Costa Brava

On Sunday and Monday Ines and I went to a few seaside towns in the Costa Brava. Ines son David was swimming in a town called Cadaqués. We drove on a very windy road to the town of Portlligat, which is well known with tourists as another of Dali’s houses is situated there. It is a small house, but has interesting features, including two oval white eggs perched on top of the roof of the house. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to look around the house because visitors had to buy tickets in advance; however I looked around the town and got some nice photos near the boats. Dali had a boat which was named after his wife Gala, which can still be used for rides today. It was very windy though and a lot of the photos taken were of me frantically trying to move my windswept hair out of my face. I managed to pick up a good few photos though.

After that we were on the way to Cadaqués and when I arrived my jaw dropped. It is a stunning seaside town with a large church in the centre. David had finished swimming and was pleased as he had come third in the competition. He was waiting on the medals and then I wandered around the shops. Once David got his medal, Ines and I walked around the town, up the charming streets and to the church where we got a great view of the town. It truly is magnificent and the water is so blue!

On Monday after school, Ines, Julia and I then headed to Palamós, as it was a really hot day and because it is my last few days in Spain, I wanted to make the most of it. Julia and I went swimming in the sea, sometimes I wanted to swim alone but Julia wouldn’t let me! She kept saying that she’ll miss me when I go home and that she doesn’t want me to go. I will miss all her family but we will definitely keep in touch and will visit each other in our respective countries.

Enjoy the photos posted below and stay tuned for my last blog post about my adventures in Spain.

Rachel xxx

Final excursion!

On Monday (13^th June) the school went on a final school trip to museums and then to local beaches. I went with first and second grade classes and their teachers. We set off from the MaxiDia supermarket at 9 o’clock and the bus was full of excited children. Firstly we travelled to a town called Púbol where the Castell Gala-Dali was. Salvador Dali was born in Figueres, which is a town about an hour from where I’ve been living. He had several houses around the region of Catalonia and one house he bought was a castle (or stately home) for his wife Gala Elúard Dali. She was a Russian heiress who married Dali in 1934 and they remarried in 1958.

An interesting fact about this castle is that Dali specifically bought it for Gala, it was her home and he could only visit if he was invited. It would be great for her because if she argued with her husband she could retreat to her home and he wouldn’t bother her until she wanted to speak to him again. Their marriage as far as I understood was a good one, although she had a string of extramarital affairs, however they were married until Gala’s death in 1982. Dali died in 1989, but his houses and museums in this part of Spain attract visitors from all over the world and his art has sold for millions (I don’t know why - I’m not particularly fond of his art, but well, each to their own).

The castle was gorgeous. It very much had the Dalisian style, but because this was Gala’s house most of it was very tasteful. She had a lovely blue silk four poster bed which I wouldn’t mind sleeping in! The guide who took us around the castle was very friendly and had a great rapport with the children. I had a laugh with my colleague Silvia and we took a selfie in the mirror above Dali’s bathtub. Then we went out to the garden and saw the carriage and the two cars Dali and his wife owned (one was a blue Cadillac). Then we went to the bottom of the garden and saw what was a swimming pool and is now a fountain. When the castle was turned into a museum in 1996 they had filled the bottom of the pool with a lot of stones – this was to stop people from jumping in. It was interesting and the castle was very beautiful. Hopefully I will get a castle of my own – chance would be a fine thing!!

After this we were off on the bus and headed towards our next destination: L’Estartit. The kids were very excited about this and I chatted away to my colleagues until all of a sudden they started chanting: Platja! Platja! Platja! (Beach! Beach! Beach!) The bus driver turned round to park and one of the teachers joked that we were going home instead and one of the kids started to cry! However the bus driver parked and soon we were at the beach, slapping on sun cream and jumping into the sea and swimming against the waves. The weather was great, it was cloudy but very warm and the sun wasn’t beating down on us. After an hour it was time to return home and there were a few tired children sleeping on the bus home. I really enjoyed the day and the kids really enjoyed it too! Below are some photos I took of the Dali castle and ones of me enjoying my time in the sea!

End of Year Party

Where have the last eight months gone? It is crazy how it has flown by and I will soon be returning home to the UK. I’m feeling sad, although it will be good to be home, albeit not for long as I’m going to be working in a summer camp in England! Phew, I don’t stop.

This past weekend I went to Barcelona. My original plan was to visit a park with a labyrinth in it, I went with some other teaching assistants, however, due to metro stoppages and long distance walks, we decided to turn back to Plaça Catalunya where I met some other friends and we ended up going to a nice Irish bar.

I returned to Anglès at night, just in time for the Festa Final De Curs. This happens every year and it is a celebration. The dinner was held in the playground, but then it started pouring rain so everyone moved inside and had dinner in the classrooms. We had chicken, salad and then ice cream for dessert. After this, it was time to go to the old factory which is now used as an entertainment venue. There was a presentation about the 6th-grade class who were leaving primary school and moving on to high school. Although there were tears, I secretly think the teachers were happy they were leaving! Then the teachers were told to go up to the stage. I was sitting with my host parents watching the ceremony, but Alex pointed to his father and then pointed to me, as I was supposed to go up there. I went behind the stage and one by one, the students called the teachers out. One of my students called my name out and I received a scroll and a T-shirt. The t-shirt is in the first photo below and the translation says: ‘You have made us (teachers) sweat, but we will miss you.’ After this, it was time for the party and a one man band provided the entertainment. He spoke in Catalan, but I could understand what he was saying most of the time. It was good to see Alex and Julia having a good time. After the party finished Alex tried to show me a new dance move which I disastrously tried to copy. It was very funny and we returned home tired but in high spirits. After all, it was a ‘festa’. 

With my friends in Barcelona. L-R: Katharine, Delva and Becky

With the 'graduate'. The t-shirts I mentioned are pictured.

Alex took my phone and filled it with selfies! 

Of course, his dad wanted a selfie too!

Class of 2016!

Alex with his mum

Climb every mountain

Okay, well I didn't exactly climb a mountain. My host family took me there by car (lazy I know!), but it wasn't until quarter to five that we got out of the house. They wanted to take me up to the cross on the mountain which I can see from the house window. It was also a good for Toula the family's new puppy to get some exercise and run about in nature. The mountain is called Puigefrou and it overlooks the towns of La Cellera de Ter and Angles. From the top you can see other towns such as Amer and the city of Girona in the distance. The views were truly breathtaking and it was worth the bumpy ride to get up there (you can see the video on my blog's Facebook page).

When we left the mountain we headed to a part of the forest where people usually have barbecues in the summer and there was a small fountain with the freshest water I have ever drunk. Afterwards we headed to Vilanna, a little town just outside Angles, Sebastian the host grandfather knew places where we could pick special types of strawberries. We collected a lot and took them home to eat with yoghurts - delicious!!

I can't believe I'm coming to the end of my Spanish adventure. I will definitely return to visit this country in the future. Stay tuned for some more blog posts before I head back to my home country.

Until next time,

Rachel xxx

Temps de Flors

This week I’m back bringing some very bad news. On Thursday the 5th of May I received a Whatsapp message from my mum telling me that my granny was dying and that I had to come home for a week. I panicked and went back to my host family’s house, telling them the news. I then went to the school to ask permission to go home and then return a week later. I have just over a month until I finish up here, so as you can imagine it wasn’t the best time to come home. However this was family and it was important.

On Friday morning I woke up early and soon was in the car with Ines and Alex heading to Barcelona Airport. The traffic was horrendous and I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to make it for my flight. Not to worry though as the traffic was soon over and the airport was in sight. Ines dropped me off just outside Terminal 1. After a swift goodbye I pulled my case along to the check in desk and dropped it off. It then slid along the conveyer belt where I would not see it again until I got to Aberdeen.

With a sigh of relief I made it through the awkward security line. When I finally got a seat I heard my phone buzzing and swiftly answered it. It was my mum on the other line breaking the news that my granny had died just before midnight on Thursday. My heart sank. I tried so hard to come home and see her one last time. It was too late. I choked up and tried my hardest to hold back the tears in a busy airport. Managing to withhold my emotions I bought some food and a drink of water for the plane. Soon it was time to board and as fast as you can say KLM (other airlines are available) I was on my first flight of the day.

When I arrived at Amsterdam Schiphol, my phone was flooded with condolences. It took time to process than when I got home I would never be able to talk to or see my granny again. Not in this lifetime anyway.

A few hours passed and then it was time to board for Aberdeen. I felt very happy as I heard familiar Scottish accents all around me. It’s very frightening being in a place where languages and accents are unfamiliar, as I’m sure people who have moved abroad are aware. An hour later and I touched down in Aberdeen, where I was greeted by my friend Reuben who works near the airport. My mum then came to collect me and we had a coffee, where she explained what had happened with granny.

It was a long week, as the funeral was not until the following Thursday (12th). I spent time with my dad’s brother, his wife and my five year old cousin Ellie. My grandad spent a few nights at our house until he was ready to adapt to living alone. The funeral service was lovely, it was handled with the utmost care and compassion. I then had to help bury my granny (it was the first time my sister and I had done this). I managed to do it, but it’s not something I would do again in a hurry. I’m still going through a grieving process, as it will take a while, but I’m comforted by the fact that I’ll see my granny again someday. Not in this life, but in the next.

I returned to Barcelona on Saturday and took the train to Sils, where Ines met me at the station. After having a meal at Bonmati, I was full and went to bed straight after as I had spent fifteen hours travelling on trains, planes and cars.

I had arrived just in time to see the last day of the Temps de Flors. The flower festival takes place every year at the beginning of May. The city of Girona is decorated with decadent flower displays and tourists from all over Spain and the world come to visit it. Ines and I visited the festival and it was packed! The narrow streets were full of people. However it was worth it and it was a reminder that even in times of sorrow and grieving you can see the beauty that life has to offer.

As usual I have attached photos with this blog. I hope you enjoy looking at these photos as I did taking them.

Until next time,

Rachel xx

Parent's visit to Catalonia, Spain

Sorry I haven’t updated for a while, life has got in the way and I’ve also been lazy! I thought I would tell you a little bit about my parents visit to Spain!

On the first week of April my mum sent me a Whatsapp message saying that they were thinking of visiting me the following week. I got very excited and told my host family that my parents were coming to visit. My host family kindly offered to let my parents stay with them. I told my parents and it was settled.

They arrived on Thursday 14^th  in the afternoon. Ines, Alex, Julia and I were in the car coming back from school and when we arrived at the house, my parents were there trying to park the car. Ines parked the car and I ran out and hugged my parents.  My parents had rented a car and because it was almost my dad’s birthday, they gave him a free upgrade to a Fiat 500 which had a sunroof. They were introduced to the other members of the family. Then we had lunch altogether.  After lunch Julia and Alex returned to school and my parents stood drinking their coffee on the veranda.  They enjoyed the spectacular views from the house and also from the terrace on the very top of the house.

After lunch, Mum and Dad slept as they had been up all night travelling to get here. Once Dad woke up we went for a walk around Anglès. Later Mum woke up and all the family had dinner together.

The next morning I had to go on a school trip to Manresa, where there was a gathering of FEDAC schools. FEDAC is the semi private schools in Catalonia and I work at the one in Anglès. It was a lovely hot day and my parents enjoyed exploring Girona, they said it was a very beautiful city.

The next day we drove to Sils and took the train to Barcelona. It was a very hot day so we looked like typical tourists in our shorts and t-shirts. An hour later and we arrived in Barcelona. Mum was feeling a bit tired so we took her for a coffee and then she soon perked up. After we had coffee we walked to Sagrada Familia and admired its beauty. The queues for the tour bus were huge at the Sagrada Familia, so instead we walked to a less busy neighbourhood and got on the bus there. It took us all around the sights of Barcelona while providing commentary about these different sights. Once we got off the tour bus we went for a light afternoon snack, before continuing to go on the bus again. The weather was great and I got slightly burned on my shoulder. We then went for dinner and had a delicious meal, before catching the last train back to Sils.

On Sunday, my parents wanted to take Ines and her husband out for a meal. Ines’ husband preferred to stay at home so Julia went with her grandmother instead. Ines drove us out to Lloret and Tossa de Mar. Next to Lloret de Mar is a beautiful place called Cala Banys and it reminds me of the Greek islands in the Mamma Mia film. It certainly was a magnificent sight to behold. After visiting this we went into Lloret and had lunch outside. It was a lovely treat for Ines and Julia. Then Ines drove us out to Tossa de Mar, which is an attractive seaside town with a stunning castle. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and returned home to change quickly and go to Calmariner, the local café where we all had tapas. We all had a good laugh and after Marta and Julia left, my parents and Marta’s husband Alejandro spoke to each other and told funny stories. It was soon time to go home and Dad drove us all back to the house. We had the sunroof down, as it was Spain, even at night the temperature wasn’t freezing. When my dad tried to drive uphill to the house the car started groaning. He soon realised that he was in the wrong gear! When he quickly changed to first gear, the smell of burning rubber hit our nostrils. Everyone laughed so much, but we couldn’t believe how fun that car ride was! It was another great day.

Monday was the last day before my parents returned home, so we aimed to make the most of it as much as possible. We drove to Espai Girones shopping centre in Salt where we purchased a few things and after that drove to Banyoles, where we had lunch at a restaurant overlooking the stunning mountains and lakes. When we had finished taking pictures we returned to the car and decided to take one last visit to Girona. There we had an ice cream. Mine was Ferrero Rocher and dark chocolate, which was really delicious! It was then time to return to Anglès where we had a delicious paella supper. The last night was really enjoyable, but there was a pang of sadness because I knew my parents would be leaving in the morning. I really enjoyed having my parents over to stay and meet the host family. I was sad when they left, but I knew it wouldn’t be long until I saw them again.

Enjoy the photos posted below. 

Until next time,

Rachel xxx

Setmana Santa

Hello everyone! I’m back this week with another blog post, this time about my Easter holiday. I know it’s been a few weeks since Easter, but I hadn’t got round to doing it yet. At Christmas time I went home but I decided to stay in Spain for Easter. Many people were either going home or travelling and I wanted to take the opportunity to do some exploring.

Plans changed since the English camp the week before totally wiped me out, so some days during the Setmana Santa (Holy Week in English) were spent at home sleeping and relaxing. On other days I went shopping in Girona and visited the seaside towns of Costa Brava.

On Good Friday, Ines and I drove to Girona and after parking our car, made our way to the centre of the town. In Spain there are a lot of towns which have traditional processions showing the story of the crucifixtion of Christ. Men and women dress up in pointed hats (called a capriote) and robes, while parading around the town carrying the cross of Christ  and different floats depicting Christ entering Jerusalem on a donkey all the way up to his burial in the tomb leading onto the resurrection.

Ines and I found a good spot to see the parade on La Rambla. It took a while to start, but finally the drums started and men dressed as Roman Soldiers marched down the street, followed by the men and women dressed in the robes. After the procession went by, Ines and I made our way through the narrow streets to the cathedral. We waited for a few minutes until we heard drums and staffs of the soldiers beating in rhythm. It was incredible sight to see. I felt sorry for the soldiers standing with their bare legs in the cold! Girona cathedral has ninety steps and it is usually tiring once you get up to the top, but probably not as tiring when you carry a big wooden cross!

The procession finally finished at midnight, where we were very tired but after having a coffee and hot chocolate, we then returned home, happy that I had experienced another tradition in Spain.

Photos are below. There will also be videos on the blog’s Facebook page. 

Until the next time!

Rachel xx