. Some hotels may have small kitchenettes that allow for some food preparation. One of the joys of traveling in Spain, however, is to savor the regional specialties, so you should budget accordingly if you wish to try fixed-price menus or prefer gourmet meals with vintage wines. Spaniards lunch and dine late: lunch hours are from 2 to 4, and restaurants do not usually open for dinner until 9:00 pm. Sandwiches and light snacks (tapas and raciones), such as Spanish tortilla, cheese, meatballs, sausages, calamari, and grilled shrimp are available in many picturesque bars and tascas or small restaurants throughout the day. A favorite pastime is to share tapas and cool drinks in the evening at the terrazas, the many outdoor tables that line sidewalks in summer. Vegetarians should be aware that vegetarian meals are not always readily available in Spain, and Vegans will find it very difficult if not impossible to keep to their diet.