Last Sunday we all got a kyaking lesson. Then we kyaked from the port over to Santa Clara island. We rested a bit, got out and swam, then returned, ready for a hearty lunch. !Que diver! How fun!
“You REALLY got me!” — Matt, commenting on his surprise party
I can now say I have successfully planned a surprise birthday party (with the help of my co-chaperone Susana, of course!). We had Sam keep Matt busy playing billiards while the other students decorated our study hall with balloons and a poster the girls had made for him. I then went and found Matt and Sam, and scolded them for being late to our meeting. When we got there, “Sorpresa”!See pics below.
Yes, that is a quote from one of our BOYS about how fun salsa dancing was. Susana and I are desperately trying to find a suitable place (for minors of course) to take the kids so they can practice their moves. They looked awesome!
Hello!
We are here safe and sound in San Sebastian. We did get to see the end of an amazing World Cup game! Viva Espana!
Yesterday everyone took their placement test and started language class. We have also gotten settled into the dorms, which are certainly bigger and nicer than what I lived in at my alma mater. There´s a gym, pool table, computer lab, laundry facilities, various study halls…
Last night was Spanish movie night– of course we watched an Almodovar film! Tonight students will be matched up with Language Partners for two hours. The L.P.´s are responsible for showing the students places of interest in San Sebastian, like the post office, the farmacy, book stores or souvenir shops, etc., and most importantly, are to speak Spanish with them for two hours.
Tomorrow we get free time at the beach and later get to cut a rug in salsa dance class. I´ll post pictures when I can.
Un saludo,
Gina Calescibetta
Trip Leader, ECI San Sebastian B
In a half hour we will be leaving for our train ride to San Sebastian. We are praying that we arrive in time to see part of the World Cup. Go Spain!!!
Hello everyone! Greetings from Barcelona. We are having a fabulous time here and I think we have all pretty much recovered from our jet lag. Let me fill you in on a few of the things we have been up to.
On day one we arrived from our overnight flight a bit tired, so we took it easy by walking along the Ramblas looking at what the street vendors were selling and the street performers were doing. In the evening we enjoyed a sound and light show a la Bellagio Hotel, but ours was in front of the old royal palace.
On Friday we visited Gaudi´s Sagrada Familia church, still not finished 84 years after his death, as it is funded soley by donations and entrance fees. We then visited an earlier venture of his, the fantastical Parc Guell, which was to have been a community for the wealthy, but now is a public park for all to enjoy. The picture on the very first blog entry is a view fron the park looking towards the entrance and the city of Barcelona beyond.
Then it was off to the Barcelona Stadium, where we saw a ton of trophies (of course!), got to check out the dressing rooms, press room and presidential box.
Today we visited the Picasso museum where they have a retrospective of his entire carreer. Then we spent four hours at the beach!
We are now resting up before dinner. It should be an interesting walk to the restaurant, as there is an enormous PEACEFUL protest occurring on the main boulevard. The Catalan community wants (still) to establish it´s own government. Let´s see what happens!
Best Friends Mumbi and Emma at Sagrada FamiliaParc Guell
