UNIBERSIDAD DE MADRID

After finishing his fourth year of Medical studies at the University of Santo Tomas, José Rizal was
disgusted with the antique method of teaching in the Dominican University. He could no longer stand
the racial prejudice of the Dominican professors against the Filipino students. With this in mind he
decided to continue his studies in Spain. SECRET MISSION IN SPAIN • to observe keenly the life and
culture, languages and customs, industries and commerce, and governments and laws of the European
nations. In order to prepare himself in the mighty task of liberating his oppressed people from Spanish
tyranny.

 On board with the steamer Salvadora

Rizal left Philippines for the first time Spain. He boarded the Salvadora using a passport of Jose Mercado,
which was procured for him by his uncle Antonio Rivera, father of Leonor Rivera. 

 The beautiful island of Singapore

So before reaching Madrid to pursue his medical career in 1882, Jose Rizal had many stopovers. He
visited the progressive English colony of Singapore. He stayed at Hotel de la Paz. He also visited the
famous Botanical Garden, the beautiful buddhists temples and ect..

 Rizal voyage towards Europe

Back on his voyage towards Europe (May11) Rizal took a French steamer named Djemnah. So compared
to Salvadora the vessel was larger and cleaner and with more passenger, most of it were speaking in
French . He was able to improve his French as they travel across Europe.

After the stopover at Naples, the Djemnah sailed to Marseilles, the last stop of the trip. Rizal stayed
there for two-and-a-half days. He then hopped on a train bound for Barcelona.

 Rizal’s impression of Barcelona at first was a bit gloomy.

When Rizal arrived in Barcelona, his impressions about the city weren’t that good. He thought the place
was cluttered and unattractive. He didn’t like the people, either, perceiving them as unwelcoming. These
feelings, however, changed over time, as he lived there and learned more about the place. What he
loved most about the city was its atmosphere of freedom, a virtue he longed for, given the conditions in
the Philippines back then.