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Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Semana Santa in Salamanca

A reminder to all Tia Tula students - Thursday 2nd or Friday 3rd April are public holidays, and thus there will be no lessons on either of these dates.

Most of you reading this will be aware that this week is Semana Santa.  But what is it all about?
Semana Santa is the Spanish term for the week leading up to Easter Sunday.  The celebration dates back to the 16th century, when the Catholic Church decided to make the story of the Passion of Christ accessible to the illiterate masses. They decided that the most effective way of doing this would be to hold a series of processions depicting scenes from the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ, collectively known as the ´Passion Narratives’.

Every year, each of the cofradías católicas or Catholic brotherhoods carries a ’paso’ or float, depicting a different scene from the Passion Narratives. The pasos are elaborately decorated, and the participants often dress in cloaks and hoods, known as capas and capirotes. Some processions are accompanied by a band, playing a selection of sombre and atmospheric songs, whereas others take place in mournful silence. The participants carrying the paso are called costaleros, whilst those following the float are called penitentes.

Salamanca
As one would expect from a city so imbued in history and culture, Salamanca has one of the oldest celebrations in Spain. According to local history, the earliest procession can be traced back to 1240. Although the processions in this region are less carnivalesque than those held further south, they are nonetheless an intense and vivid experience, and well worth attending.

But what about this year?
10,000 'penitents' associated with 16 brotherhoods will take to the streets between Viernes de Dolores (Friday of Sorrows, the penultimate Friday before Easter, this year Friday 27th) and Domingo de Pascua (Easter Sunday), carrying 41 different pasos.
For a full list of processions, see the official Semana Santa website. ´Horarios y Recorridos'.

An exhibition of Semana Santa posters, or carteles, is open to the public at Vialia (the train station). The exhibition closes 5th April.

Monday, March 30, 2015

Extracurricular Activities 30.03.15 - 04.04.15




This week is Semana Santa and here at Tía Tula we want to give you the chance to experience Easter with a distinctly Spanish flavour. Come and learn about the different Spanish and regional customs in a fun and engaging way!
Remember, Tia Tula will be closed on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd April. We will re-open Monday 6th April.

Monday 30th, 17.00 : Film. We start the week with Tapas, a film written and directed by José Corbacho and Juan Cruz. Set in a working-class neighbourhood on the outskirts of Barcelona, Tapas tells the story of a group of ordinary people going about their daily lives. Intelligently written, funny and profoundly moving, this is a film not be missed!
Approximate duration - 1hr 30.

Tuesday 31st, 16.50: Game. Know and Win! Beatriz will be hosting a quickfire quiz that will test your general knowledge skills and at the same time help you practise your Spanish.
Where: Tia Tula
Approximate duration - 1hr

Wednesday 1st, 22:15: Procession Come and watch the procession of  La Hermandad de nuestro padre Jesús Flagelado y de Nuestra Señora de las Lágrimas from the balconies of Tía Tula School, whilst enjoying a glass of sweet wine and tasting the traditional obleas (wafers).
Approximate duration - 1hr

Thursday 2nd April: Jueves Santo. Public Holiday. School Closed

Friday 3rd AprilViernes Santo. Public Holiday. School Closed

Saturday 4th April: One or two-day trips. We offer a wide range of weekend trips and activities.
If you would like to participate in a weekend trip, please ask our secretary for more information. Remember to sign up before 2pm Tuesday 31st March

Please don't forget that you need to sign up for each activity at the reception desk (in order to reserve your place). The minimum number of participants required for each activity is usually three. Unless otherwise stated, the meeting point is Tía Tula school. If no price is mentioned in the above description, the activity is free of charge.

Try to participate in as many activities as you can; they are designed not just for you to have fun, but also to improve your knowledge of Salamanca and Spanish culture, and to put into practice the Spanish you have learnt in class.


Monday, March 23, 2015

Activities 23.03.2015 - 28.03.2015

Spring has arrived and so have a flood of Tía Tula activities! A scavenger hunt, afternoon 'pinchos', a literature workshop, a guided tour of the city and a weekend trip for next Saturday - the week is shaping up to be a busy and fun-filled seven days!

Monday 23rd, 5:00 pm: Scavenger Hunt – We will split into teams to complete a range of different tasks and activities in the centre of the city. The fastest team will win a prize! Interested? Sign up now! 
Approximate duration: 1h30min.

Tuesday 24th, 7:30 pm: Exhibition and ´'pinchos' -  Artist Paula Noidat (illustrator and photographer) presents her exhibition 'Beyond my Imagination' at El Rastrel Etic Café. Come and see her work and try a selection of vegan tapas or home-made cakes and organic coffee . 
Approximate duration: 1h.

Wednesday 25th, 4:50 pm:  – Literary Workshop. Brush up on your knowledge of contemporary Spanish literature with Montse. Come and listen to a selection of poems and literary readings. 
Approximate duration: 1h30min.

Thursday 26th, 5:20 pm: Charlamos – We will watch a short film, then discuss the ideas presented, and their relevance to current issues. Don't miss this great opportunity to practice your Spanish!  
Approximate duration: 1h30min.

Friday 27th, 6:10 pm: City Visit – A fun and interesting look at the history of various monuments and buildings around Salamanca. 
Approximate duration: 1h30min.

Saturday 28th: Weekend trip – We have a range of trips for the perfect end to the week!
Please ask our secretary for more information.


Please don't forget that you need to sign up for each activity at the reception desk (in order to reserve your place). The minimum number of participants required fro each activity is usually three. Also, unless otherwise stated, the meeting point is Tía Tula school. Lastly, if there's no price mentioned in the description, the activity is free of charge. 

Try to participate in as many activities as you can; they are designed not just for you to have fun, but also to improve your knowledge of Salamanca and Spanish culture, and to put into practice the Spanish you have learnt in class.

Friday, March 20, 2015

#HappySoundsLike | Happy music in Spanish

Today, March 20th, is the Internationational Day of Happiness and at Tía Tula we have decided to join the UN's #HappySoundsLike initiative by suggesting songs for the playlist created for the occasion by Mix Radio. We have also made up our own playlist especially for you, containing songs in Spanish that make us happy

And how do these songs make us happy? By making us dance, putting a smile on our faces, reminding us of good times, making us want to unstoppably sing them at the top of our lungs... We hope you feel the same while you listen to them. The best part? You will practise your Spanish and get a better understanding of our culture.

Tía Tula's #HappySoundsLike playlist is available on Youtube, Spotify and Grooveshark. Choose your medium and follow us to be up-to-date: we will share more music in Spanish.


Youtube

You can listen to the playlist from here or visit Tía Tula's Youtube channel. May we suggest you subscribe so you can be up-to-date on what goes on at the school?




Spotify

If you already have a Spotify account, you can access the playlist from here.

Monday, March 16, 2015

Activities 16.03.2015 - 21.03.2015

This week we have organised activities for every taste. Check them out and sign up for those you don't want to miss.

Monday 16, 6:50 pm: Conversation workshop – A great opportunity to improve your Spanish speaking skills while you have fun. With teacher Cristina. Approximate duration: 1 h.

Tuesday 17, 5:45 pm: Indoor swimming pool – Let's take a deep in the indoor swimming pool at La Alamedilla. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit, swimming cap, flip flops and towel. Approximate duration: 1 h 30 min.

Wednesday 18, 6:00 pm: Plaza Mayor – Come learn about the history of Plaza Mayor. Approximate duration. 40 min.

Thursday 19, 7:45 pm: Microtheatre – We love the microtheatre plays that show in
La Malhablada.We'll go see one today. Approximate duration: 30 min.
A different option: go on a trip to Valencia's Fallas. Further information at the reception desk.

Friday 20, 4:30: Film – Watching films in Spanish is a great way to improve your language skills. Join us for one today.

Saturday 21: Excursions – Segovia, Ávila, Oporto... Check out the destinations available at the reception desk and start planning your weekend trip. Don't forget to sign up by Wednesday.

Please don't forget that you need to sign up for each activity at the reception desk (to reserve your place, the minimum number of participants required is usually three). Also, unless stated otherwise, the meeting point is always the same, Tía Tula school. Lastly, if there's no price mentioned with the activity, it means it is for free.

And don't hesitate to participate in as many activities as you can; they are designed not just for you to have fun (that is guaranteed) but also to improve your knowledge of Salamanca and Spanish culture, and to put into practice the Spanish you learn in class.

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Let's go to the cinema: Cines Van Dyck's original version series

So you are trying to immerse as much as possible into Spanish culture and that includes watching films in Spanish. Great, that's a really effective way to boost your learning. But you may miss watching something on your language and that's understandable. From March 9th until March 26th you have got the chance: take a break with Cines Van Dyck's original version series. These are the films to be shown:

The Imitation Game - March, 9th | English
During World War II, mathematician Alan Turing tries to crack the enigma code with help from fellow mathematicians. (Source: IMDB)


Qu'est-ce qu'on a fait au Bon Dieu? - March, 10th | French
A catholic French couple sees their life upside down when their four daughters get married to men of different religion and origins. (Source: IMDB)


Flores raras - March, 11th | Portuguese/English
A chronicle of the tragic love affair between American poet Elizabeth Bishop and Brazilian architect Lota de Macedo Soares. (Source: IMDB)


The Theory of Everything - March, 12th | English
A look at the relationship between the famous physicist Stephen Hawking and his wife. (Source: IMDB)


Still Alice - March, 16th | English
A linguistics professor and her family find their bonds tested when she is diagnosed with Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease. (Source: IMDB)



Whiplash - March, 17th | English
A promising young drummer enrolls at a cut-throat music conservatory where his dreams of greatness are mentored by an instructor who will stop at nothing to realize a student's potential. (Source: IMDB)


Viaggio sola - March, 18th | Italian
Forty-something Irene had a dream job that made her life easy: she was indeed a luxury hotel inspector and her work got carried out in a wonderful ever-renewed setting, from Paris to Gstaad to Berlin to Morocco to China... But does a dream job necessarily mean a dream life? Irene tried not to ask herself the question too openly. Yes she was single but she had manged to remain on good terms with Andrea, her former life companion. For sure she was childless but she occasionally took care of her two little nieces. And it was such fun to play the mystery guest in those magnificent hotels... Things could have gone on that way hadn't one day Irene met Kate Sherman... (Source: IMDB)



Birdman - March, 19th | English
A washed-up actor, who once played an iconic superhero, battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career and himself in the days leading up to the opening of his Broadway play. (Source: IMDB)



Mr. Turner - March, 23rd | English
An exploration of the last quarter century of the great, if eccentric, British painter J.M.W. Turner's life. (Source: IMDB)



Deux jours, une nuite - March, 24th | French
Sandra, a young Belgian mother, discovers that her workmates have opted for a significant pay bonus, in exchange for her dismissal. She has only one weekend to convince her colleagues to give up their bonuses so that she can keep her job. (Source: IMDB)



Im Labyrith des Schweigens - March, 25th | German
A story that exposes the conspiracy of prominent German institutions and government branches to cover up the crimes of Nazis during World War II. (Source: IMDB)


Magic in the Moonlight - March, 26th | English
A romantic comedy about an Englishman brought in to help unmask a possible swindle. Personal and professional complications ensue. (Source: IMDB)

   
All the films are shown with Spanish subtitles. 

Screening times: 5.30 pm | 8.10 pm | 10.30 pm

Price: 5,50 euros. 
Three-film special offer: 10 euros
Five-film special offer: 15 euros
Eight-film special offer: 20 euros

Enjoy!

Activities 9.3.2015 - 14.3.2015

Spring is around the corner and you can already feel it. Enjoy the nice weather and keep practising your Spanish outside the classroom with our fun activities:

Monday 9, 6:00 pm: Monument – Come enjoy the spectacular views from the towers of La Clerecía Scala Coeli . Approximate duration: 40 min.

Tuesday 10, 7:45 pm: Language exchange – By popular request, the language exchange is back. The perfect opportunity to meet people and improve your Spanish speaking skills. Approximate duration: 1 h 30 min

Wednesday 11, 7:30 pm: Cookery class – Do you want to surprise your friends a family with a delicious paella once you are back home? Well, the first step is to learn with a Spanish teacher ;-) Approximate duration: 1 h.

Thursday 12, 5:50 pm: Workshop: celebrations and music in Salamanca – By the always joyful Carmen, one of our teachers. Approximate duration: 1 h 15 min.

Friday 13, 7:45 pm: Tapas tour – Taste mouth-watering tapas in some of the best bars of the city centre. Approximate duration: 1 h 30 min.

Saturday 14: Excursions – Several destinations available. Further information at the reception desk. 

Please don't forget that you need to sign up for each activity at the reception desk (to reserve your place, the minimum number of participants required is usually three). Also, unless stated otherwise, the meeting point is always the same, Tía Tula school. Lastly, if there's no price mentioned with the activity, it means it is for free.

And don't hesitate to participate in as many activities as you can; they are designed not just for you to have fun (that is guaranteed) but also to improve your knowledge of Salamanca and Spanish culture, and to put into practice the Spanish you learn in class.

Thursday, March 5, 2015

A ski resort less than one hour from Salamanca


Yes, you read that right: there is a ski resort less than one hour from Salamanca. So all of you ski and snowboard lovers and adrenaline seekers, check it out.

La Covatilla –that’s how the resort is called- is located in the beautiful Sierra de Béjar and it is best characterized by its wide slopes and by the quality and quantity of snow. Safe and attractive for beginners, it is also a good option for experienced skiers; it even has a high-altitude area.

Don’t worry if you haven’t brought your ski or snowboard gear and apparel with you, you can rent it there at a reasonable price. 

Also, if you are new to skiing or snowboard, you may want to have a look at Escuela Bejarana de Esquí, a school where experienced teachers assist you on your first steps or help you perfect your technique, following the RFEDI (Royal Spanish Winter Sports Federation) rules.

You can check all the information regarding the ski resort on its website: fees, calendar and timetables, accommodation… You can even download the slopes map or check out the webcams installed in several spots. 

Even if you are not into skiing, La Covatilla and its surroundings are definitely worth a visit. Beautiful villages and a breathtaking natural landscape await you.


* In the pictures, students at Tía Tula having fun at La Covatilla.

Monday, March 2, 2015

Activities 2.3.2015 - 7.3.2015

Let's welcome March with a week filled with interesting activities. Here is what we have in store for you:

Monday 2, 7:00 pm: Urban outdoors exhibition – Discover Barrio del Oeste, a neighbourhood turned into an open-air urban museum. Approximate duration: 1 h.

Tuesday 3, 7:00 pm: Playful guided tour – Come learn the history and legends behind some of Salamanca's most important monuments.
Approximate duration: 1h 30min.

Wednesday 4, 7:50 pm: Language exchange – What a perfect way to practise your Spanish! Join ufor an informal meeting with native speakers.
Approximate duration: 1h 30min.

Thursday 5, 2:40 pm: Fighting bulls ranch – We will visit a fighting bulls ranch. Are you brave enough to participate in an amateur bullfight? If you are up for it, you will have the chance there. Approximate duration: 4h (including transportation time).

Friday 6, 7:50 pm: Evening photography tour – Check out the best spots to take night pictures. Approximate duration: 1h.

Saturday 7: Excursions– Several destinations available. Further information at the reception desk. 

Please don't forget that you need to sign up for each activity at the reception desk (to reserve your place, the minimum number of participants required is usually three). Also, unless stated otherwise, the meeting point is always the same, Tía Tula school. Lastly, if there's no price mentioned with the activity, it means it is for free.

And don't hesitate to participate in as many activities as you can; they are designed not just for you to have fun (that is guaranteed) but also to improve your knowledge of Salamanca and Spanish culture, and to put into practice the Spanish you learn in class.