SHAKESPEARE'S DAY

Today we woke up, dressed up and met the other children in front of the buildings for going together to have breakfast. When we finished our leader took us to the different classes.

After the first lesson we had the break but today it wasn't outside as the last four days, it was in a gym. Once finished, we went again to the class.

For having lunch we could take raviolis but I didn't eat them because, personally, I don't like them. Later, we went to Stratford, because today we had a half day visit.

Stratford is the city where Shakespeare lived and died. We saw the Avon river, Shakespeare's house and the church but we couldn't enter inside due to there was a wedding. When we finished the visit the leaders gave us some free time to buy souvenirs. At six o'clock we must be ready to return to Birmingham.

We arrived to our bedrooms and we spend our time writing the postcards, the diary and talking with our parents. Then, we went to have dinner.

Now, we are going to finish Ice age, to recount the medals and penalties, to listen Anna's speech and to pray. Finally, we are going to go the kitchen before we go to sleep. We enjoyed a lot this day!

Marta B. & Paula

Stratford

SKATING DAY

Today we woke up at eight o'clock and we went to have breakfast but we changed the dinning room and we could sit as we wanted. After having some lessons we had a break in a garden next to all building.  Later, we came back to class again.

Once we had lunch we went to the Ice rink. There, we could enjoy ice skating, some partners had skated before but for some of us it was the first time. I learned that is very funny when you go fast!

Sequentially, we came back to the university and we went to play basketball. Firstly, we were going to split in two sports: baseball and basketball. However, it rained so all of us had to play basketball.

Later on, we came to finish Ice Age.

Pablo Villacorta & Pedro

LIP DUBBING

Today we went to breakfast where we could have scrambled eggs, toasts, sausages, bacon and some fruit. We then went to English class and later to brake time. We did it in a garden and after we returned to class. There we did some exercises of conversation.

At lunch time we could enjoy chocolate muffins. When we finished we returned to English lessons. Later we had to wait for the coach for going to the UB (University of Birmingham) sport center. Once we had fun in the swimming pool, we returned to the campus. Then we went to have dinner and that who couldn't enjoy the muffin at the lunch could do it at the dinner.

Afterwards, we were moved to the theatre and the leaders explained us how to do a lip dub, an activity we are going to do during the next weeks. We were shown some lip dubs from other schools and university from where we took some ideas we can bear with them!

Now we are going to see Ice Age after having a nice time thinking about the perfect lip dub.

Maria A. & Marta V.

A VISIT TO BATH

Today we went to Bath by coach. It took as two hours and a half to arrive. When we arrived we saw a fighter plane flying over our heads. It was cool!

After that, we went to the Roman Baths. There, they gave us a thing (like a telephone) to hear the information of it. We were very surprised with the hot water of there. Then the leaders took us to the centre were we had lunch in front of The Royal Crescent. It was very large, big and nice.

Later, the leaders gave us some free time to buy presents for our families. Rafa and me, bought some biscuits and Candies. Finally, we took the coach to return to Birmingham. In the coach we made some jokes with our friends. Some of them were very funny!

Now we are going to finish the film Rio. In our opinion, it is a little bit boring.

Rafa & Bosco

Bath

FIRST VISIT TO BULLRING

Today was an amazing day. In the morning, the leaders gave us the name of our English teacher. In my class we talked and we learned about how to keep a conversation.

In the afternoon we went to a shopping center in Birmingham called Bullring. We arrived there travelling by train.

When we arrived my sister, my friend and me got very surprised, it was so big and there were so many shops and people!! I bought a chocolate ice cream despite being so expensive. Later, I bought too wristbands and lots of sweets. It was so funny!

After having dinner, we played volleyball. Our team that is Alton Towers won 3-1. I finished the game with a red hand because of hitting the ball so hard. However, we enjoyed a lot! I think my other partners played so good.

Now, we are continuing watching the film we started yesterday: Rio

Fernanda & Maria Luisa

A SECOND AMAZING DAY!!!

Today we have gotten up at a new place, at Birmingham. Then we've taken the typical and English breakfast, in our opinion it was quite good. After, we have gone to do the level test. There were 2 groups for doing it; one group was compound by the youngest partners and the other one by the rest. 

We have done a break after it and before restarting the lessons. Once we have arrived to the class, the teacher has given us the lyrics of a song: "Fireworks" (Katy Perry) and we had to fill in the gaps. Then we have sing it. At one o'clock, we have taken the lunch. Therefore, we have played with a barbie ball at class.

Later we have gone to the Sport Center by coach. We could choose between swimming pool and different sports as basketball, tennis, badminton and table tennis. After it, we had dinner and then we have played dodge ball and then we have taken a shower.

Finally, our partners are watching Rio and we are writing this blog. 

Iker & Alvaro

FIRST DAY

Today we begin our summer camp in Birmingham. We first met at the airports of Madrid and Barcelona where our leaders were waiting for us. We took our planes and we have fun in the plane by meeting our new partners and talking again with friends with we spend this summer camp last year.

First to arrive were Barcelona' students. We have dinner at BCU and once we finished, our mates from Madrid arrived. Some of them knew each other from last year and a big smile appear in their faces.

Madrid ' students have dinner and then Anna gave us some advice and some rules we must acomplish. It was a tiring day, and we need to rest.

Welcome to our BCU 2011 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!

UN IDIOMA, UN PAÍS, UNA ILUSIÓN...

Un saludo desde los diferentes “blogs” de nuestra página Web, con el deseo que se haga realidad el lema escogido para este Verano 2011: “Un idioma, un país, una ilusión…”

Así pues, que todos y todas sepamos aprovechar esta oportunidad de aprender, mejorar y profundizar nuestros conocimientos del inglés y que verdaderamente nuestro aprendizaje sea del todo exitoso. Que los nuevos amigos/as nos ayuden a conseguir los objetivos que nos proponemos realizar: divertirnos aprendiendo y madurar en nuestro ser personas. 

Feliz estancia a todos en cada uno de los lugares escogidos, dentro de nuestra Organización de Idiomas Padre Manyanet.

P. Antonio Sorribes
Director

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

THIS IS THE END

Today we got up at the normal time. Then we went to have breakfast and have classes. When we finished, we went to have lunch and to continue to the theatre for the Final Festival.

The first thing we did was the penalty, where we chose a prize for playing the medals game, beggining from those whose were the best.

After a little break, we enjoyed the performances prepared by the groups of classes, helped by the teachers. Then the medals and prizes were given; sports medals, best diaries prizes and best effort. Finally, the Director P. Sorribes gave us the certificate of BCU and the Idiomas Manyanet one, adding a little present. To finish with the Festival, we saw a photo presentation about our trip in England this year.

Now we are going to the Disco and we are going to have fun.

Leticia & Maria A.

LAST SWIMMING POOL DAY

We started a new day. After having breakfast we had classes. Today in class we did a test for the final marks that are going to be given tomorrow. When we finished we went to the break time. The shop was closed, something that made some people got sad. We returned to class and we practiced the song and the dancing. When we finished, we went to have lunch. Then, we went to our last day of swimming pool, that we enjoyed playing tennis, badminton, table tennis or swimming.

Last match had been done, baseball was today's sport, and the Butterflies team was the first, while Eagles and Platypus drew.

Finally, we are going to see a chapter of the TV series "Heroes" and then pay the penalties. Then we are finishing our diary and having the snack.

Curiosity: Today was the last day of swimming pool and Laura and Pablo swam with us.

Angela & Nieves

WHERE THE MAGIC NEVER ENDS

Today we've waken up early, but for a nice reason, a special trip to the place "where magic never ends". After having breakfast, we took our bus to go to Alton Towers. There we had the chance to ride lots of rides as Air, Rita, Sonic Spinball, Oblivion, Nemesis, Congo River Rapids....

The Air's ride was very funny and curious because we became in Superman for a few seconds. Rita's one is one of the fastest rides of Europe, because its beggining is electrifying. There is also a Skyride in the park for moving fastly between the different rides.

At 13:00 we had to met for eat in the park of the entrance and then we came back to the rides since 5:30 pm. Then we returned to BCU and we went to the bedrooms. After that wehad dinner. Now we are returning to our bedrooms and tidying them up, finish our diaries and then go to sleep.

Curiositiy: We were so lucky because it started to rain when we were leaving the park to came back to BCU.

Sara S. & Laura S.

LAST CHANCE TO GO SHOPPING

As every day, after having breakfast and doing the first half of classes, we went to the break. When we returned to class, we spent our time playing games in english.

After having lunch we went to the train station to caught a train that brought us to Birmingham. Once we arrived, we divided in three groups. Today the visit was very short so we could have a lot of free time to go shopping and buy gifts for the family.

In the evening, we returned to BCU and put our tracksuits to have dinner and practise sport then. The dinner was special because it could be the best of the campus, fajitas, Mexican food

Footbal is the sport we practised today and when we finished we went to have a shower.

At this moment, we are going to watch the film "Enchated" and have time to phone our parents. Then we are doing the meeting and returning to our residencees to have the snack.

Curiosity: Today we had a lot of time to do shopping because it is the last day in Birmingham center.

Alvaro & Albert M.

STARTING THE 3rd WEEK

Today, as we have been doing for the previous week, we had english breakfast and then went to classes. When we arrived to class we had a little suprise because Miss Rogers was back.

We did classes and we also practised the dance we are going to show in the Festival. During the break, we lost a ball of table tennis while we were playing. Then we continued our classes and went to have lunch.

Once finished our meal, we returned to the classroom to play and go to other classes. Then, as the last monday, we went to the Sports UB (University of Birmingham) and we could swim, play tennis or practise, again, the dance.

Finally, we had dinner and sports time; basketball was the sport chosen for today.

Now we are going to continue watching the film.

David C. & Fernando

MCDONALDS & CINEMA, PERFECT DAY

Today in the morning, we got up 30 minutes later because there weren't classes. We had breakfast and the we went to mass.

When we leave the University to have lunch, we usually have packed lunch, but today was a very special day because we went to eat to McDonald's. There we could choose the McMenu we preferred having hamburger or nuggets, fries and a drink. We had a nice time there because we really liked the food.

After having lunch, we had 30 minutes of free time in the Bullring and then we met to go to the cinema. We saw the film "Shrek Forever After". There we met the people who are staying with English families in Aston. Next we took the train to arrive to BCU where we went to tidy our bedrooms and then had dinner.

Finally we are having a meeting related to medals and penalties and then we will go to sleep.

Curiosity: The film started 1h 30min later, and we had to wait for the beggining of it in a room next to the screen room.

Paula T. & Belen M.

SHAKESPEARE'S COUNTRY

Today we had an english breakfast, again, a meal that not everybody likes. Next, we went to the classes and there weren't normal because Chanel, the niece of Miss Leane, came to our class. She asked our our questions and she talked about her life in England.

When we finished the lunch, we took the bus and we went to Stratford (in Stratford country). There we saw a lot of things related to Shakespeare and later we had free time to bought some souvenirs. When we returned to BCU we had dinner, but cold dinner that was not as good as the normal one. Finally we went to our bedrooms without watching the film because it was a busy day.

In our flats we used our time to practise our dances and finish the personal diary.

Marti S. & Elena C.

DANCE & SKATE

Today, after having breakfast, we went to class and we practised for the dance with the song "Like a boy". Then we went to have lunch and we, today, only ate vegetables.

After the meal, we took the bus to the Sollihul's Ice Rink to spend one hour skating. Although we had a very good, some people fell down, getting a fright with a particular case, that ended in only a bruise.

When we finished, we returned to BCU and we had an hour to do personal things as tidying up our room, finishing the diary, etc. At 6 o'clock we had dinner and we continued our day playing doge ball and volleyball; we mixed this sports in 3 matches, two of volleyball and one of doge ball.

In the evening we went to the TV room to start a film related to the Saturday's trip to Stratford.

Javi G. & David B.

BACK TO ROUTINE AFTER LONDON

Today in the morning we have classes, as every working day.
After lunch, we had english activities and we practised the dance for the last day, when we are having The Festival and we are showing it to everyone.

When we finished that, we went to the swimming pool. While some people were playing sports as tennis, ping pong, or badminton, some girls used their time to wash carefully their hair, because there isn't enough time for it after the sports.

Then we arrived to BCU to have dinner, and later we played baseball.

Now we are going to finish the Fantastic Four and start another one.

Sara M. & Irene E.

VISIT TO LONDON

Today we got up very early in the morning because we went to London.

The travel to London takes about three hours but we stopped to have breakfast in a road restaurant.

When we arrived to London we started the visit at the British Museum. The we walked for an hour and a half but it was really good because we visited lots of interesting sites: Covent Garden, St. Martin's church, National Gallery, Trafalgar square, Buckingham palace, the Horse Guard, Downing Street, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, London Eye... We ate in a big and nice park called St. James Park.

After lunch with the pigeons we went shopping with our groups and we bought some souvenirs from Hamlesy's toy store and from other shops.

When we were finishing it starts to rain and we continued the visit by bus visiting St. Paul cathedral, the City, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge where we stopped to do some more shopping and take our last London pictures.

Carlos F. & Miguel G.

ROUTINE MORNING, DIFFERENT AFTERNOON

Today we woke up and we went to breakfast, and then to class. It was a special day because we had a test but we also had activities based on computer games. One of the groups listened to the song called "Waka waka", famous because the World Cup. Finally, we went to have lunch.

In the afternoon, we went to Birmingham and we were divided in age groups and we visited the canals (1st group), St. Philips cathedral and St. Martin's church (2nd group) and Symphony Hall and BBC (3rd group). Once we finished visiting them, we had free time in the "Bullring", a famous shopping centre of Birmingham

When we returned to BCU we had dinner and did another new sport, baseball.

Now we are going to continue watching the film, Fantastic 4 and the Silver Surfer.

Carlota & Carolina

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.