Rassias Summer Language Programs: Segovia España

¡Somos famosos!

2011-07-24T09:18:00.001-04:00

After our visit to the Ayuntamiento (town council) the other day, our photo ended up in the Segovian Newspaper, ¨El Adelantado¨. Here´s the link to the photo and article.

¡Somos famosos!

2011-07-24T03:49:00.000-04:00

After our visit to the Ayuntamiento (town council) the other day, our photo ended up in the Segovian Newspaper, ¨El Adelantado¨. Here´s the link to the photo and article.

Madrid: Parte 2

2011-07-24T02:20:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, Saturday, we went back to Madrid for round 2. First, we took the kids to the famous San Ginés Chocolatería for churros and porras:

Then it was off to the Reina Sofía museum displaying Picasso, Dalí, and Miró´s work, amongst others of course. Then, we took a stroll through Madrid's Real Jardín Botánico and then back for a second visit to the students´ favorite spot... Madrid´s Mercado de San Miguel where they got fresh salmon tapas, and a variety of other yummy snacks:

Kayaking on the Río Duratón

2011-07-24T02:08:00.000-04:00

On Friday to celebrate the great trip thus far we took a kayaking trip to the Hoces del Duratón. Unfortunately, we have few photos because of technical challenges.

Ruins of an old monastery along the river that Isabel La Católica stayed in at one point:

Next, it was off to the medieval town of Pedraza for lunch and a view of the fort.

¡Música en clase!

2011-07-24T01:04:00.000-04:00

El otro día, Guillermo nos cantó unas canciones originales. ¡Lo disfrutamos mucho!

Visita al ayuntamiento el jueves y una caminata

2011-07-22T02:17:00.007-04:00

El jueves, después de clase, fuimos a visitar el Ayuntamiento (Town Council).

Después, hicimos una caminata por el río Eresma para explorar Segovia un poco más. Vimos el antiguo cementerio judío (Jewish cementary) y chileamos un poco en el bosque.

Jennie ayudándole a Nina. Chris meditando el paisaje.

Presentaciones del jueves

2011-07-22T01:58:00.006-04:00

Nos dieron más presentaciones el jueves:

Cate y Eve: El vino de España

Emily, Michelle y Bryan: Francisco Franco

Emily Cutler y Christie: "Carmen y el Flamenco"

Tres presentaciones culturales

2011-07-19T08:35:00.004-04:00

Ahora, los estudiantes están haciendo presentaciones culturales. Los estudiantes escogieron los temas, y estamos aprendiendo mucho. Aquí les van las fotos de los grupos que ya las hicieron.

Now the students are doing cultural presentations. The students chose the themes, and we are learning a lot. Here are some photos of the groups that have already presented.

Las lenguas de España (The Languages of Spain)

- David y Guillermo

¡Gitanos! (Gypsies!)

- Carolina y Kayla

Tapas (Tapas)

- Klaren y Nicole

Clase hoy: Futuro perfecto... ¡guau!

2011-07-19T08:28:00.004-04:00

Hoy en una clase, hablamos del "futuro perfecto". Los estudiantes escribieron sobre sus futuros. Aquí les van unos ejemplos:

Antes de agosto, habré aprendido más de la cultura de España. Antes de cumplir 17 anos, habré escrito mis ensayos para las universidades. Antes de casarme, me habré enamorado.

Before August, I will have learned more about the culture of Spain. Before turning 17, I will have written my college essays. Before getting married, I will have fallen in love J

- Christie y Will

Antes de agosto, habremos mejorado nuestro español. Para las vacaciones del día de acción de gracias habremos empezado la escuela. Antes de cumplir diecinueve años, nos habremos graduado del colegio. Antes de casarme, mi novio me habrá dado un anillo J

Before August, we will have improved our Spanish. By Thanksgiving break, we will have begun school. Before turning 19, we will have graduated from high school. Before getting married, my fiancee will have given me a ring.

- Deanna y Natalie

Antes de agosto, habremos visto muchos payasos. Para las vacaciones del día de acción de gracias, habremos hecho un pastel de calabaza para nuestros padres como los jefes que somos. Antes de cumplir 50 años, habremos ganado un juego de televisión que se llama “Qué pasa ganados”. Antes de casarnos, habremos estado enamorados.

Before August, we will have seen a lot of clowns. By Thanksgiving break, we will have made a pumpkin pie for our father, like the bosses that we are. Before turning 50, we will have won the television gameshow, "Qué pasa ganados". Before getting married, we will have been in love.

- Guillermo, Nicole

A Madrid (Parte 1)

2011-07-18T16:30:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, we took our first trip to Madrid with the students. We started out at the Rastro market. Then it was off to the Museo del Prado, where the students saw ¨Las Meninas¨ by Diego Velázquez, and ¨El dos de mayo de 1808¨and ¨El 3 tres de mayo 1808¨ by Francisco de Goya amongst countless other famous works of art. After the Prado, we took a leisurely stroll through the ¨Parque del Buen Retiro¨and the Palacio de Cristal.

Then we stopped by the Palacio Real and the Plaza de España. I think that the students were most excited about the sushi that we found in the Mercado.

El viernes... El estreno de Harry Potter

2011-07-18T09:46:00.004-04:00

El viernes, nuestros estudiantes tuvieron el honor de ser los primeros de toda Segovia para ver el estreno de Harry Potter en 3D.... en español, ¡claro! ¡Les encantó!

On Friday, our students had the honor of being the first in Segovia to see the premier of Harry Potter in 3D.... in Spanish of course! They loved it!

Clase el viernes... el subjuntivo

2011-07-17T10:10:00.000-04:00

El viernes, una clase escribió sobre el viaje pendiente a Madrid y que querían ver y hacer allí. Aquí les van un poco...

Friday, one class wrote about the upcoming trip to Madrid and what they wanted to see and do there. Here is a sample for you....

Cuando estemos en Madrid, es importante que encontremos mucha comida buena porque en Segovia no hay comida que nos guste. También, los maestros quieren que nosotros veamos muchas pinturas de Velázquez. El grupo está emocionado que vayamos de compras. ¡Esperamos que el grupo vaya a divertirse!

When we are in Madrid, it is important that we find a lot of good food, because in Segovia, there is no food that we like. Also, the teachers want us to see a lot of paintings of Velázquez. The group is excited that we are going shopping. We hope that the group has fun!

- Jennie y Brian

Nosotros estamos emocionados para ir a Madrid, especialmente queremos que el grupo vaya al Prado. A nosotros nos gusta que el arte del Greco, Pousin, Rembrandt y Rubens esté en el museo. También queremos ver la ciudad que es la más grande en toda España. En conclusión, creemos que en Madrid nos divertiremos.

We are excited to go to Madrid, we especially want the group to go to the Prado. We like that the art of el Grego, Pousin, Rembrandt, and Rubens is there. Also, we want to see the city that is the largest in all of Spain. In conclusion, we think that we will have fun in Madrid.

- Chris y Nina

Estamos en España. Este fin de semana, vamos a Madrid. Queremos comprar dulces y ropa y regalos. Vamos a un museo que se llama el Prado y es el más famoso en España. Esperamos que nuestro grupo se divierta y le gusten las pinturas. Además, en Segovia no hay ningún restaurante que sirva buena comida, entonces, queremos comer mucha comida rica. Eve quiere que el grupo pase una semana allí. Courtney no quiere que Kayla saque fotos en todos los lugares porque es prohibido. Klaren está emocionada para la excursión.

We are in Spain. This weekend, we are going to Madrid. We hope to buy sweets, clothing and gifts. We're going to a museum called the Prado and it is the most famous in Spain. We hope that our group has fun and likes the paintings. Additionally, in Segovia, there is no restaurant that serves good food, so we want to eat good food. Eve wants the group to spend a week there. Courtney doesn't want Kayla to take photos in the places where it is prohibited. Klaren is excited for the outing.

- Eve, Klaren, Kayla

Clase ayer: "El cid"

2011-07-15T09:29:00.006-04:00

En una clase ayer, leimos una pequeña sección del poema épico, "El cid" y los estudiantes escribieron oraciones de como habrían sido diferentes sus vidas si hubieran sido el Cid. Aquí les van una colección de lo que nos dijeron. I will post the other class's work ASAP.

Si yo hubiera sido el Cid, yo habría sido valiente. Si yo hubiera sido el Cid, nunca habría tenido miedo. Habría matado al león si hubiera sido el Cid. También habría sido muy justo si hubiera sido el Cid. Si hubiera el Cid, me habría engordado a causa de mucha comida rica.

If I had been el Cid, I would have been brave. If I had been el Cid, I would never have been afraid. I would have killed a lion is I had been el Cid. I also would have been just. If I had been el Cid, I would have gotten very fat because of all of the delicious food.

- Cate y Caroline

Si hubiéramos vivido en la época del Cid, habríamos tenido miedo del león. Si hubiéramos sido la familia real, habríamos protegido al Cid. Si hubiéramos vivido cercal del Cid, le habríamos ayudado. Si hubiéramos estado con el Cid, habríamos sido amigos con él. Si hubiéramos vivido en la época del Cid, habríamos vivido en la Alhambra.

If we had lived in the era of el Cid, we would have been afraid of the lion. If we had been a part of the royal family, we would have protected el Cid. If we had lived close to el Cid, we would have helped him. I we had been with el Cid, we would have been friends with him. If we had lived during El Cid, we would have lived in the Alhambra.

-Emily B. y Michelle
Si hubiéramos sido el Cid, habríamos tenido no uno, sino cinco, leones.
Si hubiéramos sido Doña Sol, habríamos echado un león a las caras de los infantes de Carrión.
Si hubiera habido demasiado leones, habríamos comido uno en vez de atraparlo en la red, porque habría sido un peligro para la corte.
Si hubiéramos sido el Cid, no tendríamos que correr para ponernos en forma porque nos habríamos puesto en forma por participar en la guerra.

If we had been el Cid, we would not have had one but rather five lions. If we had been Doña Sol, we would have thrown lions at the infantes de Carrión. If there had been too many lions, we would have eaten one instead of trapping it in the cage, because it would have been dangerous for the court. If we had been el Cid, we wouldn’t have to run to stay in shape because we would have stayed in shape by fighting wars.
– David y Emily C

El Palacio de la Granja de San Ildefonso

2011-07-14T17:29:00.007-04:00

Ayer, fuimos a visitar el Palacio de la Granja de San Ildefonso, que está 20 minutos de Segovia. Ustedes pueden leer sobre el palacio aquí.

Perdidos (lost) en el laberinto en los jardines:

Sacando MUCHAS fotografías:

Ayer: Clase y el museo del vidrio

2011-07-14T17:23:00.004-04:00

En el taller (workshop) en el museo del vidrio:

En un tur sobre el museo del vidrio (glass):

Clase antes de la visita a la Granja:

¡Cumpleaños!

2011-07-11T16:55:00.005-04:00

Esta noche celebramos oficialmente los cumpleaños de Caroline y David. Fuimos a la bolera (bowling) y después, comimos pizza y pastel (cake) en Nueva Segovia. Todos se divirtieron :)

(PS: The photos are up on the blog one x one so that you all can click and enlarge them)

Baile folklórico en el acueducto

2011-07-08T18:00:00.001-04:00

Tonight, we went down to the centro to see some folkloric dance. Here are some photos. And tomorrow, it's Caroline's birthday :)

Después: Visita a la casa/museo de Antonio Machado

2011-07-08T08:12:00.004-04:00

Pssst! That's a Picasso in the background :)

Hoy: Poesía de Antonio Machado

2011-07-08T07:55:00.007-04:00

Segovia: Día 2 de clases; Ayer juego de pistas

2011-07-07T02:11:00.004-04:00

Hello parents! Sorry for the lack of communication the last couple of days. We've been busy getting settled in here in Segovia. Classes started yesterday after our tour of the downtown/historic center. Yesterday's afternoon's activity included a "Juego de pistas" or Scavenger hunt downtown and then an optional reading/musical interpretation from a newly published book "Memorias de un judío sefardí" ("Memories of a Sephardic Jew"). Off to the pool!

Un saludo,

Courtney

Enfrente del Alcázar famoso de Segovia:

Con el acueducto romano antes del tur de la ciudad:

La presentación de "Memorias de un judío sefardí"

(In the back row, you can make out Cate, Eve and then Emily C and more towards the front were David, Will N. and Will L)

Córdoba: Mezquita; Flores; Picnic

2011-07-05T02:56:00.005-04:00

After visiting Córdoba's historic Mezquita (pictures to be downloaded still), we took a stroll and enjoyed the cooler weather. Here the students are in one of Córdoba's famous "patios" displaying potted flowers. The festival is around Easter, but we were lucky to find one of the patios with flowers still on display.

Picnic en el parque en Córdoba:

After going to the Corte Inglés for a cultural shopping experience, we finished up the day in Córdoba with a picnic of food of the students choosing.

Sevilla- La Plaza de España

2011-07-03T02:23:00.004-04:00

To the parents: I realize that not all of the pictures are enlarging when you click on them. I'm working on this and I apologize. I am uploading them all in the same format, so I'm not sure what is resulting in the fact that some of them aren't available for a larger view. If anyone can help, feel free to comment on this post. Off to Córdoba! - Courtney

Sevilla- La Maestranza de Toros

2011-07-02T08:50:00.003-04:00

Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza de Sevilla:

(Sorry that the second photo came out weird!)

- Courtney

La Alhambra... y después

2011-07-02T02:08:00.009-04:00

Anteayer, nosotros fuimos a la Alhambra. Nosotros tuvimos una guía que se llamaba Alfonso. Era muy interesante, y él nos explicó todo el historia del Alhambra en español. También nosotros caminamos por los Jardines, y era fantástico! Los jardines tiene una vista de Granada increíble. Pudimos ver toda de la ciudad. La Alhambra tiene mucha historia; los sultanes vivían allá. En la Alhambra hay muchas cosas interesante que nosotros vimos. Por ejemplo, los leones. Ellos eran un parte de un fuente pero cuando nosotros vimos al leones, ellos estaban en obra. Granada era increíble. Si hubiéramos tenido la oportunidad para regresar nosotros habríamos ido.

-Nicole y Emily B

The day before yesterday, we went to the Alhambra. We had a guide that was called Alfonso. It was very interesting, and he explained all of the history of the Alhambra to us in Spanish. We also walked through the gardens (Generalife) and it was fabulous! The gardens had an incredible view of Granada. We could see the whole city. The Alhambra has a ton of history; the sultans used to live there. In the Alhambra there were a lot of interesting things that we saw. For example the lions. They were a part of a fountain but when we saw them, they were being repaired. Granada was incredible. If we had the chance to return, we would.

Vista de La Alhambra de San Nicolás

2011-07-01T13:43:00.003-04:00

Más de Toledo

2011-06-29T02:30:00.003-04:00

Cada día, hemos tenido una ciesta. Muchas personas usan la oportunidad para dormir, pero hay unos que han eligido usar su tiempo para ir a "Café Bro" en el café a lado del hotel. Bebimos café muy rico, tanto como agua de una jarra (sin vasos). Curro (mostrado en la foto), el camarrero, era muy emocionado para vernos cada día, y lo extrañaremos, pero encontramos un otro café. "Café Bro" es sólo una parte de este viaje increíble.

-David

Each day we have had a siesta. Many people use the opportunity to sleep, but there are some that have chosed to use their time to go to "Café Bro" in the café next to the hotel. There we drank delicious coffee and water from a jar (without glasses). Curro (see photo), the waiter, was very happy to see us every day, and we will miss him, but we will find another café. "Café Bro" is only a part of this incredible trip.

Ayer, fuimos a la sinagoga en al Judería (el barrio de Judeas) que es muy grande y increíble. ¡Una vista buena! Durante el amuerzo, teníamos una camarera muy estresada porque somos 22 personas. Despues de un almuerzo tan largo, regresamos al hotel para una siesta de dos horas. Pues, teníamos tiempo libre para cualquier cosa. Muchos de los estudiantes iban de compras antes de la cena en el techo del hotel. Es decir, ayer teníamos mucho tiempo libre para "chillear."

-Emily B y Carolina

Yesterday, we went to the synagogue in the Judería" (The Jewish neighborhood) that is fabulous and incredible. The view was great! During lunch, we had a waitress that was stressed out because we are 22 people. After a very long lunch, we returned to the hotel for a two-hour siesta. Then. we had free time to do whatever we wanted (almost :)). Many of the students went shopping before dinner on the rooftop of the hotel. Or should we say, yesterday, we had free time to "chill out".

Un cafecito

2011-06-28T12:43:00.005-04:00

En vez de echar siestas, los chicos han decidido tomar cafés. Aquí les van una foto en su café favorito... con su camarero favorito supongo.

- Courtney

Instead of taking naps, the boys have decided to get coffees. Here is a picture for you all in their favorite café... with their favorite waiter I suppose.

Ayer

2011-06-28T03:18:00.004-04:00

Ayer nosotros visitamos la Caterdral. Vimos pintas de Fracisco de Goya, sobre Jesus y Maria, y otras cosas muy bonitoas. Despues, fuimos a la Mezquita donde Courtney nos dijo un historia de la reconquista de Toldeo de los catolicos. Nosotros hicimos un juego de pistas. Necesitamos navegar la ciudad en groupos pequenos y preguntar personas sobre la historia de Toledo. Todo fue muy divertido!

- Cate, Jennie, y Nina

Yesterday, we visited the Cathedral. We saw paintings of Francisco de Goya about Jesus and Mary and other very pretty things. Later, we went to the mosque where Courtney told us about the history of the Reconquest of Toledo by the Catholics. We played a scavenger hunt. We had to navigate the city in small groups and ask people about the history of Toledo. It was a blast!

(Translation by Courtney)

Unas fotos: día 2

2011-06-27T18:47:00.003-04:00

Los estudiantes con Cervantes.
Tomando "granizados" y "horchata" en el parque.

Our first day

2011-06-26T13:50:00.002-04:00

Well.... We all arrived safe and sound to Toledo this morning with all 19 students and their bags. And after having slept very little in the plane, we got to the hotel here in Toledo where, because it was only 11am... the rooms weren't ready. But we have some troopers on this trip! We took a long stroll around the city, saw the famous "Entierro del Conde de Orgaz" by El Greco and then headed to a large lunch. Now it's rest time before the evening activities. It's Sunday here, so most everything is closed besides some of the tourist sites. Tomorrow, the students will have a chance to get phones and phone cards and we'll give them a chance to call home then. Also, there appears to be some serious celebrating for Corpus Christi so we'll have to investigate... I'll have some photos up tomorrow :)

And... we'll have the students write the entires now... en español, ¡claro!

Calendar of our travel schedule: June 25-July 25, 2011

2011-06-06T10:04:00.002-04:00

June 25: Depart from New York, JFK
June 26: Arrive Madrid, bus to Toledo. Orientation in Toledo

June 29: Toledo to Granada, visit the Alhambra in Granada etc.

July 1: Granada to Sevilla

July 3: Sevilla to Córdoba

July 4: Arrive in Segovia; begin family stay and classes at the Colegio Clarín,

Weekdays: Classes every morning. Excursions some afternoons. Most afternoons, nights and weekends with families. One-two excursions to Madrid plus canoeing down Spain's grand canyon "Hoces del Duratón", visits to medieval villages, etc.

July 9: Caroline's Birthday

July 12: David's Birthday

July 14: Anna's Birthday

??: Tour of "La Granja" near Segovia

July 22: "Hoces del Duratón" (the "Grand Canyon" of Spain), tour in kayaks

July 25: Depart MAD to JFK

* All above is subject to change

¡Bienvenidos!

2011-05-05T12:31:00.001-04:00

Welcome Rassias 2011 students! This is the blog that I will maintain while we are in Segovia to keep your families updated on your activities in Spain. We're excited to have you on the program.

I'm already in Spain and all is lovely as ever. Good luck with your packing, and remember the weight allowance for bags! Also, for international flights, you can check one bag for free but the price for a second checked bag may be as much as $60.

Nos vemos pronto en Barajas,

~Courtney, Master Teacher