FIRST DAY OF RAIN

This morning, after having English breakfast again, we realized we had a new teacher because Stacey had to leave the city for some days.

After classes we had lunch, and then we had English activities where we practised some different games. Once finished it, we went to the Sports Center of the University of Birmingham, where we could play tennis, badminton, table tennis and had fun at the swimming pool.

When we arrived at BCU, we had dinner and then we went to play sports. Today, we played anew sport, basketball; everyone liked it.

Now, we are going to start the second part of Fantastic 4.

Curiosity: Today at the swimming pool, our leaders Victor and Pablo played with us and we enjoyed a lot

When we went to have breakfast it rainned for the first time in this week.

Carles D. & Marti

A DAY FREE OF CLASSES

Today, although being Sunday, we got up at the same time, but instead of having classes we went to the Catholic Cathedral of Birmingham after having breakfast. We went by bus, and then we walked along the canals before getting there. We participated to the Mass in English, and we tried to understand as much as possible; however, we could also follow the Mass with a book that the priest gave us.
When the Mass ended we went to BCU to have lunch before going to a big park where we did a gymkhana. We spent a good time among friends and we went back to the residence. Now we are getting prepared to have a barbecue and watch the football match: Spain vs. Netherlands.
We wish that Spain won the World Cup Final.
Today we have finished the first week in Birmingham.

Maria G. & Marta B.

ROBIN HOOD'S LAND

Today we woke up at 8 o'clock; when we got up we went to have breakfast and when we finished we went to have classes. Then, we had lunch and we went to our next trip, Robin Hood's village.

When we arrived to Nottingham, we visited the famous castle and the statue of Robin Hood. In the square of the city hall we found a kid playing drums really well and we also saw different stalls, one of them with paella. Finally we finished our visit having some free time.

At 6p.m. we took the bus back to BCU. When we arrived we had time for studying and tidying up our rooms.

Now we are going to finish watching Robin Hood film that we have been watching all the week.

Curiosity: the breakfast was like yesterday, an English breakfast with with sausage, bacon and fried eggs.

Nacho & Luis

HOT BREAKFAST, COLD SPORT

Today we had a typical English breakfast which includes bacon, sausages, beans, toasts and scrambled eggs. After that we've done an English lesson. It was different because we've done a little bit of grammar like the superlatives and a lot of new games where we practised our speaking.

Later we've eaten pizza, one of the best meals we have eaten here. When we were prepared to go skating, the bus arrived late, 30 minutes. For some of us, it was the first time that we went to an ice rink. We've skated twice. At the beginning it was very difficult but the second time it was easier. When we returned to BCU we played volleyball and dogeball.

Finally we've had a shower and watched a film.

Roger & Guillermo

A SPORT DAY

Today we got up at quarter past eight. we had breakfast and we went to classes. we learned a lot of things and we went to the break. later, we had lunch and came back to the classes. In the class we prepared a dance for the last day.
In the afternoon, we went to the swimming pool, but some people preferred staying in the gym. In there, people played table-tennis, badminton, basketball and so on. After that, we went to play football in groups.
Finally, we went to the theatre and we saw a part of the film "Robin Hood" and the monitors said the penalties

Esther & Carmen A.

FROM YORK TO THE FINAL

Today we visited York we wake up at half past seven. We visited the York Minster and Clifford's Tower. Around York there are walls that protected it in the past. After we eat we have free time and we buy lots of souvenirs. We do a quiz of York.

Then we saw the match of Spain and we won Germany 0-1 Spain, gooooooooaaaaaaal of Puyol with the head. Netherlands is waiting us in the final. We are going to win!!!

Pablo C. & Borja G.

BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE

Today after lunch, we've gone to the centre of Birmingham. First, we divided the group into three smaller groups depending on the year that we were born. The youngest of the group visited the canals; the monitors were Victor and Elena. Those born between 1997 and 99 visited some buildings of Birmingham, and the BBC, and they went with Laura, Pablo and Anna. And the last group went to see the Cathedral of Birmingham, where a woman guided us through it. The leaders of this group were Edu and Ricard.
After that the whole group went to the Bullring (a huge and nice shopping centre in Birmingham).
After having dinner we have done sports: today we have played football.

Curiosity: when we were in the Bullring some of our friends from last year staying this year with a family have come to meet us.

Maria B. & Maria O.

FIRST DAY

The travel with the plane has been better than the travel by bus.

Today we got up at 10.00 and we were so tired because yesterday we arrived late at night at the residence after travelling by plane and by bus. Then we went to have breakfast. After that we met the teachers at the University and there we had an English class. Then we went to the dinning room and there we ate food from a buffet. After that we did a level test to organize the groups. Then we went to the swimming pool and we returned back at the BCU residence to practice some sports.

We are so tired but we're making lots of friends.

Javier C. & Pablo V.

Welcome to our blog!

Aquí intentaremos informar del día a día del Cursillo de Idiomas que tendrá lugar el próximo mes de julio en la Birmingham City University, organizado por Idiomas Padre Manyanet.

Los artículos seran redactados por los propios alumnos. También intentaremos ir publicando fotografías de las diferentes actividades que realicemos.

En el menú de la derecha hemos añadido enlaces a los diferentes blogs de la organización, un álbum de fotos provisional que iremos actualizando periódicamente con las fotos de nuestras actividades, enlaces a webs de las diferentes visitas que tenemos programadas y un calendario en donde poder consultar la actividad diaria.

Esperamos, que como en anteriores ocasiones, sea un espacio de gran utilidad para todos.

¡Hasta pronto!

HASTA SIEMPRE

Un año más cerramos nuestros cursos de Idiomas, con la confianza que todos nuestros estudiantes hayan alcanzado los objectivos que nos habíamos marcado. Quiero pues, agradecer desde aquí, en primer lugar, todo el trabajo llevado a cabo por los directores de grupo y los monitores responsables de cada uno de ellos.
Asimismo, agradezo a los padres la confianza que habéis tenido con Idiomas Padre Manyanet. Que todos terminemos de pasar un feliz verano en familia y hasta siempre.

P. Antonio Sorribes S. F.
Director de Idiomas Padre Manyanet

Last day of sports!

The day started with a special breakfast. We love English breakfast! After having eaten, we went to classes to practise our sketches for the final show of tomorrow. Then we had lunch and we also had English activities. As it was raining, we stayed inside the building and we kept on practising the final show. After that, we went to the University of Birmingham, where we could play tennis, badminton, table tennis or have a swim. Later, back at BCU, we had dinner. Finally we practised sports with our teams but it was quite sad beacuse it was the last day that we did sports (we can't wait to see the final classification!). Now we are going to watch the end of the film: "Eight Below".

Curiosities

The boys of the flat number four stayed out during the study time because the leader had forgotten his keys!

Fernando, Pablo, Borja, Daniel, Antonio, Carlos

Traditionnally London

We have gone to London!

The trip took 3 hours by bus, but it was worth seeing it.

We were left in front of the the British Museum and then we made a fast visit in it. After that, we went by foot to visit the main buildings and monuments of London. What we liked the most was the Big Ben and the Buckingham Palace. Nevertheless, we also visited: London Eye, Trafalgar Sqaure, Oxford Street, Picadilly Circus...
We also had free time at Hamley's - that is the biggest shop of toys in the world with seven flats and lots of toys, soft toys, collections... - and in a Souvenir shop at Carnabie Street.

We arrived very late at BCU, but still we had some hot dinner and finally we finished the diaries.

That is why this morning we have published the blog from yesterday, because we did not have access top the computers.

Curiosities
The Queen was in Buckingham Palace because the flag was on the top of the mast.
We have been in the trip with two of our teachers.

Ana, Sara, Maria, Maria, Noemi, Nuria

BBC: British Bloodthirsty Channel

Today we did a trip!

In the morning, at class we did an artcraft. It consisted on wrapping an egg into paper balls inside a bottle. It was funny because some of the eggs broke an another didn't do it luckily. In the other classes we tried to prepare speeches and dancings for the last day ceremony.

We went to Birmingham City Centre to visit the Canals and the BBC. We made a lot of photos and played with the cameras at the BBC building. When we finished it we had free time in the BullRing shopping centre! It was the last day that we could go shopping so we bought a lot of things.It has been raining all day but now it has stopped.

Curiosities

Today Alex got hurt when he cut his finger with the scissors. He is very clumsy!

Enrique, Carlos, Alex, Marcos, Jaime

The Bij Baj of the Bloj

Today we got up at the same time as the other days. In the morning, we have learned some grammar, and after the break we have started practising our dance for the final show. In English activities, we have had free time to do sports, dancing...

Then we have caught the bus to go to the Sports Centre of UB. There, we could swim, play badminton and tennis. When we came back to BCU, we had study time, and we changed our clothes and had dinner.

Then we played sports with our new teams. Now, in the TV-room, we are going to continue watching "Eight below".

Curiosities

Today, in the Flat 8 from Sycamore House Perez Mouse is going to do a visit because Valeria lost a tooth.

At dinner, we have realised that "cheese" was in fact broccoli.

All the people was signing their school bags at the Sports Centre.

Ricard knows how to say "BLOJ".

Natalia, Valeria, Elena, Leire, Ana Maria, Ana

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

When we woke up, we dressed properly to go to the mass at Solihull. But before, we arrived some time early and had some free time on the shopping centre next to the church. After it, we returned to the Coppice and had some study time.

We had lunch because we were very hungry and, right after, we headed to the Birmingham Centre. To do so, we caught a special bus with two floors that leaded us to New Street Station. There, we went to the Odeon Cinema to see the new Harry Potter film."Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is a film full of action, love, friendship and magic. So, we liked it very much but we wanted more snogging.

Curiosities

As it is sunny and also raining, we are seeing the rainbow while we are doing the blog.

Joan, Gerard, Gorka, Joan

Trip to Oxford!

This morning, everybody went to Hannah's class and we watched a film called Nanny McPhee. After lunch we went to Oxford and we visited some colleges. We saw the place where Harry Potter's film was set. We also saw the main monuments of the village. During the free time, we went to Broad street where there were lots of souvenirs shops. Nearly everybody bought an Oxford jumper! We came back to BCU at 8 o'clock. There, a monitor took a picture of everybody who had bought an Oxford jumper! Then, we had a BBQ and we could eat hot dogs and chicken with vegetables. It was great!

Curiosities
The favourite colour for the jumper of the girls has been the purple!

Natalia, Ana, Laura, Elisenda, Irene, Maria

The campus, Apu at the Union and a woman who lived among car factories

Today in class we did a quiz about the University where we were staying, the BCU, and it was curious because we had to know how many stairs were at the Galton Building, the different names of the buildings as the Attwood building and the Kenrick library (listed alphabetically)... But we liked a lot the man at the Union Station, commonly called "Apu of the Kwik-E-Mart", who was very nice when we asked for the price of the bread.

Then, we had lunch and we went to the skating in Coventry. Yesterday, our leader told us about the history of this town, and today we have seen that some things are still important in this town. For example, we saw that there were car factories all along the road, and that it seemed to be a renewed town (let's remember that Coventry was bombarded at WWI and totally destroyed). There, we skated a lot and we enjoyed a lot because it was the last day of skating.

Curiosities

We think that Apu is a nice man because he is kind with us in our questions and we found funny that he seems to be like the one in "the Simpsons".

Alex, Oscar, Pedro, Xavier, Gabriel

Blogger's note:
On the former write, it seemed quite confusing the fact that there was a "Barcelona's team". It is referred to 's class since they wanted to have a football team name and the majority was from that team.

Besides, we wanted also to point out that in sport we had eight different teams, only mentioned some of them in the blog since perhaps the writers do not come from every team. Each one has the name of an animal: Kangaroos, Lions, Gorillas, Rhinos, Hippos, Eagles, Sharks and Dragons.

A wetty day!

This morning we have had an English breakfast, although not everybody liked it. Then, in class, we talked about Alton Towers, and we made an amazing poster to remember it. We stuck a map and we wrote our opinion about the rides, even if we didn't like them.

After lunch, we did English activities outside as it was sunny we played football and baseball. Then, we went to the Sports Centre at University of Birmingham, where some of us played sports and the others swam for an hour.

Later, back at BCU, we have had dinner and we have gone to the TV room because it is raining .

Curiosities

Our teacher, Shaz, was ill so we had to go and do class with "Barcelona's team".

Brenda, Victoria, Celia, Montse, Meritxell

Alton Towers (or Aston?)

As a surprise, our visit in Wednesday has changed at the last minute, because we have gone to Alton Towers!!!!

We have woken up, and as we were the older guys from the group, we have helped carrying the packet breakfasts and lunch. Then we have made the trip and arrived at Alton Towers, which is a theme park with full of thrilling rides. We went to everything: Oblivion, Air, Nemesis, Rita and Spinball Whizzer. This excursion lasted all day because there were lots of queues and we spend at least 45 minutes waiting in each ride...

Then, at six o'clock, we have returned to the BCU and had some cold dinner. Now we are heading to the TV room.

Curiosities

Today it was another birthday, Joan Ferrer's, and he had a big surprise because he had never celebrated it in Alton Towers.

We also wanted to point out that in Alton Towers (not Aston as someone said) you could buy a Bottle Refill where you could put any drink and refill it as many time as you wanted.

Gerard, Jaume, Guillem

One-stop Quiz

Today the class was so strange!

We went to the One-Stop, a shopping centre. There, we completed a quiz with questions about the shops of the shopping centre. It was so funny!

Once we have finished the quiz, we have had some free time until quarter past twelve. Then we arrived at BCU and we had lunch. After, we went to Birmingham Centre by train.

We have visited some of the most important buildings in the city and we have had some free time to go around the Bullring.

Later on, we have returned to the BCU and as every day, we have had dinner and played sports under the rain. Now we are going to continue the film from yesterday.

Curiosities

The weather in Birmingham is crazy! During the morning it has been very sunny, while in the afternoon it has rained really heavily.

Amelia, Paula, Irene, Aurora

Birthday at BCU!

Today it has been a normal day but still, it had some point of special: it was Josep Maria's birthday. In the morning, we had classes, where we saw "the Day after Tomorrow", a film where climatic change affects in floods and cold hurricanes.

At one o'clock we had lunch and after we get the coach and went to the sports centre at University of Birmingham, where we could play badminton, ping-pong, and made some plunges on the swimming-pool. After getting wet we returned to BCU and had some dinner.Then, in sports, we played the different matches, and Dragons beat Sharks 26-0 in baseball. Now we are going to the TV room to start a new film called "Eagle Eye".

Curiosities

At breakfast, everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to Josep Maria and they gave him a special present. He was very happy.

Aleix, Josep Maria

Gimkana at the park

Today we haven't done classes!

In the morning, we have gone to the Catholic Church of Solihull to go to mass. We have been divided into two groups. The first group has had study time while the other was in the shopping center of Solihull, although the shops were closed!

The mass was good! However, it was a little bit difficult to understand it all.

In the afternoon, we have done a Gimkana in a big field. There were eight different, but one specially caught our attention: There was a game with flour where at the end we were all full of it!

Curiosities

We have got up at the same time as every day although it was Sunday!!!

Iara, Ruth, Maria, Azucena

Stratford-upon-Shakespeare

Today we have woken up at a quarter to eight like the other days, then we had breakfast and we did classes in the morning.

At the evening, at a quarte past two we caught a bus and we headed to Stratford-upon-Avon. This town is known as the place where William Shakespeare was born. When we arrived at Stratford we have split in groups and we have visited different places like Shakespeare house or the Stratford Town Hall. After that we had some free time to make a tour alone and go to some shops to buy souvenirs. Then we caught again the bus and we returned to BCU.

Curiosities

When we arrived for dinner, around eight, we didn't have cold dinner as on Wednesday,we had a barbecue!! We had food from what we cook in barbecues, but as it was raining (no luck today with the sun) dinner was served inside.

We also saw a wedding in Stratford at the Holy Trinity Church.

Guillermo, Alvaro

Lady Godiva at skating

Today we have done something amazing: we have gone to the skating! We've gone to the skating rink of Coventry, and there we have been skating for two hours. At first it was a little bit difficult, but then we have learned how to do it.

When we fell down it was quite painful, but quickly we stood up and kept on trying. Some of us skated really fast. It's been very funny.

The rest of the day has been as always, more or less. In sports Gorillas and Rhinos haven't won any match, while Kangaroos and Eagles have always won.

Curiosities:

Today it hasn't rained!

Carmen, Paula, Irene, Sara

Bowling: Strike! Spare! No more?

As all the days, we did classes in the morning, where we watched a film "Shark Tale", and we had some English activities, very interesting!

However, unexpectedly, we went to Bowling this afternoon at Acocks Green Bowling, in Birmingham. We had a great time although it was some kind of difficult because if you didn't have the bannisters, all the balls were heading to the corridors on each side of the lane. We couldn't score so much points, but it's a place where we can spend good time together and know each other better than at the beginning.

Now that we have a little time for study, we are eager to play sports because it is something surprising to know the areas were we plays: each day we change!

Curiosities

As the leaders have always some experience in bowling, it is always very difficult to catch them up with the scores, specially two of them. However, in this year, there has been a girl (Irene) who has beaten them with a score of 144 points!! (against 128p. and 134p.)

New Highscore to be proud of!!!

Fabio, Bernat

Attack of the Bathing seagulls!

Today we have gone to Bath. As a surprise, our leader woke us up 30 minutes earlier! And we didn't have breakfast at BCU but at a service station as a packed breakfast.

After two hours of trip, we finally arrived to Bath.
During the morning we have visited the Roman Bath; there were lots of people, but we enjoyed a lot. We couldn't take a bath because the water was dirty!

Then we have gone to have lunch in a big park. In the afternoon we have visited Bath Abbey which was really big, and finally, we have had free time to know bath on our own.

The weather has been quite sunny.

Curiosities
While we were having lunch a lot of seagulls have "attacked" looking for food. It was scary and funny! But better not to be there!
(Like "the Birds" in Hitchcock's movie, blogger's note)

Maria M., Luisa, Laura P., Nieves

Visit to B'ham

We have started the second day eating the traditional English breakfast: eggs, bacon, sausages and toastes. Then, we have done some lessons and at the break we played some games. Then we continued our lessons and at 1:00p.m. we had lunch.

Afterwards, we have gone to the centre of B'ham by train. It has been very exciting although it was raining most of the time!

As we were divided in three different groups, we only know that in our groups we went to visit the Town Hall, Victoria Square, the Library and the Symphony Hall. We also passed along a builiding that was a tribute for the dead soldiers during WWII.

Finally, we got some free time in the shopping centre called the Bullring.

We know that after dinner we are going to start the Sports Competition. Let's see how it will look!

Curiosities

When we were at the Symphony Hall we saw a lot of children wearing uniforms. We were told that they came from all the schools in Birmingham and they were supposed to do a concert of instruments and choir this evening.

Oscar, Ignasi, Roger

A crazy first day

Yesterday we arrived to Birmingham at about 3p.m. We are staying in a university called Birmingham City University. It's very big and we have individual rooms.

When we arrived, we had dinner and then the leaders introduced theirselves and explained to us some rules about the course.

Today we woke up at 7:40a.m. and after having breakfast we did a test and after we had classes by levels.

Then we have had lunch and we have done some English activities.

Now we have just arrived from the Sports Centre where we have played ping-pong and badminton.

In a few minutes we will go to have dinner, and it's just 6:30 p.m.!

It's been a rainy day and we hope it's going to be sunnier tomorrow!

What have we learned?

We know now how to introduce ourselves to other people.

Curiosities

Our teacher has brought a student from our age that knows both languages (Spanish and English) and he helped us in our translations.

Patricia, Leticia, Clara, Monica

LANDED

All the flights have landed normally and the students are now travelling by coach to Birmingham City University.
Welcome to England!

Welcome to our blog!

Aquí intentaremos informar del día a día del Cursillo de Idiomas que tendrá lugar el próximo mes de julio en la Birmingham City University, organizado por Idiomas Padre Manyanet.

Los artículos seran redactados por los propios alumnos. También intentaremos ir publicando fotografías de las diferentes actividades que realicemos.

En el menú de la derecha hemos añadido enlaces a los diferentes blogs de la organización, un álbum de fotos provisional que iremos actualizando periódicamente con las fotos de nuestras actividades, enlaces a webs de las diferentes visitas que tenemos programadas y un calendario en donde poder consultar la actividad diaria.

Esperamos, que como en anteriores ocasiones, sea un espacio de gran utilidad para todos.

¡Hasta pronto!

HASTA SIEMPRE

La Direccion y todos los responsables y colaboradores agradecen la confianza que habeis tenido en Idiomas Padre Manyanet, deseando que acabeis de pasar un feliz verano con toda la familia.
Que San Jose Manyanet bendiga cada uno de vuestros hogares.
Hasta siempre.

P. Antonio Sorribes, S.F.

Thank you

Today is the last day of our stay at Biminghamn City University. In the morning we had our goodbye English breakfast, later there has been class where we welcomed the teachers for their good job. After lunch we've gone to the cinema. Back to the BCU, after dinner we've played tables games before going to pack our suitcases and finally going to sleep as tomorrow we are leaving early.

We really enjoyed this month in Birmingham, we would like to thank all the students for their attitude and effort done on this course. They have showed us that they have really improved their English and have learned many of the local traditions.

At this point, may this blog be to remember all the numerous activities we've done, going to the swimming pool, to the ice skating, to the bowling and to the cinema. We can't forget too the interesting visits to Coventry and their cathedrals. Not to forget York and the impressive Minster and Oxford with the magic of Harry Potter. What about London where we walked along their streets visiting the British Museum, Covent Garden market, Trafalgar Square with the pigeons, the Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament and more. We also visited Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace where we learned about his life and work. Apart from that we went to Alton Towers and Drayton Manor Park, two different but amusing theme parks to end up our stay.

Once again thanks to the students, the teachers, the leaders and the staff.

See you all next year!!!!!!!

By The Leaders.

Crazy English weather

Today we woke up at 7:45am and we went to have breakfast. It was a sunny and hot morning, we reached the 27 degrees Celsius. We had class and we did a test, later we saw Harry Potter one group and Narnia Chronicle's the other. Then we made a book with the places we visited in England. We have prepared a song for our teachers Charlie and Nathan and we have sang them today at the end of the class.

We lunch and in the afternoon we played a quiz and went to the swimming pool, our last day in the swimming pool! We came back and the clouds started to appear, but the hot continued.

We had dinner and we went to the sports field, to play football. The clouds were getting darker and darker and it started to rain cats and dogs!!! We tried to keep playing because it was an interesting match but we finally decided to go back and have a shower. Now we are finishing the film. The forecast for tomorrow is rain again, now there are thunders and lightnings!

By Elena & Natalia.

Drayton Manor Park

Today we woke up later than the other days, at 8:30am. We feel sad and a little bit alone because our friends of three weeks have left and fly back home. But we also are very happy because we spent all the day in "Drayton Manor Theme Park". Drayton Manor is a theme park, smaller than "Alton Towers" but very funny.

We have spent all day in the rides like "Apocalypse", "Force", "Shockwave", "Maelstrom" and more. At half past two we have met all of us in the meeting point to have lunch. We ate in the Zoo area neat the goats. After that we had plenty of time to finish our visit around the park and to ride as much as was possible.

At 6:00pm we came back to the BCU where we had dinner and now we are going to watch a film. We'll go to the bed early because we are very tired.

By Clara & Ana.

Graduation Ceremony

Today is the last day of the people staying three weeks. In the morning we had class, but not a usual class, we prepared muffins with chocolate, vanilla and candies. In the afternoon we went to the BCU's theater to do the Graduation Ceremony.

All the class groups presented a final work showing English traditions. Later the monitors gave us the sports medals and the prizes to the best diaries and the biggest effort. The teachers gave us the attendance diplomas. We had the "penalties show" where the people received a present in order, depending on the number of medals and penalties recieved during the course. Finally we saw all the pictures of the stay.

We had dinner: a barbecue!

We went to the disco and we danced with our friends and we said goodbye to the people leaving the next day.

By Bea & Vicky.

Diaries and visit to the BBC

Today we got up at 7:45am as all the days. We went to have breakfast. As yesterday we had given to the monitors our diaries, today they were exposed on the dining room and we could take a look at some of them. Later in class we have worked on homophones and watched a part of a film.

After lunch we took the train to the city center to visit the BBC studios in the Mailbox. Once there we did different activities such recording the news and weather updates and also we spoke in a football match. Later we went to the Bullring and we had an hour and a half for shopping.

We came back and we had dinner. Then we went to play funny games in the snack room. Later we go to the TV room to continue seeing "Ice Age II". Finally we go to sleep because we are very tired.

By Pablo, Gorka & Joan.

Class and Swimming Pool

Dear diary,

Today we got up at the same time as everyday and then we went to have breakfast. After that we went to class and we had a great time because we finished a table game that we were making.

Then we had lunch and later we did English activities; then we went to the swimming pool. We played tennis, badmington and we swam.

Now we are going to have dinner and then play sports. Later we will continue with "Ice Age II" and then we are going to have snack and go to sleep.

By Alex, Aleix & Oscar.

Alton Towers

Today we got up at 7:15am because we went to Alton Towers. Today some of our english teachers came to the Park with us!

Once in Alton Towers we went to ride many attractions, some of them were: "Air" an attraction where you feel that you are flying, "Rita" an other one very special where you feel a strong acceleration. We also liked the "Pirates" where you had to throw water to people, it was very funny and we ended wet.

For lunch we had our packed lunch and we also could buy hot dogs, burgers, pizzas and more. Later we kept riding more attractions, some of water and others drier. We took the bus at 6:00pm and came back to have dinner.

We have nearly finished the film "Fantastic Four" and we'll go to bed after such an exciting day.

We have had a very, very, very good day!!

By Andrés & Antonio.

Alton Towers - Upload a Document to Scribd

Read this document on Scribd: Alton Towers

Ice skating and sports

Today, we got up at a quarter to eight. We had breakfast, and we went to classes. Like everyday we had break and then we went to class again.
After lunch we went to skating. Where we stayed for an hour and a half. It was very funny! When we arrived we had study time.

After we're going to have dinner, later we are going to play different sports with our teams. We are going to watch "The Fantastic Four" film. And then we are going to revise who has got the medals and we are going to pay the money of the medals and penalties.

Finally we're going to have snack and go to bed.

Don't forget to watch the video of us playing sports.

By Iara, Paula, Irene & Sara.

One Stop Shopping Center and swimming pool

Hi people! Today we have got up at the same hour as always. In the morning, after having breakfast we have gone to class but... It has been very exciting! Why? Because after the break we have gone to One Stop, a shopping centre near BCU, where we have answered some questions about it.

After lunch we have attended English activities (two of the groups played with eggs as you can see on the video) and one hour later we have gone to the swimming pool but we haven't swum today, we have played tennis. Then we have had some study time and we have had dinner. We have played some sports next (both of us have won!!). And after having a shower we'll watch "Fantastic Four", we'll have snack and finally go to bed. Sweet dreams!

By Jaume & Luis.

Mass and Gimkana

Today we woke up at a quarter to eight. We spent the morning in Solihull where we went to mass and shopping. At the end of the mass, in the final announces the priest dedicated us some words.

After lunch we went to the park that surrounds Alexander Stadium, a very big park near the University with sluices. There we did a Gimkana. There were eight tasks to fulfil. We liked it very much.

Later we came back to the University and we had dinner. When we finished we went to practice sports and take a shower because we were very sweated and dirty.

By Marta, Gemma & Judit.

Visit to Stratford

Today, we got up at the same time as all the days. We met our friends down, outside the building and we went to have breakfast. After we did English lessons and break, then we returned to the class to follow with the lessons. When the lessons finished we went to have lunch.

When we finished we went to Stratford-Upon-Avon with a coach and a van. Once we arrived we separated in groups to make an easy visit. We saw Shakespeare's birthplace, the Shakespeare's grandmother house, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, the riven Avon and the Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried. We had some free time to walk around and answer the questions given to us.

As a curiosity: Harvard was born in Stratford and we passed by his home.

Then we returned to Birmingham for dinner, we were having a barbeque outside but as today's weather was rainy and windy we finally had dinner inside the dining room.

Now we are going to see "High School Musical", have snack and finally go to sleep.

By Gerard & Alberto.

Stratford - Upload a Document to Scribd

Read this document on Scribd: Stratford

Shopping in the Bullring

Dear diary,

Today we have had a very busy and funny day. We have got up at a quarter to eight and gone to have an English breakfast. After that we have gone to classes where at the end we have played the game of the apple in the water you can see on the video!

We have had lunch at the same time as always and after that we have taken the train to the center of Birmingham where we have gone shopping to the Bullring and visited the Cathedral.

Now we have just had dinner, we are having study time, and later we'll go to watch "High School Musical" and finally to sleep.

By Ariadna, Sara & Meritxell.

Swimming pool

Today, it was a normal day. We've got up at quarter to eight and then, we have had breakfast. We have attended classes all the morning with our teachers and after lunch, we've had English games. In the afternoon, we've gone to the swimming pool and some people have played tennis or badminton. Then, we've had study time and later, we've had dinner. When we've finished having dinner, we've gone to play sports with our teams. After having a shower, we'll finish Harry Potter's film and we'll go to bed!!

By Alejandro & Albert.

Visit to London

Today, we've finally gone to London. We have got up at 7:00 am, earlier than usually. We've left Birmingham at 8:00 am and have got London at 12:oo pm because of a traffic jam due to an accident. Once there, we have had a very busy morning: we have visited the British Museum (the Rosetta Stone, the mummies...), Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square (Lord Nelson's column), the first Minister's house at number 10 Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament with the Big Ben clock and finally Westminster Abbey. After that, we've stopped in St. James park to have our packed lunch. In the afternoon, we have seen Piccadilly Circus, Regent's Street with Hamleys Toy Store, Oxford Street, Marble Arch (our meeting point in front of the McDonalds) and finally, we have got to Hyde Park where we've taken the bus to go to the London Bridge and the Tower of London passing near Buckingham Palace and the Thames river.

It's been a tiring day but London is worth. We've enjoyed a lot!

By Ariadna, Azucena & Sandra.

london - Upload a Document to Scribd

Read this document on Scribd: london

Ice skating and video

Today we've got up at a quarter to eight as all the days since we are here. After we went to breakfast, we've done class, where we have played some funny games and we've listened to music. After lunch, at half past two we've arrived to the Solihull Ice Skating rink.

Now it's five o'clock and we are doing the diary. Next we'll go to dinner and after that we'll practice sports. Finally we'll continue watching Harry Potter and we will talk about tomorrow's visit to London.

Don't forget to watch the video!

By Alejandro & Borja.

Swimming Pool

Today, we've got up at 07.45am, as almost all the days. We had cereals and toast for breakfast.

We have had classes and English activities where we have played bingo and listened to music. After that, we have gone to the swimming pool but not everybody swam. Some of us have played tennis, badmington or table tennis.

When we have arrived to BCU we have started doing today's diary. Later we'll go to practice sports.

We are looking forward to going to London!!

By María, Ana & Marina.

Mass at Solihull and Cinema

Today we have visited Solihull to attend to mass at St. Augustine Church, which was very nice. It looked like an old church but when we got in it was wonderful. We've followed the mass in English reading on the mass book and singing the hymns. In the morning we have gone shopping too.
In the afternoon we have gone to the cinema at Five Ways to watch "Kung Fu Panda", a very funny film of a panda that learns how to do Kung Fu.
Now we'll go on with Harry Potter's film.

By Bernat & Joan.

Visit to Oxford

Today in class we have listened to music like Jonas brother, Tokio Hotel and more. We also represented a dialogue in a shop and we have played a game called twenty one.

After lunch we have gone to Oxford. There we have seen Christ Church College. In this University were filmed some scenes of Harry Potter's first film. After that we have gone shopping some Oxford sweaters.

When we arrived, we had a barbecue and then we started to see "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets".

By Andrea, Alba & Sara.

oxford - Upload a Document to Scribd

Read this document on Scribd: oxford

Birmingham City Center

Today we had a good time in class this morning. After lunch we went to Birmingham city center by train, only ten minutes from the BCU! We walked along New Street and we arrived to Victoria Square, where we see the Statue of Queen Victoria I and the Town Hall. Then we walked across Central Library to the Simphony Hall and the International Convention Center. After that we walked along the canals, the British waterways, and we liked it very much. At the end of the visit we had some free time to visit a shopping center, "The Pallassades".

After dinner we played some funny games with the monitors.

By Mariano & Marcos.

Bowling

Today, we got up at a quarter to eight, we got dressed and we had breakfast. Later we went to the class and we worked in the lessons with some games. We went to lunch, today it was very good. After lunch we came back to the classrooms to play different activities with the teachers.

In the afternoon we went to the bowling and we played with different groups, among us some played for the first time and could use fences to help. Afterwards we came back to dinner and play some sports: baseball, volleyball, dodgeball and football.

After the shower we went to watch the film "Notting Hill". We started to count medals and penalties. We look forward for tomorrow visit to the city center.

By Júlia, Mònica and Mireia.

Visit to York

Today we got up early (at 07.30 am) because we had to visit York. At 08.00 am we left Birmingham and we spend 3 hour in the bus to get there, by the way we stopped for breakfast. We arrived at York and we visited many things; first we went to see Clifford's Tower. We liked it very much. Then we walked through the city and we saw a very curious street. Afterwards we went to the Cathedral, also named "Minster", we liked it very much because it's very beautiful.

The next thing we did was going to a park to have lunch. And later we had some free time to walk around and some of us went to the Cathedral.

At four o'clock we left York and came back to Birmingham.

We enjoyed the visit a lot because York is a very beautiful city.

By Alex & Santi.

YORK2 - Upload a Document to Scribd

Read this document on Scribd: YORK2

Ice skating

Today we got up at a quarter to eight. It was our first night here! We had breakfast and the meal wasn't really bad. We took lessons and depending of the level we are in a classroom or in another. We did a break and then we continued the class. After that we had lunch and quickly we went to the ice skating, where we had a good time and we enjoyed it a lot.

Now we are studying and doing this article for the blog in our rooms.

Later we're going to have dinner and then we're going to practice some sports. We're very interested about it beacuse we've never done it before. After that we're going to have a shower and watch a film in English.

We feel at ease to stay here!

By Mar, Clàudia & Eva.

Welcome to the students staying 3 weeks!

In the morning we had breakfast like all the days. Once in class we talked about the visit we did on Saturday to Coventry. There we had to find answers to ten questions about the city and the history of Coventry. Among them, we had to find why the old cathedral was destroyed, who was Lady Godiva and which colour was her horse. During the break we played Twister and we came back to class. After lunch we had English activities and we invented the rules of a sport, it was very interesting. Then, in the afternoon, we went to the swimming pool and finally at half past six we had dinner.

Today has been a fantastic day because the rest of the group staying with us at Birmingham City University has arrived!

WE WELCOME THEM!

By Miguel & Asbel.