Sevilla’s Andalusian History & Culture

Kimberly L. Winters is a longtime Virginia educator with experience spanning curriculum support and mentorship. Having traveled extensively in locales from China to the Dominican Republic, Kimberly L. Winters has her sights set on exploring Europe’s cultural sights.

A historical destination in Spain’s Andalusia region, Sevilla is the country’s fourth largest city. The vibrant metropolis has roots extending to Hispalis, a Roman settlement founded on the Guadalquivir river in the 8th century AD. Within a century, the region was under control of Moors from North Africa, and this period lasted through the 13th century. One unique remnant of this period is the Real Alcazar, a Moorish fort of intricate tile work, soaring arches and columns, and tranquil gardens, which was ultimately converted into a palace.

Another unique sight is the Plaza de Espana, which was conceived nearly a century ago for the Ibero-American Expo and stands as one of the landmark city squares of Europe. Among the exceptional landmarks, in Renaissance Revival and Mudejar architectural styles, are the Teatro Lope de Vega and the Hotel Alfonso XIII. The adjacent Maria Luisa park houses a renowned archeology museum that explores the pre-history of the region.

Sevilla is also known for its vibrant live flamenco music and dance performances at storied venues such as El Palacio Andaluz Tablao El Arenal. The charming Triana neighborhood houses intimate flamenco venues, as well as tapas and wine bars, with one preferred destination being the Museo del Baile Flamenco.

 

How Habitat Fragmentation Increases Virus Transmission Risks

Kimberly L. Winters is a Virginia based educator with an extensive background in areas such as reading and language instruction. Passionate about nature, Kimberly L. Winters enjoys visiting national parks and supports efforts to protect the environment.

With SARS-coronaviruses originating from wildlife, one major issue brought to light by COVID-19 is the connection between habitat destruction and the emergence of new infectious diseases. Researchers from New Zealand’s Massey University have charted this connection, linking human-driven tropical forest fragmentation and the emergence of the disease caused by the Ebola virus.

A similar study involved satellite data analysis of bat populations and locations in which forest cover, as well as domestic animal and human densities, were rapidly shifting. High-risk areas with recently fragmented forest cover included the region of China south of Shanghai, as well as the northern Philippines and Japan. These regions represent hotspots in which people and livestock are likely to have contact with wildlife, in particular the bats that act as hosts for Sars-related viruses.

These findings were reinforced by University of California researchers who undertook a comprehensive look at 142 viruses known to “spillover” from animals to people. Risks ranged from "zoonotic" viruses shared with domesticated animals, to wild animals that had adapted well to environments now dominated by humans. 

Benefits of Participating in the Sport of Archery

Kimberly L. Winters works in the field of education in Virginia. Outside her work as an educator, Kimberly L. Winters enjoys many hobbies, including archery.

For those unfamiliar with the sport, archery may seem intimidating. However, after getting started with proper technique and safety instruction, archery participants soon learn that the sport has a number of benefits for both physical and mental well-being.

For instance, archery helps with the development of both strength and coordination. Many people are aware that pulling back the bow string requires strong arms and shoulders. However, they might not realize that the movement incorporates core and hand strength as well. Additionally, archers must have good coordination in order to perform movement sequences that involve nocking the arrow, drawing the bow, and aiming at their target. With practice, participants will improve their skills in these areas and be able to draw more weight with a bow.

In addition to the physical benefits, archers often experience stress relief and improved confidence from doing the sport. Many people find the sound of the arrow hitting the target to be satisfying, and seeing their skills improve with practice gives them a sense of pride. Their enjoyment of the activity and focus on hitting the target provides archers with a valuable outlet for the stresses of everyday life.