Jun 26, 2025 — Dr. John Poyzer: Spain (Part 1)

Bulletin for June 26, 2025

Featured Speaker: Dr. John Poyzer

The History, Architecture and Art of Spain — A Journey from Madrid to Barcelona

OPENING

Benny led the prayer for guidance and blessings. Cody led 'God Bless America' and Jeff led the Pledge of Allegiance.

"We enjoy today because of those who came before us; we leave our country better than we found it for those who come tomorrow."

— Robert E. Bush, U.S. Navy Medal of Honor, WWII

CLUB BUSINESS

• Board Barbecue: Saturday at Paula's house near Schriever at noon.

• Rodeo (July 9): Ticket price $54, parking $20, shuttle service 4 PM–midnight.

• Christmas Party: Peel House considered (lovely, but members must set up/clean up and alcohol is limited). Alternatives: Patty Jewett, Valley Hi, Hotel Polaris.

• Harrison School Tour: Dr. Birnhanzel (superintendent of the year) invited members to tour — consensus is to visit during the fall when school is in session.

• Green Box Arts Festival: Club outing being arranged.

• Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Builds: Mike Cimino announced upcoming dates; members checking availability.

• Community Recognition: Dana's weekly quote honored U.S. Navy veterans; all military members were recognized and applauded.

KEYNOTE: DR. JOHN POYZER — A TOUR OF SPAIN

Dr. John Poyzer holds a Ph.D. and has a background in electrical engineering, industrial management, and applied mathematics, including 3 years as a junior naval officer, 4 years on Iowa's engineering faculty, and 33 years at IBM. He shared highlights from a 2-week group trip to Spain in October 2024, organized by Chuck Benson with 16 participants, resulting in a 430-slide show.

Spain at a Glance

Spain occupies ~85% of the Iberian Peninsula, with 48.5 million people, 17 autonomous communities, and 50 provinces. It hosted 94 million visitors last year — one-eighth of its entire economy.

Historical Overview

Roman conquest, Moorish rule from 711 AD, Christian reconquest ending in 1492, Golden Age (1500–1600), civil war (1936–1939, 500,000+ deaths), Franco dictatorship, then democracy in 1977. Modern challenges include unemployment and regional autonomy movements in Catalonia and the Basque region.

City Highlights

• Madrid: 6.6 million people, Gran Via hotel, the Prado art museum, Royal Palace with 2,800 rooms (only 30–50 open to tourists).

• Segovia: Roman aqueduct — 2,500 ft long, 100 ft high, 24,000 granite blocks, no mortar, still functional until the 1800s. Plus a 1577 cathedral and the Alcázar Castle.

• Toledo: 2,500-year history with Roman, Jewish, Visigoth, and Christian layers. Cathedral built 1226–1493 with five aisles, significant art, and a unique skylight.

• Córdoba: Mezquita Mosque built over 200 years, with unique horseshoe arches and a Catholic cathedral built inside.

• Seville: Narrow old streets, the Metropol Parasol (largest wooden structure in the world), and Christopher Columbus's tomb — DNA confirmed parts of him are there.

• Ronda: A ravine separating Christian and Muslim sides; a 10th-century bullring that seats 4,000 (bullfighting ended due to the structure sinking).

• Granada: The Alhambra, begun in 1238 — a UNESCO Heritage Site and masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The Granada Cathedral was built over a mosque.

• Barcelona: Gaudí's Sagrada Familia (still under construction; one of the world's most visited sites) and Park Güell.

"El que lee mucho y anda mucho, ve mucho y sabe mucho. (He who reads much and travels much, sees much and knows much.)"

— Miguel de Cervantes

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