2018 Spanish Trip
Just over a month ago, on Saturday 13th October a group of lucky Fifth and Sixth Form students gathered in Bristol airport excited for the opportunity of a Spanish speaking exchange in Cordoba. I, personally, was able to take part in this brilliant, perhaps once in a lifetime experience, and I loved every minute of it!
We arrived in Madrid, greeted by sunshine, stunning views and (if I am not mistaken) a glimpse of the Real Madrid football stadium. Having left the airport we were on our way into the city, desperate to speak some Spanish! Our hostel, room 007 Ventura, waited for us there, with its cool walls lined with multilingual messages, and modern, spacious rooms. After a quick rest we were once again eager to explore.
First, we made our way into the Centre where the atmosphere was incredible! From here it was a short walk to the famous Museo De Jamon, a tapas bar much loved by all of spain. There were huge plates of bread, chorizo, cheese and tortillas. Nothing lasted long! Heading home, there were lots of grinning faces chatting away in Spanish about what we would be doing tomorrow. The adventure had only just begun.
A fascinating tour of Madrid from Sidcot's very own Clare Winchester-Snell began our Sunday. First up was a fantastic food market , then a stop off at the Royal Palace of Madrid! Its beautiful architecture and incredible detail rivaled only by The Almudena Cathedral which is simply stunning. After this it was time for an authentic tapas meal without the teachers. Thankfully, we all ordered correctly and everyone enjoyed their food. In the afternoon, was my favourite part of Madrid, the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum! There were Picasso's, Miro's and even paintings by Van Gough! Perfect for any art student needing an extra gallery for their book. We spent the evening having a personal meal in smaller groups with our group leaders. Lastly the whole party met up again and had some ‘chocolate con churros’.
Monday morning, we all woke up with butterflies in our stomachs. Today was the day we'd meet out hosts! A bus arrived early to take us to Cordoba and after a few stops we were there! Esther, my 'Spanish Mother' picked me up and off we went, back to her house for lunch. A while later we all met back at the school where our lessons were going to be for the next couple of days. One of the teachers took us on a guided tour through the historical 'La Mezquita' and the controversial 'Catedral' within. By now it was time for us to go back to our hosts for dinner and a much needed rest.
On Tuesday the lessons began. Although, while it might sound like even more school, what we learnt there was invaluable and also very fun! For one activity, we had to ask the locals questions about their views on topics such as Bull Fighting. Despite being quite intimidating this was very interesting and we all learnt a lot about the culture of Spain. In the afternoon, we had some free time to explore the city, after which, we met with the Spanish students learning English and after some activities, we had a fiesta! To finish the evening, we had a very cultural flamenco workshop before heading home for the night.
The next morning we were off to Seville! After being taken around one of the most important bull rings in Seville we visited the beautiful cathedral there. Next, it was time for lunch, some free time and a look around before a tour around the palace. We were assigned a selfie competition of snapping pictures with a person, a place and a thing! So much fun! Later, we went to La Plaza de Espana, where there is a mosaic representing each of the regions of Spain. That evening, my host family and I spent the evening singing songs and teaching each other our favourite dances.
Thursday morning was one of the most interesting parts of the trip. We were given the opportunity to visit a local school and take part in activities with the Spanish students. We took it in turns to ask each other questions, one in Spanish followed by a question in English. After a group photo and lots of mobile numbers having been exchanged, we all waved goodbye and began our second day of lessons at the academy. After lunch we went for a relaxing game of Bowling as a group! I am reluctant to say that as bowling is not my forte I did not win, or even come close, but it’s the thought that counts. Is it not? After two enjoyable games, it was time to head home to dinner and our families.
Our final, full day in Cordoba meant some sad faces, no one wanted the trip to end. We had our last lessons in the language school, including some Spanish Kahoot games. Then, after lunch, an hour or so for souvenir shopping in the older part of the Cordoba. To finish the trip, we were given the chance to visit a beautiful and very relaxing arabic baths. This was the perfect way to end the trip and in many ways brought us all closer as a group. To finish the evening off our group leaders had booked us into ‘Cien Montaditos’, which is a restaurant with 100 sandwiches on the menu! What a brilliant way to end the trip and practice our Spanish one last time in Cordoba!
Saturday morning we all woke up early and met in the centre with our hosts to say goodbye. After spending nearly a week living with my Spanish family I was sad to say goodbye but luckily we are still in contact thanks to social media.
As I conveyed earlier, I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and would definitely go again. If you are reading this and thinking "Wow, that sounds amazing, I wish I could go", then talk to the MFL team! They are so helpful and happy to make sure you get the best opportunities as a languages student. Were it not for Miss Germain, Mrs Winchester-Snell and Mr Weidner, this Spanish exchange wouldn't have been possible and therefore I am very grateful to each of them. Gracias!
Lottie Packman
Upper Fifth Student
