Maria had always dreamed of visiting Spain. Growing up in a small town in the United States, she had read countless books and watched documentaries about the country’s vibrant culture, historic cities, and beautiful landscapes. Now, at the age of fifteen, her dream was finally coming true. She was about to spend her summer vacation exploring Spain with her family. The journey began in Madrid, the bustling capital city. As soon as they arrived, Maria was struck by the energy in the streets. The wide avenues were filled with people walking, talking, and laughing. She marveled at the grand architecture of the Royal Palace and the historic Plaza Mayor. One afternoon, they visited the famous Prado Museum, where Maria was amazed by paintings by Goya and Velázquez. She loved how the art seemed to tell stories of Spain’s long history. After a few days in Madrid, the family traveled south to Seville. The city was warm and lively, with narrow, winding streets that seemed to lead everywhere and nowhere at once. Maria was captivated by the grand Seville Cathedral and its towering Giralda bell tower. She also enjoyed watching a traditional flamenco dance performance, feeling the passion and rhythm in the dancers’ movements. The vibrant atmosphere of Seville made her feel like she had stepped into a different world. Next, they headed to Granada in the mountains of southern Spain. The highlight of their visit was the Alhambra, a stunning palace and fortress complex built by the Moors. Maria wandered through its intricate courtyards, admiring the delicate tilework and lush gardens. As she gazed out from the palace walls over the sprawling city below, she felt a deep connection to the many cultures that had shaped Spain over centuries. One of Maria’s favorite parts of the trip was exploring the small towns along the coast of Andalusia. She loved the colorful houses, busy markets, and the smell of fresh seafood in the air. In Malaga, she took a walk along the beach, feeling the cool Atlantic breeze on her face. She even tried surfing for the first time, falling into the water but laughing all the while. Throughout her journey, Maria learned about Spain’s diverse history, from the ancient Romans and Moors to the Christian kingdoms that reclaimed the land. She was fascinated by how different regions had their own unique traditions, foods, and festivals. Her trip was not only a vacation but a lesson in cultural diversity and history. When it was time to return home, Maria felt a mix of sadness and gratitude. She was sad to leave the country she had grown to love, but grateful for the memories she had made. She knew that her experiences in Spain would stay with her forever, inspiring her to learn more about the world and its many cultures. As her plane took off, she looked out the window one last time, already dreaming of her next adventure.

Answer the following questions based on the passage above.