Archive for the ‘Spain’ Category
A list of Museums in Mallorca.
Museu de Mallorca
Where: Carrer de sa Portella, 5
Phone: +34 971 717 540
Opening Times: April to September: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 to 14:00, 17:00 to 20:00. Sunday’s: 10:00 to 14:00. October to March: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 to 13:00 & 16:00 to 18:00, Sunday’s 10:00 to 14:00
This museum is considered the best museum in the whole Balearic Islands. Here you can view a number of collections on display and several thousand exhibits, highlights include: prehistoric artifacts that were discovered during archaeological digs. Also you can study the Moorish ceramics, medieval and Baroque paintings and important pieces of ancient buildings that are no longer in existence.
Museu d’Art Espanyol Contemporani
Where: Carrer Sant Miquel, 11
Phone: +34 971 713 515
Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 10:00 to 18:30 & Saturday: 10:00 to13:30
This museum gives you an insight into some of the lesser known Spanish artists as well as the well known artist, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro and Salvador Dali.
Mallorca Museums: Museu Krekovic
Where: Carrer de Ciutat de Queretaro, 3
Phone: +34 971 249 409
Opening Times: Mid-January to Mid-December: Monday to Friday: 09:30 to 13:00, 15:00 to 18:00. Saturday: 09:30 to 13:00
Here you can study many works of art by the famous Croatian artist, Kristian Krekovic. There are also numerous interesting paintings and handcrafts from both Spain and Latin America.
The following are descriptions of different holidays in Barcelona and Spain in general.
Carnival
The Carnival tradition stems from the beginning of Catholicism’s Lent. It’s a blend of customes from around the world that come together. The traditional Catalan calendar celebrates Carnival beginning with the arrival of His Majesty Carnival on Fat Thursday (Dijous Gras) to the burial of the sardines on Ash Wednesday (Dimecres de Cendra), including the Grand Parade (Gran Rua) on Carnival Saturday, the Masked Balls (Balls de Màscares) and the Feasts (les Fartaneres). Carnival is celebrated in every city in Spain, but only a few go the extremes that cities such as Sitges, Cadiz and the Canary Islands.
Easter
Holy week : Palm Sunday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Good Friday
In Christian churches, Ash Wednesday is the first day of the penitential season of Lent. The name come from the ceremony of placing ashes on the foreheads a sign of penitence. In the Roman Catholic Church, ashes obtained from burned palm branches of the Palm Sunday the year before, are blessed before mass on Ash Wednesday. The priest places the blessed ashes on the foreheads of the officiating priests, the clergy, and the congregation, while reciting over each one the following formula: “Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.” Lent is a period of fasting and penitence traditionally observed by Christians in preparation for Easter.
The length of the Lenten fast, during which observants eat sparingly, was established in the 4th century as 40 days. The 40-day period begins on Ash Wednesday and extends, with the omission of Sundays, to the day before Easter. The Roman Catholic Church has in recent years relaxed its laws on fasting and nowadays fasting and abstinence during Lent are obligatory only on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The last week of Lent begins with holy week and Palm Sunday. People go to mass in the morning, children carry palm leaves to be blessed by the priest. Boys carry a simple palm branch, and the girls carry a branch that has been decorated. They often have sweets, tinsel or other decorations hanging from them. On Palm Sunday, people go to mass in the morning. Children carry palm leaves to be blessed by the priest. Boys carry a simple palm branch, and the girls carry a branch that has been decorated. They often have sweets, tinsel or other decorations hanging from them.
Christmas
22.12 – 03.01
Immaculada – the country’s patron saint is the Virgin Mary and the Christmas season officially begins on December 8th, the feast of the Immaculate Conception (which is a National holiday). It is celebrated each year in front of the great Gothic cathedral in Seville a ceremony called los Seises or the “dance of six”. December 13th is Santa Llúcia’s day. From that day on until Christmas, Barcelona Cathedral is surrounded by stalls where you can find all kinds of Christmas decoration: from little figures that represent the birth of Christ to Christmas trees. And as years go by, the variety on the stalls is just getting bigger and bigger: you can even find jewellery and different hand made crafts. Christmas Eve, 24th December, is known as “Nochebuena” (the Good Night). It is a time for family members to gather together to rejoice and feast around the Nativity scenes that are present in nearly every home. The Christmas Eve gaiety is interrupted at midnight be the ringing of bells calling the families to “La Misa Del Gallo” (Rooster’s Mass). The most beautiful of these candlelight services is held at the monastery of Montserrat, high in the mountain near Barcelona, which is highlighted by a boy’s choir performing the Mass as if in “one pure voice”. Midnight mass is held in churches all over the country and then the family go home to eat Christmas dinner. Christmas dinner is never eaten until after midnight. It is a family feast, and often highlighted with “Pavo Trufado de Navidad” (Christmas turkey with truffles; truffles are a mushroom-like delicacy found underground). After the meal, family members gather around the Christmas tree and sing Christmas carol. The celebrations usually go on very late, one old Spanish verse says…
The Feast of the Holy Innocents
December 28th (Día de los Santos Inocentes)
This celebration is equivalent to our April Fool’s Day, and is a day for practical jokes (las inocentadas). In some parts of Spain young boys of a town or village light bonfires and one of them acts as the mayor who orders townspeople to perform civic chores such as sweeping the streets. Refusal to comply results in fines which are used to pay for the celebration.
New Year’s Eve, 31st December, is known as “Nochevieja” (the Old Night) as it is the last night of the old year.
One tradition appears to be fairly new, it seems to go back to a year when there was a surplus of grapes, and so a new tradition was started.
Everyone has to have twelve grapes prepared, and then as the clock strikes each of the strokes of midnight of the old year you must eat a grape, those that do not finish their grapes will not have good luck in the New Year! The stiking of midnight in the “Plaza del Sol” in Madrid is shown on TV so all can see. New Year begins in Barcelona like a Carnival party with people in masks in the streets, who- like everywhere in Spain – try to eat 12 grapes during the last 12 seconds of the finishing year. A tradition that is said to bring good luck – if you manage it.
Corpus Christi
All of Spain celebrates Corpus Christi, but there are special celebrations held in Sitges. Sitges, a Barcelona province, has celebrated this holiday since the 1950s. Beautiful carpets of flowers cover the streets of this seaside town. An altar is placed in the main square and the crowds are blessed with a shower of carnations. The National Carnation Exhibition is held on the same day and thousands of bouquets from different countries are displayed.
“La Patum” In Berga (province of Barcelona), is a procession of giants, devils and monsters through the streets to celebrate Corpus Christi
“L’ou com balla” (Dancing Egg) takes place in Barcelona to celebrate the Corpus Christi with processions of traditional and very unique masks around Barcelona Cathedral.
Epiphany (6th January)
As in many European countries, the children of Spain receive gifts on the feast of the Epiphany. In Spain January 5th sees the procession of the “Three Magi”, who will bring presents to the children next morning and so are the Spanish alternative to Santa Claus (although Father Christmas is becoming very popular here, too!).
The Magi are particularly revered in Spain. It is believed that they travel through the countryside reenacting their journey to Bethlehem every year at this time. Children living in country areas leave their shoes on the windowsills and fill them with straw, carrots, and barley or the horses of the Wise Men. Their favorite is Balthazar who rides a donkey and is the one believed to leave the gifts.
Toys shops are open until midnight on 5th January and the Three Kings and their retinue form part of extravagant processions of floats, bands and dancers through the major towns and cities. The children of Barcelona, Majorca in the Balearics and Tenerife in the Canaries get the added thrill of seeing the Kings arrive by sea. These processions are a relatively recent phenomenon – Seville’s, the oldest, dates back only as far as 1916 – but they are very popular. Sweets are usually thown to the throngs of children lining the routes.
Holidays in Barcelona
1st of January- New Year’s Day
6th of January- Epiphany
1st of May- Labour Day
15th of August- Asunction
11th of September- Catalonian National Day
24th of September- Sta. Mercè
12th of October- Fiesta de la Hispanidad
1st of November- All Saints
6th of December- Constitution Day
25th of December- Chrismas Day
26 Diciembre- St Stephen’s Day
Information about traveling to and around San Sebastian, Spain.
Arriving at San Sebastián Airport
San Sebastián
Airport Code: EAS
Address: San Sebastian Airport, Spain, Ctra de Playahundi s/n, E-20280 Hondarribia/Guipúzcoa
Phone: +34 943 668 500
Fax: +34 943 668 561
Website: www.aena.es
Email: infoeas@aena.es
Transportation from the Airport
Car Hire:
The airport has three main car hire companies, which have the convenience of being able to leave the terminal and pick your car up is a great benefit.
Avis
Telephone: +34 943 668 548
Fax: +34 943 644 516
Europcar
Telephone: +34 943 668 530
Fax: +34 943 668 530
Hertz
Telephone: +34 943 668 566
Fax: +34 943 668 526
Bus:
The bus stop is on the airport road about thirty meters from the passenger terminal. Buses depart every 20 minutes and cost around €1.45 to San Sebastian. For further information call: +34 943 641 302.
Taxi:
A taxi from the Airport to San Sebastian (by the motorway) will cost around €26 (including an extra charge for baggage). For further information please call: + 34 943 641 256 and for a Radiotaxi you can call + 34 943 633 303.
Public Transport in San Sebastian
San Sebastian is a relatively small city, so the best way to explore it is by foot. If you intend to travel longer distances, then it´s better to use the public transport systems.
Trains
The trains in San Sebastian are easily accessible. All the trains coming from Spain and France arrive at the Estación del Norte (RENFE – Paseo de Francia, s/n. Telephone +34 283 599 or +34 283 089). The trains coming from Bilbao or from Irun and Hendaya arrive at the Estación de Amara (Plaza Easo, s/n. +34 450 131 or +34 470 815). The railway system is reasonably efficient, reliable and relatively inexpensive.
Website: http://www.renfe.es
Eusko Tren
Address: Estación de Amara, Donosti / San Sebastián. Plaza Easo, s/n
Phone: +34 943 450 131
Website: http://www.euskotren.es
Taxi
The most efficient way to travel around the city is by taxi. The only problem is that taxis are rather expensive. All taxis have meters and their rates vary depending on your destination. The rates are regulated by publicly displayed fares, but to avoid any kind of dispute, it’s wise to negotiate a fixed rate for your destination. You can find many taxi stands around the city. The rates are more expensive between 11.00 pm and 07.00 am and on national holidays.
Donosti
Phone: +34 943 46 46 46
Easo
Phone: +34 467 666 (equipped with vehicules suitable for handicapped passengers).
Santa Clara
Phone: +34 310 111
Suital
Phone: +34 396 840
Radio Suital
Phone: +34 943 396 840
Radio-teléfono
Phone: +34 943 426 642
Vallina Teletaxi
Phone: +34 943 404 040
Bus
San Sebastian’s bus service is very effective and reliable; the buses are clean, very well services and maintained. Buses provide good links to all parts of the city, the local Airport, train stations and downtown areas; they are also a lot cheaper than taxis.
Transportes Pesa Autobuses
Phone: +34 943 463 974
Turytrans – Autobuses
Phone: +34 943 462 360
One of the most popular aspects of Granada is the free tapas. No other city in Spain offers free tapas with the purchase of a drink, and the tapas in Granada are both generous and delicious. With the purchase of 2 or 3 drinks, you can eat dinner for very little money, and your night will begin in a fun, relaxed way. To start the night, most people choose a tapas bar and go have a few drinks and snacks before heading out for the night. Most bars don’t open until 20:30 or so, and therefore close their doors around midnight.
After satisfying your dinner needs, you have many options for what to do next. Close to Plaza Nueva is a street lined with Arabic teahouses, shops, and vendors. Stepping onto Calle Calderería Nueva is like stepping into a different country, with the incense, teapots, hookah bars, and brightly colored fabrics for sale. For a relaxing evening, choose any of the teterías (tea shops) along the road, order a pot of tea, some Arabic desserts, and smoke some hookah until the early hours of the morning. These little cafés are a great place to chat with friends and relax, instead of a crazy night on the town.
For a different type of relaxation, head to the Arab Hammam Baths in Calle Santa Ana, or any of the other bath houses scattered throughout the city. With 90 minutes soaking in baths of cold, warm, and hot waters, plus the use of a steam room, free calming tea, and a short relaxing message, your tension will fade away. Dating back to the times of the Romans and Moors, these baths have long been a pastime of people throughout Andalucia, and the decor alone is worth the money.
Another option is to start the evening with a typical Andalucian pastime and attend a flamenco show. A wide variety of shows are offered throughout the city, and the most popular destination is the hill of El Sacromonte on the northern edge of the city. Located in the former gypsy caves, El Sacromonte is now one of the most ‘touristy’ places to see flamenco, but the music and dancing is still as authentic as it was centuries ago.
While these options are both relaxing and cultural, the true Granada nightlife lies in the plentitude of bars and clubs all through the city. Mae West, a 5 floor nightclub which charges a £10 entry fee, gives you two ‘copas’ (mixed drinks) with the entry. Each room in the club has a different theme and different music playing, giving you plenty of options to dance the night away. Granada 10 is another dance club, frequented by a younger crowd, and the line outside forms early in the evening. For a cheap drink, head to the Chupitería on Calle Pedro Antonio de Alarcón and select a shot from one of more than 100 options. No matter where you go, or what you do, in Granada a good time is to be had by all!
A list of holidays in Spain.
Jan 1st, Año Nuevo (New Year’s Day)
Jan 6th, Dia de los tres Reyes (when Christmas presents are given)
Feb 28th, Dia de Andalucia
Mar 19th, San Jose (Father’s Day)
Variable, Viernes Santo (Good Friday)
Variable, Dia de Pascua (Easter Sunday)
May 1st, Dia del Trabajo (Labour Day)
Apr 20-25th, Feria de Sevilla (all night Flamenco dancing, bullfights, dancing in the streets and horse riding)
Apr 25th, St.Barbara (patroness of miners)
Jun 24th, San Juan (St.John’s Day)
Variable (mid June) Corpus Christi
Jun 29th, San Pedro y San Pablo (St.Peter & St.Paul)
Jul 25th, Santiago (St.James, patron saint of Spain)
Aug 15th, Asuncion (Assumption)
Oct 12th, Dia de la Hispanidad (Columbus Day)
Nov 1st, Todos los Santos (All Saints Day)
Dec 6th, Dia de la Constitucion (Constitution Day)
Dec 8th, Immaculada Concepcion (Immaculate Conception)
Dec 25th, Navidad (Christmas Day)
Similar to the rest of Spain, Sevilla celebrates Carnival with events like parades, and costume parties. Semana Santa, easter week in April, there are many events such as slow parades with drums, as well as reenactments of the final days of Christ. Semana Santa is one of the most important holidays in Sevilla. Statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus are carried through out the town, and many of the people from the city dress up in white/black robes. About two weeks laters after easter, the town celebrates “Feria de Abril.” The holiday is celebrated for a week, and people meet in the Feria square in Sevilla and dance, sing, eat, and drink. During this time there are horse parades, flameno dance, and the locals awear traditional regional dresses. San Fernando, celebrated on May 31st, is the patron saint of Sevilla. There are many events and activites through out the year in Sevilla, which celebrate theses holidays and memorable days.
On public holidays, all shops, banks, and museums are closed. So if you are going to be in Sevilla during a public holiday, make sure you do not plan to go shopping on these days, because the majority of shops and restaurants will be closed. Many different districts have their own holidays which they celebrate. Most taxi’s will charge a small fee on holidays, the metro runs less frequently and is usually over crowded.
Museums:
Where: c/ Conde Mirasol, Bilbao
Phone: +34 944 157 673
Here you can see the world most famous works of art in full-scale reproduction. If you are interested of Classical, Greek or Renaissance art, this is the place for you. What makes this museum special is that they have painting and model making classes. They also boast a videoteque, audio-visual room, workshop and photographic laboratory.
Basque Museum
Where: Plaza Miguel de Unamuno, 4, Bilbao
Phone: +34 944 155 423
Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00 to 17:00
Sundays: 11:00 to 14:00
Mondays & Public Holidays: Closed
Entrance: Adults: €3, Groups & Students: €1.50, Seniors & children under 10: Free Thursdays: Free
This museums gives a very detailed and extremely interesting overview of history, life, culture and traditions in the Basque country. It’s definitely worth a visit.
Bilbao Bullfighting Museum
Where: Vista Alegre Bullring
Phone: +34 944 448 698
Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 10:30 to 13:00 & 16:00 to 18:00 Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays: Closed
Entrance: €1.20
The museum contains an extensive array of Bullfighting memorabilia: costumes, capes, swords and even the stuffed heads of famous bulls. It also chronicles the history of Bullfighting in Spain.
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
Where: Plaza del Museo 2, Bilbao
Phone: +34 944 396 141
Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 to 20:00
Sunday & Public Holidays: 10:00 to 14:00
Closed: Mondays
Entrance: Adults: €4.50, Groups, Students & Seniors: €3 Wednesdays: Free
This museum is full is some superb art from different eras and varying places…well worth a visit.
Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art
Phone: +34 944 320 125
Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:30 to 13:30 & 16:00 to 19:00
Sundays & Public Holidays: 10:30 to 13:30 & Closed on Mondays
Entrance: Adults: €2, Students, Seniors & Children under 18: €1, Groups: €6 Thursdays: Free
If you want to know more about the works related to religious art in Bizkaia, this is the right place for you! The building is the old Convento de la Encarnacion, which opened to the public as a museum in 1995. The collection contains: religious silverware, sculptures and the sacred vestments dating from the 16th to the 20th centuries.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Where: Abandoibarra Et. 2, Bilbao
Phone: +34 944 359 080
Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 to 20:00
Entrance: Adults: €7, Students & Seniors: €3.50, Children under 12: Free
This special museum is designed by the architect Frank O. Gehry and is one of the most famous designs in the world today, you may remember it from the opening scene of ‘James Bond: Tomorrow Never Dies’. It was built on a 32,500 square meter site in the center of Bilbao. This gives the museums a phenomenal eleven thousand square meters of exhibition space which is distributed in 19 galleries! So if you are an art lover you really have to visit this museum where you can study the most representative art and artists of our time.
Gran Canaria is regarded by some as a paradise for those that love the sea and all the activities that are associated with it. The climate in Gran Canaria is idyllic for those that want to take part in different types of outdoor sports and activities all year round. You will often find various teams and elite professional sport personalities training here during the winter months.
Gran Canaria is good place if you just prefer to sit back and watch. The main spectator sports on the island are football, basketball and motor rallies. They have some home grown sports like Canarian Wrestling, Juego del Palo and Lateen Sailing. Lateen Sailing is practiced on the coast of the capital of Gran Canaria during the months of April and October. Some of the outdoor sports that you can take part in include hiking, rock climbing, cycling and trekking. There are also a plethora of water sports to keep you occupied on the island.
Roque Nublo is a good place to go rock climbing. Alternatives to this are El Palmés, in El Toscón de Tejeda, Betancuria in Ayacata or Narices, which is at the foot of the north face of Roque Bentayga, but climbing is restricted here because it’s of archaeological value. Gran Canaria has the perfect climate for sailing, close to the land you will find mild winds for beginners and for those adrenaline junkies, head further out for some stronger winds. The key areas for those wanting to participate in this activity are Las Alcaravaneras bay and Las Canteras. If you’re on the east coast, Pozo Izquierdo beach is an ideal place for windsurfing and in your in the south, Maspalomas and Mogán are good places to go. Gran Canaria has many spots a long the coastline that are great for surfing and bodyboarding. The best areas in the north region are Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Gáldar.
In the east region best surfing area is Pozo Izquierdo and in the south you should head for Arguineguín. For those of you that prefer deep sea fishing then look no further. Gran Canaria has great fishing conditions and a wide range of species. Record breaking game fish have been caught, the long list includes: blue marlin, billfish, yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, atlantic bonito, barracuda, albacore and many others.
Public Transport in Valencia
Train
The train station can be located in the city center. Trains arrive and depart for all national and international destinations and it also caters for local destinations within the Valencian Provinces.
Train Station
Address: Xátiva, 24, 46007 Valencia
Phone: +34 963 537 190
Website: http://www.renfe.es
Bus
The buses in Valencia are run by the governments transport department. The bus network provides connections to 91 bus routes. The Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Valencia (EMT) buses are red and the ETM also operates the urban bus system in Valencia City.
ETM (Entitat de Transport Metropolita de Valencia)
Phone: +34 963 528 399
Website: http://www.etmvalencia.es
There are is also a bus service for disabled people.
Phone: +34 963 528 386
Taxis
There are various different companies in Valencia. Their prices vary depending on the zone. The prices are visible on the taxi’s meter. The main taxi companies operating in Valencia are:
Radio Taxi
Phone: +34 963 703 333
Tele Taxi
Phone: +34 965 711 313
Valencia Taxi
Phone: +34 963 740 202
Metro
Valencia has a Metro with four lines that connect to different parts of the city. The Metro starts running at 05:00am and stops at 23:00pm. The Metro also provides connections to the Tram.
Phone: +34 900 461 046
Website: www.metrovalencia.com/metroval/htmleng/home/home.asp
Alternative Forms of Transport in Valencia
Trams
Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) are responsible for operating the Tram system. The FGV is a public corporation with it’s own independent legal status, subject to private law, and enjoys organisational autonomy with private assets and full capacity to carry out its own business.
Phone: +34 900 461 046
Website: http://www.fgv.es
The descendants of the Tartessians established a city called Hispalis, which is now known as Seville. In 206 BC the Second Punic War began and Scipio reached Seville and defeated Asdrubal then established the city of Italica, the birthplace of the Roman emperors Hadrian and Trajan. The Romans Italica fell in favour of Hispalis, the Roman Seville. The city experienced a period of expansion and growth and a walled fortress was built. Currently all that remains is the Arco de la Macarena and the Postigo del Aceite .
The Hispalis later moved between Cesar and Pompey who engaged in the battle of Munda in 43 BC between Osuna and Estepa and the Osuna emerged as victor. Thereafter, Hispalis became a Roman colony with the right of Roman citizenship. Remains of Roman civilization can be seen in the city’s Museo Arqueológico.
Hispalis was the true political, economic and administrative centre of the southern Iberian Peninsula. During the 4th century Christianity was legalised and in the 5th and 6th centuries the Suevo and Visigothic invasions occurred. The arrival of the Muslims in 711 however caused a radical transformation in the whole Peninsula, especially in the south, which they occupied the longest. The Arabic name for Seville was Isbilia. Isbillia blossomed with its new Arabic and Andalusian cultural mix. Jews, Christians and various Arab ethnic groups lived together in harmony.
The 12th century saw a flourishing economy, population growth, and extensive building projects. One splendid example of this is the Giralda the minaret of the mosque. Ferdinand III re-conquered Isbilia in 1248 and expelled the Muslims and then the city was renamed Seville. In the 19th century between 1808 and 1812, Napoleon invaded and part of Seville’s artistic wealth was transported to France. Once the French had departed, Seville became immersed in the ups and downs of political life that were a feature of Spain for most of the century. To discover and enjoy Seville to it’s full, visit the Reales Alcázares or Moorish Palace. Go up to the mirador balcony at the top of La Giralda tower after seeing the second largest cathedral in the Christendom.
Almost 400 million people speak Spanish worldwide.
Spanish is the 4th most spoken language in the world
.
Spanish is becoming the 2nd most important language in Europe, after English.
About half of the population in the Western Hemisphere speak Spanish.
Learning Spanish makes learning other romanic languages easier.
In some areas of the U.S., Spanish language TV stations have higher ratings than the country’s major networks, ABC, CBS, and NBC.
26.7 million people use Spanish on the internet.
In less than 10 years, demand has doubled for Spanish language programs.
How Spanish Courses Work…
Depending on the program or school, courses normally start every Monday. When you arrive, you are placed in the appropriate class level usually after you take a placement test. Programs typically divide students into at least three levels, beginner, intermediate, or advanced.
Classes will be scheduled for the morning, afternoon or both, depending on the level of intensity at which you plan to study. Upon completion of your program, you will receive a certificate of participation if you have fulfilled all designated requirements. Look for accommodation and Spanish schools in Barcelona!
Beginners:
Command of linguistic and cultural basics. Able to formulate and understand short sentences relating to basic necessities and forms of politeness.
Intermediate:
Able to express oneself, perhaps sometimes with a little difficulty, but usually spontaneously and independently, in everyday situations.
Advanced:
In this level you have advanced communication skills, even in complicated situations.
Superior:
Clearing up minor imperfections. Refining pronunciation and intonation. Communicating, without difficulty, with people who are native Spanish speakers.
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www.barcelona-home.com
Viladomat 89-95 entlo.3
08015 Barcelona. España
Tel. +34 934 231 270
Fax. +34 932 893 630
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What is the DELE?
The Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language is the official accreditation of level of fluency of the Spanish language.The DELE is frequently requested by companies as proof of language proficiency and is an excellent way to gauge your level of fluency.
The DELE is the official accreditation of the level of mastery of the Spanish language for citizens of countries where
Spanish is not the official language. The DELE is issued by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Culture.
This degree is very important in both the education and business world.
The DELE is recognized predominantly by companies, universities and other educational institutions.
The DELE is Divided into 3 Levels:
• The Certificado Inicial (Primary level) accredits the most basic level of knowledge of the language and that the basic needs of everyday life can be communicated.
• The DELE Básico (Intermediate level) accredits a level of knowledge for communicating ability for daily life, excluding specialized use.
• The DELE Superior (Superior level) accredits a level of advanced knowledge of the language, including its cultural
background and specialized communication.
The DELE Exam
The exam for the DELEs is broken down into five tests:
reading comprehension, written expression, listening comprehension, grammar and vocabulary, and oral expression. In order to pass the exam, the test taker must at least pass all sections. If one section is failed, all parts must be retaken.
Section
Duration
Structure
Reading Comprehension
60 min.
The test taker must answer 12 multiple choice questions based on 4 texts. The texts will not exceed 450 words.
Written Expression
60 min.
The test taker must write a personal letter and an essay, each consisting of 150-200 words.
Listening Comprehension
30 min.
The test taker must answer 12 multiple choice questions based on 4 oral texts (audio recordings). The recordings will
consist of advertisements, news, conversations and interviews.
Grammar and Vocabulary
60 min.
The test taker must complete the following exercises:
• Incomplete text (20 gaps) choosing the appropriate option.
• 40 brief dialogues choosing the appropriate option.
Oral Expression
10 – 15 min.
The test taker must engage in a conversation lasting 10 to 15 minutes.
When to Take the Exam
The DELE exams are typically in mid-March and mid-November.
How Much the Exams Cost
Depending on where you take the exam, the cost varies a bit. In Spain, the cost (2005) of the Inicial Level is €88, the Intermedio Level €109, and the Superior Level €120.
The costs in other countries range from about €30 – €150.
DELE Testing Centers in Barcelona
In Barcelona there are three official testing centers for the exams:
Universitat Pompeu Fabra
Plaça de la Mercè, 10-12
E-08002 Barcelona
Sr. D.
Ernesto Martín Peris / Sra. Dª Carmen Pérez Vidal
Tel.:935 421 921
Fax:935 421 702
www.upf.edu/pei
pei@fun.upf.es
Universidad Ramón Llull – ESADE Escuela de Idiomas
Avda. Pedralbes, 60-62
E-08034 Barcelona
Sra. Dª. María Delia Castro
Carrillo
Tel.:932 806 162 / 934 952 191
Fax:932 048 105
delia.castro@esade.edu
Universidad de Barcelona
Estudios
Hispánicos
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585
E-08007 Barcelona
Sr. D. Salvador Claramunt Rodríguez
Tel.:934 035 519
Fax:934 035 433
http://www.ub.es/ieh
info@eh.ub.es
This course is aimed at business men and women who have limited time to learn a basic knowledge of the Spanish spoken in a business environment. This course is largely attended by university students who wish to live and work in Spain or by active professionals who are taking the course to create more opportunities in the labour market. The Intensive Business course comprises 20 specific business classes per week and runs for a 4 week period. If your time is particularly limited there is the option of attending for 1, 2 or 3 weeks. The advantage of attending a full 4 weeks course is that you can take the Basic Certificate exams of the Madrid Chamber of Commerce. This course is guarenteed to open a wider range of employment opportunities for those who choose to take it.
Practical Information
Duration: 1 to 4 weeks
Required level: B1
Frequency: 30 classes per week
Group size: A maximum of 16 students per group
If you are interested in taking this course contact barcelona-home by clicking here, or use the information below.
barcelona-home
www.barcelona-home.com
Viladomat 89-95 entlo.3
08015 Barcelona. España
Tel. +34 934 231 270
Fax. +34 932 893 630
skype
Call with Skype
This course is designed for people wishing to learn or perfect their Spanish with a specific focus on the world of tourism. If you are working, or plan to work, for a travel agency, tour operator, hotel, or any other sector of the tourism industry. Then this program is for you. The course is divided into two fortnightly parts. In each fortnightly block you will have 20 hours of classes in which you will learn aspects of the tourism world.
We recommend combining this course with the Spanish intensive course, ending with an exam to obtain the Basic Spanish Certificate in Tourism of the Madrid Chamber of Commerce. On completion of the course, the possibility exists of doing work experience in hotels, travel agencies, etc.
Course Content
# The Spanish tourist trade
# Tourist Management: Public Relations, Marketing, Production and Logistics
# Organisation of conferences
# Visits to and guest speakers from various tourist organisations and agencies.
Practical Information
# Duration: 2 weeks
# Intensity: 2 hours daily
# Group Size: Maximum of 16 per class
# Required Level: Advanced
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Barcelona-Home
www.barcelona-home.com
Viladomat 89-95 entlo.3
08015 Barcelona. España
Tel. +34 934 231 270
Fax. +34 932 893 630
skype
Call with Skype
Believe it or not, but there is a good possibility to enjoy a hot summer day in Barcelona in a very cool, sportive and relaxing way. Orthos is a company that offers Yoga, Jazz dance, Hip Hop and folk dance courses which always remain on a physiotherapeutic background. Orthos has been in business for over 30 years, constantly developing new and advancing methods every time. Meanwhile the company has more than 32 offices in Spain, Portugal and Argentina. This company has spread their knowledge around to other countries.
Their first objectives were constantly the same. Continuous implementation of new physio- and health science knowledges and applications, formation of the best trainers, ambitious business based on clear defined quality rules ( I.S.O.) and the targeted orientation to the business. It is a company that offers courses which continuously change and improve with new experiences, a company that meets challenges. To be sportive and carry out healthy and sportive things is crucial for most healthy people, and that should become a daily habit and part of everyone’s lifestyle. Not only can you take the courses, but you can also learn the about them.
It is very important to become a regular practitioner of such activities, and with Orthos, this is possible. There are usually Spa and Sport complexes at locations where you never stop learning and are always trying something new. Who would like to go to a fitness studio that has not changed or advanced in the last 30 years, in both decoration and teaching aspects? The answer is, nobody who is conserned about themselves, and their well being. Thus if want to do something really good for your physical and mental health as well as your well being, have some fun and relax a bit, go to the Orthos office in Barcelona on C/Cócega 371. Easy to reach with the metro lines L3(green, stop: Diagonal) and L5 ( blue, stop: Verdaguer).
Personalized classes are designed for people who don’t have an abundance of time but want to make the most of their learning experience, you are able to follow your own pace of learning with individual tuition. This draws a contrast to group classes as neither you or your teacher have to follow the pace and interests defined by your class.
There is also an option to mix an Intensive (group) course with an Individual course. The Individual course is steamlined to meet your learning needs. Your individual goals are analyzed and then a personalized program of learning is created for you with regard to your timetable and any additional activities. You also have the option of leaning specified areas of the language, such as literature, business, culture and any other subject you want.
Practical Information
Duration: Optional
Frequency: Optional
Minimum age: 15 years old
barcelona-home
www.barcelona-home.com
Viladomat 89-95 entlo.3
08015 Barcelona. España
Tel. +34 934 231 270
Fax. +34 932 893 630
skype
Call with Skype
If you’re 50 or over and want to learn Spanish in a comfortable , relaxed environment , tailored for you, then this is where you can do it. You will be studying , not only the language , but the essentials of how to enjoy the Spanish way of life in a group with people your own age.
Leisure
We offer a comprehensive leisure program that will make your stay relaxing, enjoyable and informative . This includes:
· A welcome dinner .
· Cultural and Historical tours and visits to museums.
· Dancing Classes .
·“ Today’s Spain ”: political , cultural and economical topics of Spain today.
· Theoretical class of Spanish cooking and visits to the local markets.
Practical Information
Duration: 1 week to 1 month
Group size: A maximum of 8 students per class and a minimum of 3
Required level: Elementary
Minimum Age: 50
Barcelona-Home
www.barcelona-home.com
Viladomat 89-95 entlo.3
08015 Barcelona. España
Tel. +34 934 231 270
Fax. +34 932 893 630
skype
Call with Skype
Read the following information to learn how to get to and around the city of Cadiz.
Transportation to Cadiz:
Taxis
Taxis are available to Cadiz from the surrounding airports of Jerez, Sevilla, Malaga and even Madrid. The costs will range from €37.30 to €499.00, depending on where you choose to arrive from. Madrid is the furthest destination from Cadiz, and therefore the most expensive.
Bus
From all the cities mentioned above, except for Jerez, there are buses available that can bring you to Cadiz. The journey times range from 1 hour 45 minutes to 8 hours. The prices may vary from €8.68 to €19.71 for a single ticket, all depending where you are coming from.
Train
Trains depart frequently from the citites mentioned above. Traveling times can vary anywhere from 45 minutes to 6 hours and costs range from €2.40 to €61.00.
Boats
Taking a boat to the city of Cadiz is the most exciting way to travel. The Vapor boat from El Puerto to Cadiz takes about 45 minutes and costs €2. The faster option, Catamaran Rapido del Puerto, costs around €3 and is designed for adrenaline junkies.
Public Transport in Cadiz
Bus
Once in Cadiz there are buses that can take you around the city. Plaza de la Hispanidad is the best and most convenient place to get on a bus. Here you can take a bus that goes to Algeciras, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Jerez, Sevilla and Tarifa. There are also three daily buses that go to Arcos de la Frontera, Ronda and Malaga.
Website: www.cmtbc.com
Train
The train station is located near the Plaza de Sevilla. Trains from here run to Madrid and Barcelona.
Address: Plaza de Sevilla, s/n – 11006 Cadiz
Website: www.renfe.es
A two week intensive course is offered in leaning Spanish specifically for a tourist environment. If you work or would like to work in this ever increasing industry in such areas as travel agency, tour operations or hotel management then this programme is for you. The course is divided into two fortnightly parts, each part consisting of 20 hours of classes.
It is recommended that an intensive Spanish course is taken concurrently with this to give you the opportunity to obtain the Basic Spanish Certificate in Tourism of the Madrid Chamber of Commerce. Once completed you will have to option of work experience in hotels, travel agencies and tour operating companies.
Course Content and Activities
·The Spanish tourist trade.
·Tourist Management (Public Relations, Marketing, Production, Logistics, Accommodation Providers and Travel Agents).
·Organisation of conferences.
·Visits to and guest speakers from various tourist organisations and agencies (both profit and non-profit making).
Practical Information
Duration: 1 week to 1 month
Intensity: 2 hours daily of specialisation
Group size: A maximum of 16 students per class
Required level: Advanced
Barcelona-Home
www.barcelona-home.com
Viladomat 89-95 entlo.3
08015 Barcelona. España
Tel. +34 934 231 270
Fax. +34 932 893 630
Call with Skype
Finding a language school that suits your needs and has the qualities that are important to you in a program is vital to your language improvement. Every language course is different therefore you must decide ahead of time the basic format you’re looking for in choosing a school. If you have a shorter time during which you can study, an intensive course may be the most suitable because they tend to be full-day month long courses. If you wish to spread your studies over a semester there are many university programs and non-university related schools that offer three to five month programs which typically meet half days or only certain days of the week. For an intensive course, you should plan on devoting at least six hours per day to classroom study. Longer-term courses will probably require about 3-5 hours per week of classroom work. After choosing a course and applying for acceptance, most English language schools will determine your level of knowledge with a placement test. When you arrive, you are placed in the appropriate class level usually after you take a placement test. Programs usually divide students into at least three levels, beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Depending on the program or school, courses normally start every Monday.
Barcelona-Home
www.barcelona-home.com
Viladomat 89-95 entlo.3
08015 Barcelona. España
Tel. +34 934 231 270
Fax. +34 932 893 630
Call with Skype
