A Taste of Salamanca

With medieval fairytale streets, numerous cultural offerings, and abundant nightlife, Salamanca provides a rich blend of old and new. The University of Salamanca, founded in 1218 by King Alfonso IX, is the oldest in Spain and draws students from all over the world. It is easy to get around on foot; there are also buses, and taxis are very affordable. Salamanca is around 2 hours from Madrid by train, and a good leaping-off point for visiting nearby Avila, Segovia, or Portugal.

Salamanca is an ideal place to study Spanish; it is the capital of Castile and León, the region where the original castellano developed. The local accent is easier to understand than other accents in Spain (for example, the Andalusian accent). 

Tía Tula Spanish School is right in the heart of the city, with small classes and years of experience teaching foreign students. The teachers are professional and friendly, there are a number of levels to suit students´ needs, and the school arranges a variety of living accommodations, as well as activities and trips.

If it´s your first time in Salamanca, I would recommend visiting the university, as well as the Catedral Vieja (Old Cathedral), Plaza Mayor, Casa de las Conchas (House of the Seashells), and the Puente Romano (Roman bridge). These landmarks, with their enchanting architecture, will give you a sense of the city´s ancient feel.

After you´ve walked around, you might be tired and ready for a bite to eat. Spaniards take siesta time seriously. Shops normally close between 2pm and 5pm, during which people eat lunch and take a break from the day. I highly suggest trying tapas, which are small appetizers that allow you to try different kinds of food without feeling overly stuffed. Typical examples include patatas bravas or croquetas. 

In terms of weather, Salamanca can be very cold in winter and extremely hot in summer, so be sure to bring proper clothing. That said, if you forgot something at home, check out the weekly Sunday flea market, called El Rastro (located at the local fairgrounds), where you can find a variety of low-cost items.

These are the things I experienced my first time in Salamanca, and I liked it so much that I came back again! I hope to get to know the city better this time, and to discover even more of its delightful secrets, which are waiting if you keep your eyes open.

By Emily, student in Spring 2016

Radio interview of three students from Tía Tula

As we recently posted on our Facebook page, three students of Tía Tula, Colegio de Español took the opportunity to participate in a programme on Radio 5 (RNE), the national Spanish radio station, in which they shared some of their experiences about being Spanish students in Salamanca.

If you would like to know more about what makes Salamanca the perfect city to come to for learning Spanish, watch the video that we recorded during the interview:

We also have a podcast of the whole programme, which includes a talk between Enrique Clavero (the joint director of Tía Tula), Ricardo Ortiz (the director of 'Lingua Globe') and Carmen Ballesteros (the director of 'Salamanca City of Spanish'):

And for you? What do you like the most about Salamanca?

Spanish version

“Quien mucho abarca poco aprieta”

Do you know the meaning of “Quien mucho abarca poco aprieta”? It´s the same as the English saying of “Bite off more than you can chew".

¿Cuántas veces en vuestra vida cuando habéis intentado hacer u obtener muchas cosas al mismo tiempo os han dicho este refran: “Quien mucho abarca poco aprieta”? How many times in your life when you have tried to do or obtain too many things at the same time have you recalled or been reminded of this proverb: "Bite off more than you can chew"?

This expression seeks to remind that it is better to undertake only as much as you can handle instead of trying to do many things at the same time. Because in the end not only will you not be able to devote enough attention to the respective tasks but you will also not be able to give each task the attention that they deserve.

According to the Royal Academy of the Spanish language, the spanish verb Abarcar has many meanings such as: 

1.   To cover

2.   To include

3.   To embrace

4.   To undertake

5.   To monopolize

All these points refer to the actions that a person performs when they are responsible for taking or doing many things at a single time.

In short, if we want choose to do too many things, it is impossible to take care of all of them as it should be as we will cannot retain and control them. For this reason it is sometimes desirable to resign oneself to do certain things, limiting ourselves to only do what we can do and to not be frustrated with the things we cannot do.

This proverb refers to a series of aspects not only material objects but also for example jealousy, possessiveness toward someone etc. Sometimes in greed one tries to accumulate even more but not being able to focus can lead to neglect and in turn unhappiness.

Everyone should always remember this phrase “Quien mucho abarca poco aprieta” For many people it should not be forgotten as it can help to avoid an end result where the person feels like a failure because of the inability to carry out the task/s at hand.

That is why it is better to do a few things, but do them well. At the end you are satisfied! J

Valeria, Intern at Tía Tula.

Stairway to Heaven… Scala Coeli.

If you are in Salamanca I recommend that you visit the Scala Coeli and climb the towers. You will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views of Salamanca! This monument is located very close to Tia Tula. A mere two minute walk away and it opens daily. Upon arrival, the ticketing desk assistant gave us information on the cost and the next available tour.  I and my companion opted to wander leisurely through the building as the previous tour had already started and we were too excited to wait for the other to start!  After paying the entrance fee which is less than 4 euros each we started our exploration of the building. 
 

We entered different rooms filled with artifacts, preserved literature and there were also small models of the building. There was an amazingly view of the ornately decorated interior of the Real Clerecía de San Marcos which has a magnificent Baroque altarpiece. Afterwards we started our climb up the towers. The steps were narrow and wooden and we got an opportunity to rest on the way up by stopping off to view a projection giving details of the monument.

At last we arrived at the end of the stairs and entered the towers. The views are indescribably beautiful!! One has a panoramic view of the monuments and city of Salamanca. I especially loved the view of the Cathedrals of Salamanca. All the while we were busy admiring the architecture of the monuments and those huge bells in the towers and saying it was definitely worth the climb! 

 

Debra Student in Tia Tula

http://www.torresdelaclerecia.com/

Practice makes perfect…Poco a Poco!

In Tia Tula there are so many international students here and all of them focused on learning Spanish and improving their speaking, writing and reading capabilities. One of the most interesting things for me in interacting and getting to know all of these students is the sharing of the cultures. Not only am I learning about Spanish but I am also learning about so many other different cultures that it’s definitely adding to my experience while I am here!
 

I really enjoy speaking and practicing with various students. Even though I may be in a different class from some of my friends here it’s really easy to meet and make friends in Tia Tula as the school encourages mingling among the students during daily activities, as well the school has an intimate atmosphere so this makes it really easy to interact with each other.

The school encourages speaking Spanish both in and out of class and it’s definitely best to do so. When we are together we are always speaking Spanish and taking the opportunity to correct each other and this way I’ve learned a lot of new words or how to correctly phrase a sentence and conjugate a verb. Even when I am out in the city and interacting with locals in the stores etc. and I make a mistake or don’t know a word they help me by supplying the word or correcting my Spanish.
 

This is what I love about being in Salamanca because I have the opportunity to practice at class, with my friends, at my apartment, as well in the streets!  It’s a great opportunity to practice your conversational skills and if you are in Salamanca I would advise you not to be shy. It is expected that you will make mistakes as you are learning a new language, so laugh off the mistakes, they will make for a good story one day!

Debra, student in Salamanca.

 

Have some Paella!!

If you are in Spain or you’re still researching on what you are going to do when you get here, one of the things that you’ve undoubtedly read about would be the delights of the gastronomy. One of the most popular dishes is Paella. This would definitely be on your list of things to eat when you get to Spain!

 

To give you a little history on the origins of Paella, It is a Spanish rice dish which originated in Valencia in the mid-19^th century and is considered to be Valencia’s regional dish but it is popular throughout Spain. In typical Valencia tradition the dish is made with rice, vegetable, rabbit and chicken meat, beans, saffron, oil and seasoning. Other paellas are also made with Seafood or there may be a combination of both.

Paella is very popular here in Salamanca and can be eaten in restaurants by the plate or as a Tapa serving. As part of the extra-curricular activities at Tia Tula we have cooking classes and sometimes we will have a tutorial on Paella which the students always enjoy. I recommend when you get to Spain or if you are already in Salamanca that you try the Paella, I’m sure that you will love it!

 

Debra, student at Tia Tula

Do you know the meaning of "Siesta"?

Siesta in Spain refers to the time taken to relax in the afternoon, usually after lunch.  It is an afternoon rest or nap normally taken between 2:00pm and 5:30pm. In Salamanca, as well as in other parts in Spain, it is normal for some shops to close during this time as this is also the time to have lunch.

 

It is thought when there is siesta that working time is short. But in fact, one works on average 4 hours in the morning and another 4 hours in the afternoon sometimes even more, which is at least 8 hours daily.

 

To follow the rest of the European countries, in January 2006 large cities such as Madrid and Barcelona abolished siesta for public government offices and other public offices. And that is why in the larger cities there is only a short break for lunch.

 

It is said that human productivity increases throughout the day and reaches its highest levels at midday. Then, between 2:00pm and 3:00pm it decreases. At about 4:00pm in the evening it rises again and remains constant for several hours. At the end of the day it begins again to drop gradually and will reach its minimum levels at 2:00am to 3:00am in the morning, when one is asleep.

 

Personally, I think having a siesta impacts positively on the human body. It can be used to recover from the fatigue accumulated during the day and increase performance at work in order to be productive with the remainder of the daily activity.

I think it creates a healthy lifestyle for the body and spirit.

 

 

Noriko, student internship in Tía Tula

Back to the past ...

Salamanca is known as one of the most culturally rich cities of Spain. It’s known for having a wide array of monuments, churches, museums, ancient cathedrals and universities but it is also a city in where different famous persons have lived and passed along the story of the city. Highlighted in this article is Miguel de Unamuno, whose work is known and appreciated all over the world; a famous character who made a great contribution in the field of philosophy.

 

One of the most visited tourist destinations in Salamanca is the "Unamuno House Museum", in which the philosopher lived and today is open to the public. The house is in the old part of the city. At first it was owned by the University of Salamanca. Built in the eighteenth century, it became famous as the place where Miguel de Unamuno lived as Rector of the University of Salamanca and in the 50's it was converted into a museum dedicated to the writer's life. Today the house/museum is integrated into the Office of Archives and Libraries of the University of Salamanca.

 

In preparation to becoming a museum, work began in 1952 by adding furniture on the second floor and creating Unamuno's personal library (assigned to the University) with its 6000 books. Between 1976 and 1977 spaces in the house were adapted to create a historical spectrum which recreates the atmosphere of the writer; work would end in 1996 when the museum was officially opened to the public.

 

The house built between 1758 and 1762 by architect Andrés García de Quiñones, was converted into the house of the Rector of the University of Salamanca and used by the school Administration. Later on it was occupied by Unamuno when he moved to Salamanca in 1900 to teach Greek at the University. He took over the second floor of the house to devote himself to writing his works and poetry. The building is located on a street of booksellers, on the corner of Calderon de la Barca.

 

The façade of the building bears the shield of the University of Salamanca in quoting the following sentence: "OMNIVM SCIENTARVM PRINCEPS SALMANTICA DOCET” which loosely translated means Salamanca is the first in the teaching of all sciences. The building, rectangular in shape, is divided into two parts: the first floor is the Official Hall, while the second are offices. I advise those interested in philosophy and who are lovers of culture, to visit and to experience this journey to the past thanks to the perfect preservation and restoration of this building!

 

 

Valeria, student internship in Tía Tula.

Unforgettable … My time in Salamanca.

I came to Salamanca for five months to learn Spanish, enjoy the city and maybe see some of the rest of Europe. I leave to go back to my country of Trinidad and Tobago fully satisfied that I have achieved my objectives.

When I first arrived in Salamanca I didn’t have much knowledge of the language beyond the very basics and I must say that while I have had some very frustrating moments I have also had a very rewarding experience.  Initially I was a bit shy to speak as I didn’t know the proper use of the grammar or have the vocabulary to adequately express myself. Surrounded by teaching Professionals like Vanessa, Beatriz, Alicia and the other staff has motivated me “Poco a Poco..”Now thanks to the dedicated teaching of the staff at Tia Tula, and from my time spent as an Intern being constantly encouraged by Ana and the rest of the Administrative staff, I am well equipped to communicate with other persons in the language. I also want to give many thanks to my room-mate Noriko and the many other students who I met while at Tia Tula who encouraged me and corrected me during our conversations.  Their input and motivating words really helped a lot. I now feel more confident in my ability to communicate in the language and I look forward to continuing my studies in my country.  My time here was well spent and I think that no other experience can top being immersed in the culture and language if you are trying to learn another language.

Salamanca is a beautiful city and this is an understatement. A well preserved historic city with truly stunning architecture and a wide variety of cultural activities keeps one from getting bored as there is always something new to do, discover or to see.  I felt warmly embraced by not only the school but also the city. The many events, concerts etc. that I attended in Salamanca showcases the city in such a positive way and it is heartwarming to see how proud Salamintos are of their city and its heritage.

When I came to Salamanca I was focused on experiencing Spanish culture but what I did not expect was to also become familiar with so many other different cultures as well. Being in Tia Tula I have met students from so many different countries and it has definitely improved my experience here.  One of the things I enjoyed the most was all the different foods that I learned to prepare from my international friends in Salamanca. I can’t wait to go home and show off my new found skills! To Noriko who taught me to make sushi, Nari who taught me Korean food, Valeria who taught me Tiramisu thank you for the pleasure! I also learned to prepare popular Spanish foods as part of the extra-curricular activities of Tia Tula. I’m going to be very popular when I get back home!J

This was my first time in Europe and being in Salamanca made it easy to travel around. I enjoyed visiting other parts of Spain and I also had the opportunity to visit Portugal, London and France.  All the countries were definitely beautiful in their own way and I will carry special memories with me from my first visits to these places.  I feel very blessed and as I embark upon another journey in my life I wish to truly thank the staff of Tia Tula for a phenomenal experience! You have added to the enrichment of my visit and I am grateful.

To everyone at Tia Tula, staff and students “Muchas gracias, buena suerte y mejores deseos!! Besos!!”

Debra, student at Tia Tula.

Salamanca’s Fiesta de la Virgen de la Vega!

Every year on the 8th September Salamanca celebrates the Feast of the Virgin de la Vega. It began long ago by the Roman Bridge as a simple agricultural and livestock fair but it has now changed into a time of Celebration for its Patron and is a tradition that has endured centuries.

Legend has it that the Virgin helped Salamanca  to defend the assault of the troops who wanted to invade in 1706 during the War of Spanish Succession. A statue representing the Saint was recovered from the former Monastery of Vega and was placed on the high altar in the Cathedral of Salamanca. la Virgin de la Vega has been the patron Saint of the city since 1618 and shares this patronage with San Juan de Sahagun. There have been several miracles and favors attributed to her intervention.

The festival will start on September 7, and on the 8th will be the feast of the Patron. During the festival there will be many shows in the streets, concerts, parties for citizens, students and tourists to enjoy. This year the many celebrations include: Etnohelmántica Festival, Street Arts Festival, Medieval Market, Fair Day, bullfighting etc. 

An explosion of music, fun and laughter!!

Valeria, Intern at Tía Tula.

Extra curricular Activities 2nd to 6th September

Monday 2, 18.00: Visit Salamanca. Get to know the history of the main monuments of Salamanca. Meeting place: Tia Tula. Approximate duration: 1h

Tuesday 3, 19.30: Salamanca Tapas. You will learn how to make some tapas and then you can eat them. Price €7. Meeting place: Tia Tula. Approximate duration 1h

Wednesday 4, 18.00: Billar. Come play a game of pool with us. Price +- €2 (your consumption + game) Meeting place: Tia Tula. Approximated duration: 1h30

Thursday 5, 17.00: Pelicula. The Secret of your Eyes – Juan Jose Campanella (2009) Argentina, 1970´s. Benjamin is an officer of a Court in Buenos Aires and is about to retire. Haunted by a brutal murder which occurred thirty years earlier, he decises to write a novel about the case which has a witness….Place: Tia Tula – movie length: 126 mins.

Friday 6, 18.50: Visit Scala Coeli. We will climb the towers of the clergy and enjoy the views of Salamanca. Price: €3,75. Meeting point: Tia Tula. Approximate duration: 1h

Remember to sign up for the activity at the reception beforehand (the minimum number of people needed for each activity is 3). If the cost is not stated then the activity is free. We recommend that our students participate in the activities so they can get to know other students in the school, so they can broaden their knowledge of Spanish culture and to practice and improve their Spanish in a fun way.

Summer time and concerts in Salamanca

Last week Saturday I was out and about Salamanca enjoying various cultural events which the city has ongoing as part of its Cultural programs for the year.  This month Salamanca will be hosting two concerts every Saturday which gives me the opportunity to go out with my friends and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city.

The first concert we attended was held at The Cave of Salamanca and the group Tarantella Quartet played a mixture of Jazz, Classical and Modern renditions. The concert which started at eight lasted about an hour and we spent it taking in the sounds of Mozart and Beethoven. The venue though small had an intimate feeling and we had an enjoyable time.

After the first concert we decided to have dinner close to the Plaza Mayor while we waited on some other friends to join us for the second concert. After enjoying a delicious dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant (Salamanca has a bit of everything) we were on our way to the second concert.

The second concert was held in the Garden of Santo Domingo and started promptly at 10.30pm. The band played a mixture of Spanish music with reggae beats! They were so good that at the end of the one hour and a half performance the audience called for an encore and the band obliged!

We had an enjoyable evening attending these concerts and we are already looking forward to attending another, as well, I am looking forward to sampling some of the other events that Salamanca will be having for the summer!

 

Debra, student in Tia Tula

Student Activities Monday 19th - Friday 23rd August.

Monday 19th, 18.00:  El Cielo de  Salamanca. In the University Collection in one of the classrooms in the courtyard is "Cielo de Salamanca", an extraordinary mural. It is now one of the icons of Salamanca and we will go to view it. Price: € 2 Meeting point: Tia Tula - Approximate duration: 45 min.

 

Tuesday 20th, 17.30: Yincana. Come play this game with us to discover more about Salamanca! The winning team will be featured in an article in Tia Tula’s blog. Minimum of 2 teams of 2 persons. Meeting place: Tia Tula – Approximate duration: 1h30

 

Wednesday 21st, 18.00: Cave of Salamanca. Come to know the history of the ancient mystical cave of Salamanca. Meeting point: Tia Tula. Approximate duration: 45 min.

 

 

Thursday 22nd, 17:00: Movie. El Laberinto del Fauno de Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth) (2006). In 1944 fascist Spain, a girl, fascinated with fairy-tales, is sent along with her pregnant mother to live with her new stepfather, a ruthless captain of the Spanish army. During the night, she meets a fairy who takes her to an old faun in the center of the labyrinth… Location: Tia Tula - Movie length: 112 min

 

Friday 23rd, 19.00: Tapas route.  Lets go  the area of  Van Dyck for tapas (Typically an area where Salmantinos go to eat tapas) Price: + - 6 €. Meeting point: Tia Tula - Approximate duration: 1H30

 

Remember to sign up for the activity at the reception beforehand (the minimum number of people needed for each activity is 3). If the cost is not stated then the activity is free. We recommend that our students participate in the activities so they can get to know other students in the school, so they can broaden their knowledge of Spanish culture and to practice and improve their Spanish in a fun way.

Day trip to Segovia!!

I planned to take a daytrip to Segovia with four of my companions from class.  I was unable to go purchase my ticket but my friends from school visited the bus station and they were able to purchase all the tickets for our trip to Segovia. We set off on the 8.30am bus last Saturday for our adventure in Segovia!

 

The bus stopped off to pick up passengers in Avila and we had a moment to view the historic Walls of Ávila. It was a beautiful sight and we are planning another day trip in the future, this time to Avila to visit this beautiful city! The bus ride to Segovia was uneventful and I was so relaxed I slept most of the way.

The bus delivered us to the terminal at around 11.30am and we headed directly to the Tourist office in the terminal to chat with the Tourist Adviser there who gave us good advice on the best route to take to visit all the monuments. If you are worried that as a student it will be difficult to correspond with the Adviser, don’t be, she also spoke flawless English.

Our first stop was the famous Roman Aqueduct which is stunning! The view of the city after climbing the steps was also gorgeous and the city is full of a well preserved historic charm. There were many tourists walking through the streets and you can hear their excited chatter in many different tongues.  We wandered through the streets after that taking in the beautiful architecture, various statues, museums and the Cathedral. Our final stop before lunch was the beautiful Alcázar of Segovia. It was originally built as a fortress but has since served as a royal palace, a state prison, a Royal Artillery College and a military academy. The castle is also one of the inspirations for Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle.  

After walking around visiting the various monuments and shops, we stopped off to buy some postcards and then decided it was time for lunch; and what better dish to try than Segovia’s famous Cochinillo Asado (Roast Suckling Pig)! My friends ordered it and said it was delicious! I don’t eat a lot of meat but the restaurant had a wide range to offer if you prefer something else. 

After a delicious lengthy lunch it was time to head back to the bus station for our return trip to Salamanca. All of us had a nap on the return journey as we were quite tired by then. We got back to Salamanca at around 10.00pm tired but happy. We had a great time!

Debra, student in Tia Tula

Getting familiar with Spanish Food terms!

As a newbie in Spain and with a long way to go in terms of speaking the language, one of the most intimidating things for me was trying to figure out the menus when ordering food.I would initially get pretty confused, as did some of my classmates, but my confusion has cleared up. What helped me to understand were the explanations given to me by Aline, who works at Tia Tula. Thanks Aline! 

 

In many of the bars and restaurants are menus written mostly on blackboards and they would have above the food offering the terms - Tapas, Pinchos, Raciones etc.  Apart from understanding that they were priced differently I had no clue as to what makes them different. Here´s what I found...

 

 A 'Pincho' (also known as Pintxos) comes from the verb 'pinchar', which is 'to pierce'. Pinchos for example Jamon, are traditionally pierced with a cocktail stick to attach it to a piece of bread. However, as Basque cuisine has evolved, the food is now less likely to be pierced to a piece of bread than before.

Tapa which comes from the Spanish verb ´Tapar´ which means to cover and a tapa, sometimes just a piece of bread, was used in olden days to ´cover´ one´s drink and prevent flies etc. from getting into it.

In many cities in Spain, a large plate sized portion of, for example fried potatoes (Patatas) will be called a 'ración', with a half-size portion called a 'media ración' and a quarter-size portion a 'tapa'.

If you are in Salamanca you will also see the terms Sandwiches and Bocadillos/Bocatas. There is a difference: A sandwich is made with modern-day white bread, called pan de molde whereas a Bocadillo or Bocata is made with a rustic barra de pan or baguette-style bread loaf.

If you are in Salamanca and you come across food names that had you initially puzzled but you´ve since figured it out please feel free to spread the knowledge! In the meantime enjoy the food in Spain!

 

 

Debra, Student in Tia Tula
 

Getting around as a Newbie in Salamanca!

Salamanca is a small city and it’s relatively easy to navigate by foot. If you are a new student arriving in Salamanca and at Tia Tula don’t worry too much because Tia Tula will give you all the information you need to start you off on a hassle free stay.

 

Carrying a map of the city is essential! These are easy to access and usually one is provided for you during your first day at class. I always carry my map with me. It’s falling apart right now from being so well used! A map is especially handy when you’re learning Spanish like me and you have to ask persons in the street or store for help or advice in finding a certain place or store. Thanks to this I verified that the people of Salamanca are a friendly bunch and usually a few simple words and pointing at the map will encourage some helpful advice and you will soon be on your way.

My map is also marked with the places I NEED to remember such as a newly discovered shoe store, the new hairdresser that I just found, the Art Studio that I started taking classes at and the tiny Chinese store that I go to get my wantons and oyster sauce etc. I am delighted to see that my list of preferred sites is increasing every day! Some people don’t mind wandering around without one and I do that as well. That’s when I find the most unexpected beautiful sights as I turn a unknown corner or discover the most delicious tortilla stopping off for a refreshing drink at a newly-found outdoor restaurant.

But when it’s time to head back, I whip out my trusty map and find the best route to take me to my home in Salamanca!

 

 

Debra, Student in Tia Tula
 

Origin of the University of Salamanca

The Public University of Salamanca is famous for its facade, but what is the history behind it? It started in 1130, which marks the year classes were first offered inside the Cathedral. The university was then officially founded in 1218 by King Alfonso IX. This makes the university of Salamanca the oldest in Spain. In 1254, the university was recognized by Pope Alexander IV as one of the four major universities in the world, with the universities of Oxford, Paris and Bologna. The building of "Escuelas Mayores" began in 1415.

 

In 1529, the Catholic Monarchs took advantage of this auspicious time to order the construction of the new facade that we know today. The most known thing of this facade is the frog represented over a skull. Legend says that in order to graduate, each new student must find the frog. If the student does not find it, it means bad luck for his studies.

 

Today, all the tourists who come to visit Salamanca look for the frog that has become a symbol of the city. This is evidenced by the large number of souvenir shops offering frog key chains, frog magnets etc. as keepsakes to remember Salamanca by.

 

In 1584, the number of university students in the University reached 6778. After that, the attendance had waned and in 1822, it only had 412 students. Throughout history, many famous people have passed through the halls of the university, among them Luis de Leon, Miguel de Unamuno, Miguel de Cervantes, Hernando Cortes, and Christopher Columbus.

 

According to the university website, it now has faculties of law, art, medicine and sciences.  Today more than 30,000 students pass through the university each year, participating in the 250 programs offered.

 

If you are currently in Salamanca, don’t forget to visit the university, a part of the rich history of Salamanca!

Claire, Intern at Tia Tula 

Extra-curricular activities 29th July to 2 August, 2013

Monday 29, July Yincana 16:30 - Discover Salamanca.  Come play this game with us to discover more about Salamanca! The winning team will be featured in an article in Tia Tula’s blog. Minimum 2 teams of 2 persons. Meeting place: Tia Tula – Approximate duration: 1h30

 

Tuesday 30, July Billiards/Foosball 19:30 - Concentration, agility... we put to test your abilities playing Billiards and/or Foosball. Price: Your consumption + participation in each game (+-1€). Meeting place: Tia Tula. Approximate duration: 1h

 

Wednesday 31, July Dance class 18:30 - Latin Dance class with Dance Academy Raquel Gomez. Minimum of 8 students. It is important to register with the secretary before 2.00pm on Tuesday 30. Price 4€. Meeting place: Tia Tula. Duration of the class: 1h

 

Thursday 1, August Movie 16:30 – AMADOR de Fernando Leόn de Aranoa (2010). Marcela is a young woman facing economic hardship. For the summer she has been entrusted to care for an old man who is bedridden. But there is a secret that no-one knows about them...  Place: Tia Tula - Duration of movie: 112m

 

Friday 2, August Climb the Clercia Towers 18:45 - The towers were designed to bring believers closer to heaven, simply being there is pure delight.  It will allow you to scan the horizon. As Unamuno used to say, Salamanca "Soto de torres" (a copse of towers). The Clerecía Towers is a like a unique stairway to heaven from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city Price: 3,75€. Meeting Place: Tia Tula – Approximate duration: 1h

 

Remember to sign up for the activity at the reception beforehand (the minimum number of people needed for each activity is 3). If the cost is not stated then the activity is free. We recommend that our students participate in the activities so they can get to know other students in the school, so they can broaden their knowledge of Spanish culture and to practice and improve their Spanish in a fun way.

 

Jazz concerts - Part of the Second Edition of the cultural program “Plazas y Patios”.

Starting from last Saturday there will be concerts scheduled as part of Salamanca’s Second Edition of the Cultural program “Plaza y Patios.”  The concerts will be held at The Gardens of Santo Domingo de la Cruz and are carded to be held every Saturday, beginning on June 29 and ending on July 27. Time is 10.30pm and admission is free.  Modulating Big Band, Coda, Jose Luis Gutierrez, Cool Cats and Blues Trio, Laurent Lavigne,Ñaco&Goñi are the five groups scheduled to perform.
 

To give you an indication on the remaining performances, on Saturday, July 6, will be the Coda group, a Vocal Quintet, of five female voices a cappella.  Jose Luis Gutierrez, one of the most International Spanish Jazz musicians, will perform on July 13.  His performance is influenced by Iberian music and he has a style called "Iberjazz". On July 20 will be the group Cool Cats.They play swing on a blanket of samba, mambo, calypso and rumba. And to end, on July 27 will be the trio Ñaco, Laurent Lavigne & Goñi with a selection of blues standards with special emphasis on Chicago in the '50s and '60s.

Tia Tula encourages you to go out and take part in this activity as it is a good way to interact with others and practice your Spanish. 

Debra, Student at Tia Tula

Visit to the Monastic Craft Market, Plaza Anaya.

There is always something going on in Salamanca. A few days ago I got a glimpse of Sweets Heaven! My class mate and I visited the Monastic Craft Market held at Plaza Anaya and we were impressed with the offering of sweets!

 

The products were made by various Monasteries who came together to showcase their products and offer them for sale to the public daily from June 25th and 30th.  This market was part of the Second Edition of the cultural program “Plazas y Patios” that was mentioned in a previous blog article. See link http://spanishinspain.blogspot.com.es/2013/06/second-edition-of-cultural-program.html

 

There were different types of biscuits, tarts and cakes, all nicely packaged and displayed on tables under the tents in the plaza. It was a good time to indulge in a little treat and we walked off the extra calories by heading down to the Rio Tormes!

 

Debra, Student in Tia Tula