Category: Blog

This January, Elise and Asrie will be interning at Academia Manhattan.  Find out more about them below:

Asrie Karma

Hello! My name is Asrie Karma and I am from Queens, New York. I study architecture and Spanish at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. This year, I am living and studying in Córdoba with the PRESHCO program.  In my free time. I love to draw and paint, watch movies, and exercise. I also like to travel a lot especially in Spain because it is my favorite place. I hope to improve my Spanish during my time here and I am excited to meet you all. See you soon!

¡Hola! Me llamo Asrie Karma y soy de Queens, Nueva York. Estudio la arquitectura y el español en Smith College en Northampton, Massachusetts. Este año, vivo y estudio en Córdoba con la programa PRESHCO. En mi tiempo libre, me encanta dibujar y pintar, ver las películas, y hacer ejercicio. También, me gusta viajar mucha especialmente en España porque es mi lugar favorito. Espero mejorar mi español durante mi tiempo aquí y estoy emocionada de conoceros todos. ¡Hasta pronto!

 

Elise Tiani

Hi everyone! My name is Elise Tiani and I am an American university student. I am from Boston, Massachusetts and am studying law and society and Spanish at Oberlin College in Ohio. This past semester I lived and studied in Cordoba, it is a very beautiful city! I love Spanish culture, in particular the tapas and the tradition of the siesta. Some of my hobbies are reading books, running, and going hiking and rock climbing. I am so excited to meet you guys and help teach this month. See you soon!

Hola! Me llamo Elise Tiani y soy una estudiante universitaria estadounidense. Soy de Boston, Massachusetts y estudio el derecho y el español en la Universidad de Oberlin en Ohio. Este semestre pasado vivía y estudiaba en Córdoba, una ciudad muy bonita!  Me encanta la cultura española especialmente las tapas y la tradición de la siesta! Algunos de mis pasatiempos son leer libros, correr, y hacer escalata y senderismo. Estoy muy emocionada para conoceros y ayudar a enseñar este mes! Nos vemos!

Our Experience in Villanueva de Cordoba

By the Academia Manhattan Interns

Maddie, Jess, Julia and Dani

Living in Villanueva de Córdoba has been an amazing experience, and one that we will never forget. During our summer here we have all fallen in love with the delicious foods, the gorgeous countryside, and above all, the amazing people we’ve been lucky enough to meet. You all have welcomed us into your town so generously and graciously, and we cannot thank you enough.

Some highlights of our time in Villanueva have been our long walks in the countryside, our traditional Thursday night pizza at Volao, tasting the typical foods, and, of course, working at Academia Manhattan.

Walks through the countryside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whenever we had the time, we all loved to take walks through the beautiful countryside that surrounds town. We enjoyed wandering down the dirt paths lined by stone walls and fields full of cows and sheep.

There is really nothing like this near where we live in the United States. From certain paths you can look back and see the whole town. At sunset, these walks were even more incredible.

Pizza at Volao on Thursday:

Every Thursday night we would meet at Volao and eat tons of delicious pizzas. It became a wonderful tradition! We would look forward to this dinner all week long. We enjoyed chatting and laughing with good friends and eating pizza after delicious pizza. Our favorite kind was the kebab pizza (sometimes we would even order two of them). This tradition will be greatly missed!

Eating traditional foods:

Of course, we ate more than just pizza during our time in Villanueva. All of the traditional foods here are so tasty! Some of our favorite dishes that

we tried were salmorejo, tortilla española, bocadillo de lomo con pimiento frito, berenjenas con miel, ensaladilla, queso, pan, tinto de verano, and jamón ibérico de bellota (of course!). We’ll try to cook all of these foods back in the US, but we’re not sure if it will ever be the same. Some of our favorite restaurants that we ate at were La bodega de Lucman, La encina de Lucman, KA Dulce, La puerta falsa, Franmer, and Volao among many others. Sometimes at night we would go to El chaparral for drinks and sit on the beautiful patio, under the trees, while listening to fantastic music and laughing with each other.

 

Working at Academia Manhattan:

It was truly an honor to work as interns at the Academia Manhattan. Working with Lucy (who we believe is actually superwoman) was an absolute pleasure. She runs the school with such grace and poise, and we were always inspired by her compassion and care for her students. As interns we had the opportunity to meet and work with nearly all of the students. We enjoyed all of the deep discussions we were able to have with you and the many games we had the chance to play. You are fantastic students and we know that you will continue to improve your English skills in the future. Though we were the teachers, we ended up learning so much from all of you. This really was the best internship ever!

     

The night of the Star Party was a night of surprises. Firstly, we found out that the Macarena was composed in Sevilla. We played it and everyone danced the Macarena together. I felt like I (Jess) was a kid again dancing, singing and playing silly party games with my friends. I was extremely happy to find out that the Macarena came from Spain and in the spirit of Spanish culture I asked my Academia friends to teach me how to dance the Sevillana (an amazing Spanish tradition). I followed along step-by-step but at the end I still wasn’t able to dance the sevillana. I think I need a lot more practice before I can go out on the dance floor. However, I loved learning a little more about Spanish culture and as great as it is to teach others, it is even more fun to be the student!

After dancing, we played a few games. The interns taught everyone the game of musical chairs, an American party staple. In the game, the group circles around a group of chairs while music plays. When the music stops, everyone must find a chair to sit in. The person who does not find a chair is out. The game continues until everyone but one person is out. A few of our friends taught us their own version of the game, which seemed like a cross between the American games of musical chairs and hot potato. The players dance in couples and try to pass around a broom (in our case, a tube of lipstick) while still holding hands. The couple holding the lipstick when the music stops is out. I really enjoyed the game, but was way to klutzy to be anywhere near competitive!

Later we walked out into the fields that surrounded the bed and breakfast and gazed at the millions of stars that sparkled in the night’s sky. It was incredible! I (Julia) had never seen so many stars all at once. We were able to see Mars, Saturn, the Milky Way Galaxy, and several constellations. Juan, an expert in astronomy, gave us a very interesting lecture on the universe. He was able to present in both English and Spanish, which was very impressive to all of us. We stood, huddled together in the field, stunned by the expansive universe above us, and never wanting to leave.

We ended the night with the biggest and most wonderful surprise of all. In a small ceremony, the ayuntamiento of Villanueva presented us with going away gifts. We received a Villanueva de Córdoba pin and key chain, both of which we will use and wear with pride for this amazing town. It was a true honor to be recognized by the ayuntamiento as well as by our students and friends. We were deeply moved by this gesture, and as we gave short speeches, we tried not to cry. Villanueva is an incredible town with such kind and caring people. Thank you for welcoming us into your town and making us feel as if we were at home. None of us could have imagined a better experience – it has been a summer that we will never forget. We wish you all the best in the future and hope that one day we can meet again.

As part of our trip to Lagos, Portugal, Julia and I enjoyed a six-hour layover in the town of Seville. In keeping with our tradition of arriving in strange towns as they are just waking up, our train arrived a bit before nine and we were left to wander Seville as its shops opened and Sevillanos rushed to work.

After dropping our bags at the tour company office, we headed over to the Plaza de Espana. The Plaza was constructed in 1928 in preparation for the Ibero-American Exposition, which Seville hosted in 1929. It later served as location for many different blockbusters, including Lawrence of Arabia, the Star Wars series, and the Dictator.

We were able to wander around the Plaza and take pictures at the “Province Alcoves,” small murals depicting the culture and historical significance of each province in Spain. It was fun to see all the ones we’d traveled to, especially Cordoba’s, as it is beginning to feel like home.

After that, we ate lunch in the Parque de Maria Luisa, which felt like an Andalusian-style Versailles (so, way better). We had just enough time to check out some rebajas (or sales) downtown, where I was able to buy some Spanish incense for a souvenir, before heading back and hopping on the bus to Portugal.

I’d been to Sevilla a couple times before, but I every time I come back I find something new and colorful to explore. Its charm never fails to impress, and I can’t wait to go back.

  This past weekend, for the first time in months, Maddie and I ventured outside of Spain to Lagos, Portugal, land of sparkling yellow-sand beaches, rocky cliff sides, and delicious seafood. For any beach lover, this is the place to go! The water is crystal clear and is a shade of deep turquoise that will take your breath away.

Our first night there, both of us were eager to explore. We hiked along a cliff-side path and looked out on the mesmerizing ocean. Later we ate a fish dinner at a small Portuguese restaurant. The highlight of that meal, though, was the dessert. We ordered something called “Dream, ” and its name was no joke. We’re not even completely sure what it was – some kind of pudding with cookies and cream on top. We ended up asking the waiter for one after another.

Another highlight of our trip was our excursion to Sagres, Portugal where we visited Cabo San Vicente, the most southwestern tip of Europe. We stood on huge, rocky cliffs that jutted into the ocean below and watched as the sun set.

The next morning we went on a kayaking expedition along the coast. We kayaked into caves and through huge rock tunnels. I had never experienced anything like it! At one point we stopped to take a break on a secret beach. It was a bit rainy, but even so, the kayak trip was wonderful.

Sunday evening we returned home to Spain. Even though we enjoyed Portugal, it was great to be back in Villanueva!

 

 

 

During my trip in Malaga I did several things. I went sightseeing and I went to a church event where I met wonderful new people.

In my church, the Christian Congregation of Spain, we had a youth meeting. Youth (young people) from many regions of Spain got together to go to church and go sightseeing. I met many new people and we became fast friends!

 I got to visit the Port, a Cathedral, the Alcazaba, Picasso’s house, the Castle and many other places. My favorite place was the Castle <3

When I arrived on Friday I went with my new friends to the Port. We walked by the water and took some beautiful pictures. I loved the tropical trees and watching the boats sail by on the water.

On Monday I went out with friends to see the city. One of the places I saw was the cathedral. It was gorgeous inside. There were statues of saints and the architecture was impressive. Everyone was very quiet and I felt like I was stepping back in history.

Monday afternoon we toured the Alcazaba and the Castle. I exercised a lot! We walked up a lot of stairs and I loved the old stones and the symmetrical gardens. It was also interesting to learn about the history of the wars in Malaga and how the people protected themselves from intruders and enemies.

The Castle was my favorite part of the day. We walked up a hill for over 30 minutes. I was very tired but it was worth it. We saw beautiful views of the city and also walked around the whole perimeter of the castle. I hope I can go back one day.

On to the next adventure! XO

 

This weekend, Jess and I explored this beautiful town of Villanueva, our home for the summer! We ate, shopped, did some sightseeing and finally visited the countryside!!! Prepare yourself for a fun-filled recap of one of the best weekends we’ve had so far!

Here are our highlights:

Highlight #1: Breakfast at the restaurant La Puerta Falsa

We started our day with a delicious breakfast. As usual Dani and I asked for the same thing (ham and cheese on toasted French bread and coffee with milk [café con leche]). This is one of my (Jess) favorite restaurants in Vva. because of the rustic feel, the beautiful open spaces and the various rooms where you can eat, drink with friends and throw parties.

This place is also special to me because it was the first restaurant I went to in Vva. and I still remember drinking my first tinto de verano, eating tapas and listening to a group of friends playing the guitar and singing flamenco. I plan to come back here many times with friends before I leave.

Highlight #2: Mercadillo

After our visit to The Mercadillo, I (Dani) can honestly say that it is the place to go to when you want to stay fashionable- without emptying your pockets! Jess and I had such a great time walking down the long street. Jess tried on several dresses and they were all lovely! I was able to find a pair of printed pants and a pair of heels that I fell in love with at first sight!

When the sun is blazing outside, what better way to cool off then a water fight? Jess and I could not resist the temptation of splashing each other with water. (Between you and I, I think I won that water fight, but Jess might argue otherwise.)

I really enjoyed my time at the Mercadillo. I would definitely be returning another Saturday to shop again. I just hope there is room in my luggage for all the stuff I plan to buy!

Highlight #3: The Jewels of Vva.

During our walk throughout the town we stopped to take many pictures of the beautiful buildings, patios and playgrounds!

Highlight # 4: The Countryside (El campo)

We spent the afternoon in the countryside where we ate paella, tortilla de patata, jamon and other meats, practiced our Spanish and made new friends.

 After, we went with our new friends to explore the countryside.  We saw pigs, young and old, took pictures of “the dehesa” and joked around.  The scenery evoked a sense of peace and tranquility.

We hope to go back soon!

HOPE YOU ENJOYED READING OUR BLOG J  XOXO

 

 

When traveling in Pamplona, it is advised to:

A)   Bring a map;

B)   Be more well-dressed when you stumble into a celebrity wedding;

C)   Come with an empty stomach as to be able to eat more delicious tapas and sweets;

D)   All of the above.

The answer, of course, the answer is “D”. Pamplona showed me a wealth of opportunities while we were there, and I left happily tired and glad I got to see such a different side of Spain than I had seen before.

 Julia and I started out on a bus from San Sebastian early in the morning, and Pamplona still felt a bit sleepy. We started off wandering around the town to get acquainted with the city a bit more. The first thing I noticed was the pure lushness of it. I had just spent four months among the whitewashed walls of Andalucía, and to see rows and rows of colorful buildings and lush flowers hanging off of balconies was a bit of a shock. Spain is so diverse and keeps surprising me.

We stopped for churros and chocolate in the Plaza del Castillo, and then set off to wander again. Soon we noticed a large crowd hanging around a cathedral and stopped to ask what was going on. It was the wedding of the Atletico Madrid player Raul Garcia! He and his bride looked beautiful and happy. We were even able to sneak a few pictures of the rest of the team.

The rest of the day was a bit of a culinary adventure. We sampled a few tapas around the Plaza. It seems that the dishes in the north vary widely from what is usually served in Andalucía, and it was interesting to try different varieties. We also helped ourselves to a few of the famous Pamplona caramels, which were delicious (of course).

After getting home, I did a bit more research on Pamplona. The city is principally known for two things: its San Fermin festival (known in the English-speaking world as Running of the Bulls) and for its long-standing love affair with the literary icon Ernest Hemingway. It was the setting for his first novel, The Sun Also Rises, which describes the city’s bohemian culture in the 1920s. Nearly one hundred years later, as we wandered its vibrant yet quaint streets, I couldn’t help but wonder how much had changed in Hemingway’s beloved city. Even if it has changed, it seemed to me that its vibrant energy lives on.

I was lucky enough to experience not just one- but two- ferias during my first week in Spain! I was able to attend the Feria de Cordoba and the Feria Chica de Villanueva! Both of these ferias were so much fun and I can’t choose between the two. I had an exciting time dancing, eating, and drinking in the casetas. To say that my first week here was amazing is an understatement!

There is so much I can say about my week at the Ferias, but I am going to give you two of my favorite highlights from both Ferias.

 Highlight #1: The Casetas

Anyone who knows me knows that I like to eat! In the Casetas, I was able to stuff my face with tapas. We had flamenquin, croquetas, calamari, montado de lomo, pinchitos, and so many more delicious foods!  I was extremely full and extremely happy.

 

Highlight #2: Sevillanas y Traje de Gitana!

The Sevillanas was everywhere! Young and old would gather together to dance and have a great time! I even learned a few steps in the process (I don’t think I did such a great job, but it was fun learning nevertheless.)

The women looked beautiful in their Trajes de Gitanas! I saw a variety of styles, colors, lengths, and patterns- all unique and all fabulous on the women.

I felt so honored and grateful to partake in this amazing tradition

La Romería de La Virgen de Luna

 Walking in the Romería this past weekend was one of my most favorite Spanish experiences so far. Though the idea of trekking 11 kilometers in the sun seemed at first like a daunting task, the conviviality and spirit of the event made the time fly by.

 Before leaving for the walk, we spent the early afternoon sitting in the casetas eating delicious foods and observing as the men and women in traditional dress rode by on horseback. Later we visited the Virgen in the ermita where we had the chance to explore the beautiful church and even ring the bell for good luck. The walk itself was stunning. I loved strolling down the winding dirt roads along with the horses and carriages past fields of sheep, pigs, goats, and cows.

After about 3 hours of walking, we finally arrived in town, and just in time to watch as the Virgen de Luna reunited with San Miguel. We finished the day with hotdogs in the fair and watched the fiery red sunset. It was a fantastic day spent with wonderful company experiencing wonderful traditions!