Susie Rea's project: Intimate Strangers

The 2nd year advanced level students did some interesting activities in class about a photography project called Intimate Stangers by Susie Rea. Read what the artist wrote about this project:

I walk to work. On my journey I see the same people, at the same point, and at the same time every day. We smile at each other. This gesture, the acknowledgment of one stranger to another, interests me. I introduce myself and take their photograph. The project communicates my sense of alienation within the city that I considered home and speaks of the distance we all place between ourselves and our neighbours.

Click on the photos to visit the project website.

Here's a link to the BBC NEWS article  and comments on this project.

POST A COMMENT yourself on the wall below.

The Fireboy reading

The 1st year of basic level students are reading The Fireboy by Stephen Rabley. It's a Penguin Reader, level Easystarts. This wall is to write difficult vocabulary and translations, images or definitions to help your classmates. Have fun with your reading!

Using Inversion ;)

Here's a little joke sent by Victor:

You think you have lived to be 80 and know who you are, then along comes someone and blows it all to hell !!!!!!!

An old Marine Pilot sat down at the Starbucks, still wearing his old USMC flight suit and leather jacket and ordered a cup of coffee.

As he sat sipping his coffee, a young woman sat down next to him. She turned to the pilot and asked, “Are you a real pilot?”

He replied, “Well, I´ve spent my whole life fliying planes. Not only did I fly first Stearmans and the early Grummans…but I also flew a Wildcat and a Corsair in  WWII, and later in the Korea conflict, Banshees and Cougars. I´ve taught more than 260 people to fly and given rides to hundreds. So I guess I am a pilot, and you, what are you?”

She said, “I´m a lesbian. I spend my whole day thinking about naked women. No sooner do I get up in the morning than I think about naked women. When I have a shower, I think about naked women. When I watch TV, I think about naked women. It seems everything makes me think of naked women.”

The two sat sipping in silence.

A little while later, a young man sat down on the other side of the old pilot, he asked, “Are you a real pilot?”

He replied, “I always thought I was, but I just found out I´m a lesbian”………….

Saint Andrew's Day, Scotland's National Day

Visit this site and get ready to celebrate Saint Andrew's Day on 30th November.
Would you like  to listen to some beautiful Scottish music while doing so?

Black Friday vs Buy Nothing Day

What is Black Friday ?

The day After Thanksgiving (Friday) is known as Black Friday. This also is unofficially or officially start of holiday shopping season. Almost all stores come out with Doorbuster Sales with early bird special to attract consumers to their stores. People stand in line hours before store is opened, to grab the bargain of the year. Almost every store has something that interests every one. For bargain hunters, if there is a biggest festival in a year, that would be, no doubt, the Black Friday. To read more about Black Friday click here.

                                                                                
 What is Buy Nothing Day?

Buy Nothing Day is a simple idea, which challenges ourconsumer culture by asking us to switch off from shopping for a day. Its a global stand off from consumerism - celebrated as a holiday by some and street party for others! Anyone can take part provided they spend a day without spending! Click here to read more about BND.

Watch a video reporting on last year's BlackFriday

WHAT DO  YOU THINK?
WOULD YOU GO SHOPPING TO SAVE A LOT OF MONEY  EVEN IF IT'S STRESSFUL AND PERHAPS DANGEROUS?  WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO JOIN THE BUY NOTHING DAY? . LEAVE A COMMENT.

Thanksgiving Day

Today's Thanksgiving Day in the USA.
Watch this cartoon that tells the story of Thanksgiving or put your knowledge about this celebration to the test with this quiz:

    

It's a day to be THANKFUL,  What for? Watch this:

WHAT ABOUT YOU? WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? LEAVE A COMMENT

The British Royal Family Tree

We learnt about the Family of  King Carlos IV of Spain by having a closer look at the painting The Family of Carlos IV by Goya. We listened and talked about it in class and  it was really interesting, although several students are into Spanish History and knew quite a lot about the painting and the time. Well done!

How much do you know about the Bristish Royal Family. Here is a link to an interactive family tree. Try it and become and expert!

Our Relatives and Friends; What are they like?

Describing personality is quite a difficult task for an English student. There's a wide range of vocabulary to describe all possible nuances. Our Advanced level class worked with a text that described different combinations of traits and sorted them out in a long list of personality types. Actually you can read more about it on this BBC website:

Then we wrote descriptions of  the people we know. Here are some of them:

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My mother is a practical person and she is good at finding solutions to big problems. She is straightforward with others but sympathetic at the same time. I consider my mother an efficient and logical woman.

Ana Ibañez

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My husband is absolutely different to others. He is bright, efficient, independent and thorough. He rarely changes his mind. He is a mastermind! Besides he has a special ability to fix every kind of electrical household appliances. He’s as good as gold!

Elisa García

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My eldest brother sees himself as an easy going, mature and thorough person. I would say he is bright, loyal, and sympathetic. He enjoys an adrenaline rush. Actually, he’s a natural risk taker. He’s also good at solving problems.

Marta Blanco

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My brother is very gentle. He’s quiet and caring. He tends to avoid conflict; therefore he never makes decisions that could hurt others. Because of that, other people take advantage of him at times. He’s the typical nurturer.

Paco Moreno

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My mother is a sensitive woman, an understanding person, a peace maker. She’s stable, sociable, determined, enthusiastic and independent. She is not afraid to express her beliefs. She is a resourceful nurturer and  provider.

Pilar Ramírez

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Generally easy-going, intellectually curious, independent, natural risk-taker. This person enjoys an adrenaline rush, is sensitive, an animal lover. She/he is self-critical, determined, alert, steady, and tough-minded. Sometimes she/he gets frustrated by routines. 

Graciela Loché

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My friend is a classic realist. He’s mature, loyal and conscientious but can also be obsessed with programs and a bit critical.

Mª José Pons

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My youngest daughter is self-sufficient, enthusiastic, forgiving, independent, organized and thorough, easy-going and intellectually curious. She’s deeply private. It can be difficult to get to know her. However, she always refuses to compromise and can be obsessed with schedules.

Pilar Mateo

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I know myself very well, so I would say that I am outgoing, unfailingly straightforward with others and of course, enthusiastic and excitable. As a teacher, I think rules and laws must be seen as guidelines for behaviour, not as mandates. I am quite determined, when I have decided that something needs to be done, I do it and get on with it. Always with a positive attitude. I always make decisions based on facts and logic.

Gema Pardo

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Calendar of Idiom and Phrasal Verb Presentations - 2nd Advanced level

About me 2

The first year students from  class B at our school  introduce themselves with a brief text. They wrote it after only one month of lessons!  Congratulations!  Don't miss the caricatures they drew in class to play a game. They are very funny. 

My name’s Eva  Rocío. I’m from Barcelona. I speak Spanish, Catalan and a little English. My teacher is Spanish.  Her name’s Mar. My English classes are on Tuesday and Thursday. I’m looking for a boyfriend J

My name’s Anastasia. I’m from Valencia in Spain and I speak Spanish and a little English. My teacher is Spanish. Her name’s Mar. My English classes are on Tuesday and Thursday. (by Raquel)

Hello! My name’s Alberto. I’m from Zaragoza in Spain but my home address is in Utebo. I speak Spanish and I’m a student of English at the E.O.I. of Utebo.  My teacher is Spanish. Her name’s Mar. My English classes are on Tuesday and Thursday.

My name’s Lorena. I’m from Zaragoza and I speak Spanish and a little English. My teacher is Spanish. Her name’s Mar. My English classes are on Tuesdays  and Thursdays.

My name’s Elena. I’m from Zaragoza in Spain and I speak Spanish. I’m a student of English at the E.O.I. of Utebo. My teacher is Spanish. Her name’s Mar. My English classes are on Tuesday and Thursday.

My name’s Pilar. I’m from Zaragoza in Spain and I speak Spanish, French and a little English. My teacher is Spanish. Her name’s Mar. My English classes are on Tuesday and Thursday.

My name’s María José. I’m from Berna, in Switzerland and I speak Chinese, Romanian and a little French. My teacher is Spanish. Her name’s Mar. My English classes are on Tuesday and Thursday.

My name is Carmen. I’m from Zaragoza in Spain and I speak Spanish and a little German. My teacher is British. Her name ‘s Anna. My English classes are on Tuesday and Thursday.

Hello!!! My name is Pilar. I am forty-four years old. My address is …….. My town is Utebo. Its postcode is 50180. My phone number is 976…….. and my mobile phone number is 6……..

My name’s Isabel. I’m from Zaragoza, in the north of Spain. I speak Spanish and a little English. My English teacher is Spanish. Her name’s Mar and her surname is Cardona. My classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

My name is Lorena. I come from Zaragoza. I’m thirty-three years old. My favourite colour is violet. My English lessons are on  Tuesday and Thursday.

I’m tall and thin. I’m single but I live with my boyfriend. I like pop music but I don’t like classical music. I always watch the news and  TV series in the evening.

My name’s Rosario. I’m from Zaragoza in Spain. I speak Spanish and a little English. My teacher  of english is very good. Her name’s Mar. My English classes are on Tuesday and Thursday.

My name’s Sandra. I’m from Guayaquil, in Ecuador. I live in Spain.  I work in Zaragoza. I’m married. His name’s Pedro. He’s Aragonese. My phone number is  976……  I speak Spanish and a little Catalán. My teacher is Spanish. Her name’s Mar. My English classes are on Tuesdays  and Thursdays.

My name’s Raquel. I’m from Teruel, in Spain and I speak the Spanish Language. My teacher is Spanish. Her name’s Mar. My  English classes are on Tuesday and Thursday.

My name is Cristina. I’m from Zaragoza, in Spain. Zaragoza is beautiful and the people are fantastic. I live in Utebo, but I’m from Zaragoza, the capital city.  I speak Spanish and a little English. My teacher is Spanish. Her name is Mar. My English classes are on Tuesday and Thursday.

My name is Julio. I’m from Perú and I speak  Quechua and a little Italian. My teacher is Australian. Her name’s Eva. My English classes are on Tuesday and Thursday.  (by Jessika)

About me 1

The first year students from  class A at our school introduce themselves with a brief text. They wrote it after only one month of lessons!  Congratulations!  Don't miss the caricatures they drew in class to play a game. They are very funny.

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My name’s Ramón. I’m from Tarragona, in Spain but I live in Utebo. I speak Spanish and a little English. My teacher is Spanish. Her name’s Mar. My English classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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My name’s Rosa. I’m from Garrapinillos, in Zaragoza and I speak Spanish and a little English. My teacher is Spanish. Her name is Mar. My English classes are on Tuesday and Thursday.

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My name’s ana. I’m from Zaragoza, in Spain and I speak a little English. My teacher is Spanish too. Her name’s Mar. My English classes are on Tuesday and Thursday.

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My name’s Sandy. I’m from Spain and I speak Spanish. My teacher is Spanish. Her name’s Mar. My English classes are on Tuesday and Thursday. I work every day on weekdays.

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My name is Rachel, I’m twenty-six years old. I live in Utebo with my parents and my brother. His name is Alberto and He’s twenty-four years old. I’m in English class with my teacher. Her name is Mar.

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Hi, my name’s Patxi. I’m from Sabiñánigo, in Huesca but I live in Pedrola.  I work in Zaragoza for an international bank. I speak Spanish and a little French.  I study English on Tuesdays and Thursdays. My teacher is Spanish and her name is Mar.

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My name’s Cristina. I’m from Zaragoza in Spain and I speak Spanish and a little English. My teacher is Spanish. Her name’s Mar. My English classes are on Tuesday and Thursday.

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My name is Jenifer. I’m from Venezuela. I speak Spanish. My teacher is Spanish. Her name’s  Mar. My English classes are on Tuesday and Thursday.

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My name’s Celina. I’m in the first year  class, on Tuesdays  and Thursdays. I’m from Nájera, but I work in Zaragoza. I’m a receptionist at the Petronila hotel. I like my job very much. I speak French. I want to learn English for my job and to travel. I’m married. I have a daughter. Her name’s María. I like classical music. I play the piano.

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Hello, my name’s Sergio. I’m from Zaragoza in the community of Aragón and I speak Aragonese and a little English. My teacher is Spanish. Her name’s Mar and she is very funny.

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My name’s Joana. I’m from Utebo in Zaragoza and I speak Spanish, English and a little German. My teacher is Spanish and her name’s Mar. My English classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

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Hello, my name’s Belén. I’m from Zaragoza. My teacher is Mar. I like to study English. I like to travel. My favourite country is Italy.

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 My name’s Pablo. I’m from Galicia in Spain. I speak Spanish and a little French. My teacher is Spanish. Her name’s Mar. My English classes are on Tuesday and Thursday.

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My name’s Estrella. I’m from Zaragoza and I speak Spanish. I’m forty-three years old. I am a mom of two girls. My English classes are on Tuesday and Thursday. My teacher is Mar Cardona.

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Happy Halloween

Here come two activities to remember words related to Halloween:

Click here to try a crossword 

Challenging Experiences Related to Work, Studies or Family

Don't miss the chance to use your English. Tell us about a challenging experience you or somebody you know have experienced and practise using some of the linking expressions we revised in class.

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CHANGE THE WORLD

The majority of us tend to think that things just happen. I used to think the same, but as I grew older, I realized that we can change things around us. Consequently, I decided to take part in something where I could do so, although it wasn’t an easy task. Despite the fact that it takes quite a lot of time, I entered different kind of associations so as to try to do things in the best way I could. Because of that, nowadays, I do voluntary work for two parents’ associations, I am a Triskel member and I am the treasurer and reporter of my football team. It has a high price to pay though, because all the time I spend on it, is time stolen from my family and friends. However, it is worth it!

Francisco Moreno

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One of the most challenging experiences in my career that’s crossing my mind is my first job as a topographer in Spain. It happened many years ago but I can perfectly remember my feelings about it, yet.

I had just come back from abroad and I was unemployed. A friend of mine, unemployed as me, received a letter from the employment office, giving him information about a job as a topographer even though he had never worked as one before.

When I read his letter I realized that it came from my own office and they didn’t send the job to me.  Because of my experience in this area, I couldn’t understand what was wrong. Consequently I went to the office so as to know the reason. They said to me that the company was looking for a man.

In spite of getting extremely furious, about what I thought was unfair, I gritted my teeth and I directly phoned the company asking them for an appointment. As a result, I got the job.

Finally, I wrote to the employment office in order to fill them in on the event and also ask about their responsibility referring to this sexist behaviour.

Pilar Ramírez

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My best friend Helen lived in a small town all her life. When she finished Primary School she decided to come to Zaragoza to study at Public University

Although her family didn`t have enough money to pay University taxes, she started to work in a restaurant as a waitress in order to earn some money. As a result, she could study what she wanted: Law.

Despite her effort, and because of “the Crisis”, she hasn`t got a job yet…It´s a pity but I trust her and I know that she will get a good job soon.

Elisa González Vieitez-2º Advanced C-Engish

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Funny Misunderstandings

Do you have  funny or embarrasing stories related to misunderstanding someone or being misunderstood?
Share them here.  Use the comments or become a contributor by sending an email to the administrator of the blog: marcardonaeoi@gmail.com

- A friend of mine went to  the USA on holiday. In a café he ordered a coffee alone. The waiters started laughing because they didn't understand him.

- A man who attends an English gathering told me another very good misunderstanding. A guy he knows was on holiday  in the USA. In a bar he ordered a “cock” instead of a Coke. And the waiter apart from laughing, answered: ” but a big one or a small one”. And he replied: “a normal size”. 

("cock" is a taboo slang word for penis)

David Martínez

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Hello Everyone: 

Let me tell you a funny story, which is not exactly a misunderstanding. It happened to me the first time (when) I went abroad, quite a long time ago now. 

At that time, I had finished my university studies and I felt the need to improve my English language. I didn’t think it twice; I took my suitcase and went to London. 

Once there, I started looking for work. At first I was not aware of what I did because my level of English was so low.......... 

Oh, great ! In spite of being a bad English speaker, I was able to find a job as a waiter in a hotel on the fourth day.

I was hired by a man who was called Simón, the same as me and I thought this might be an advantage. 

He told me  about some of the previous students’ experiences, to get a taste of what he expected from me. He also explained the timetable, wages and so on to me,. Moreover, he 
told me the following expression " If you let me down, You will have to hide from me ", I didn´t knowunderstand it, and of course, I didn´t consider it such an important thing. 

My girlfriend came to see me, and we went out for dinner. I was so tired the following day  that I didn´t go to work. I called my boss "Simón ", and I said to him that I was sick. 

He said to me: “Come to the hotel tomorrow to balance your pays.  Ohhhh my god, he sacked me. 

Bye, 
Jesús

An email to a visitor from abroad

Write an e email to a visitor from abroad, telling them what to expect when they visist the place where you live.
Follow the model we saw in class.
Get in touch with the administrator to have it published here (marcardonaeoi@gmail.com)

To: Lana S.

From: David M.

Subject: Erasmus Zaragoza

Hello Lana,

How are you? I´m glad to have news from you. I’m really excited at the idea of you spending your Erasmus time in Zaragoza. I see you considered my suggestion about coming to Spain in your last year of your degree. They say Erasmus is an unforgettable experience. You´ll love the city.

We haven’t seen each other since we met in Malta. It will be great to be together in the same city for eight months. I know you love going sightseeing. Here, you can visit very interesting places. Zaragoza is a cultural city with heritage of different cultures. Some historical buildings were built here, such as  Basilica del Pilar, the cathedral, Aljaferia Muslim palace, and there are some Roman remains too. Although you are not really into going out at night, if you want to, one can go to different places such as discos, pubs or clubs with varied styles of music.

As you know, I live in a town in the metropolitan area. You can come to Utebo yourself because it is 12 km to Zaragoza. Moreover, there are good means of transport.

One should visit near villages, towns and the countryside in Aragón as well.

That’s all for now.  I hope to see you next September in my country. And don´t worry about your studies since they say Spain has good Medical education. You´ll love the city.

Best wishes,

David Martínez

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Hi Matthew,

You have had a great idea to  improve your Spanish skills! Of course, I´ll be happy to help you and see you again.

Zaragoza is a great city and perfect for a foreigner in his first visit of Spain. Why? Because people here are open-minded and very hospitable. We like people from abroad who visit and appreciate our city. What’s more, ours is a historical city  and  was an important place for many civilizations which lived  here. In fact, we have marvellous historical sites such as  the Arab palace "La Aljaferia" or the Roman remains of the ancient city of "Cesaraugusta".

In addition, many students live in Zaragoza because of its important University where a large number of people from different areas of Aragón are studying. Zaragoza is a real cross-cultural centre.

Anyone who arrives in Zaragoza will soon realize that they are in a lively city with many cultural attractions (some of them are free!). Moreover, we are near to the most important Spanish cities, so you can easily be in Madrid, Barcelona or Bilbao in  a four- hour journey by train. 

Hoping this email persuades you,

All the best,

Diego Fraca

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Hi Mary!

I am delighted  that you  want to  get away (make a getaway) and spend a little vacation in Zaragoza improving your Spanish and learning about our culture. I would be really pleased to show you around and guide you throughout the city.

For someone who wants to improve their accent and pronunciation. Talking to native people  can be one of the best ways to learn the language. They say that one learns and gets knowledge more quickly when one speaks to a native person face to face. So, I am also interested in improving my English and I personally think it would be a nice idea if we talked and helped  each other.

Regarding  our city,  you will not have any trouble to move around it and furthermore, you will be able to get to the most important sites easily by yourself.

You will find sites such as El Palacio de la Aljafería where The Parliament sits or La Basílica del Pilar which is one the most famous cathedrals and it’s known for its historical facts.

Apart from that people are not rude whatsoever. In fact, most people are usually warm and humble.

That is all for now! Hope this is of some use.

Have a great  trip!

See you soon,

Cristina Royo.

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Hello, Ozgür,

        Don’t have any doubts about coming and visiting my hometown. This is where you will find a dynamic and modern town which still maintains some authentic Spanish identity. Despite its beautiful location in a picturesque valley by the river Ebro and an incredible rich historical heritage, Zaragoza is refreshingly untouched by mass tourism. Actually, most travellers know it only as a train stop on the way from Barcelona to Madrid. However its location benefits us as a prime destination.                 
        
        In every season, there are many extremely diverse and exciting activities and everyone will be able to enjoy some of them, according to their age. For instance, if you feel like spending some days on the beach in the summer, you could go there in approximately two hours. During the winter, a lot of ski resorts in the Pyrenees will be opened and you could just be there in only two hours.

                      
          We have a very quiet airport and you can get from the airport into the centre of city roughly  in 15 minutes. As you go to the city centre, you will see  there is a short distance between most sites of interest. If one is a history lover you will enjoy going  on a sightseeing tour. The Iberians, Romans, Jews and Christians all left their mark here, so Zaragoza is called " City of the four Cultures ". There are medieval streets, French style avenues, as well as synagogues, Arab palaces, Roman theatres, churches and cathedrals.  The city itself is a real architectural treasure.

At the same time, the city centre is full of shops, squares and pleasant corners, busy boulevards, restaurants and bars with sunny outdoor terraces. A good area for walks and endless coffee breaks is  the one around  Paseo de la Independencia Avenue which is crowded by cafés. 

          The food and bar culture is unique and a growing young population guarantees a busy night life. 

             I wouldn´t mind adding more information about any aspects which you find interesting. 

          I hope that my fascinating city together with its charming people have convinced you to come here.      

                       
All the best, 

Jesús Simón 

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Dear Carla,

It was great to hear from you. I think it’s an excellent idea to come to Zaragoza before beginning the classes at university. Zaragoza is the perfect place to spend a short holiday.

Anyone who arrives in Zaragoza for the first time will realize that they are in a comfortable city where one can enjoy its culture, people and food.

You won’t feel as a foreigner because people here are really friendly. Even though they don’t know you, they immediately start up conversations. However, they can ask you some personal questions, so you should answer with another question if you don’t want to give details about your life.

Apart from that, there are a lot of interesting monuments to visit such as the Pilar Basilic, the old town and some museums. Also, the nights here offer a big variety of entertainment and parties in bars as well as restaurants where you can try the traditional food.

One more thing: I recommend a walk along the river on foot or by bike as the views are spectacular and one can observe the birds and listen to the water sound.

I hope this information will be useful for you. See you soon.

Ana Ibañez

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Hello Helen!

I am very happy that you have decided to come to Zaragoza to study Spanish language.

Personally, I think that if you want to improve a language you need to travel. Also, one never knows what the future holds and you may need Spanish language to get a new good job…

I am sure that you are going to love this city because it is a nice place where you can find a lot of interesting cultural and historical attractions.  People are friendly and funny, and the weather is so good… Anyone who arrives in Zaragoza will soon realize that this is true and they usually want to live here forever.

When you come we will go to my parent’s restaurant. They opened it two years ago and it is fantastic!!!. It is a must to taste a typical Spanish dish called: “huevos rotos”. My grandparents used to have it but nowadays everybody has it  everywhere!

Hope this is of some use. My husband  and I will be waiting for you at the airport.

Have a good flight!

Elisa González