French and Sports in Chamonix!

The French commune of Chamonix sits higher than the tallest mountain in England, yet the gargantuan French-Swiss Alps tower over it still, making it a fantastic base from which to go skiing or boarding in the winter and enjoy biking, climbing and many other outdoor sports in the summer.

I visited Chamonix in the winter and could not recommend it enough! If I could go back every year I would. Very close to the town centre, within easy reach by public transport are several different resorts and slopes that cater from the complete beginner (me!) to much more advanced winter sports specialists.

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Relaxing (and learning English) in Cambridge

I’ve just come back from Cambridge. I had heard beautiful things about the city before, but it really was even nicer than I could have expected!

What I really liked about Cambridge is that the locals seem so happy – and very relaxed! If you are able to spend time with the right locals (taking host family accommodation on an English course, for example!) they transmit these chilled out feelings to you! It was very strange for me, coming from Madrid, to see all the people using their bikes (because that is not so usual in my country), but all these people cycling everywhere rather than using cars just adds to the relaxing, slow paced atmosphere in Cambridge.

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A few local favourites in Barcelona

Home to one of our most popular language schools (and my very own big sister) Barcelona is always worth visiting, especially if you are living there as a student on a Spanish language course! I have personally visited Barcelona about 10 times now and even after being back home for just one week, I can’t wait until I have the opportunity to return again. There is just so much to see and do and experience for not only the tourist, but also those that live there, discovering new things every week or even every day.

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Getting lost in Venice is a good thing!

It was late at night when I arrived near Venice. I had arrived a day early, so I stopped right in front of the bridge to the island, and from the parking lot I had a wonderful view over the city. I couldn’t wait to go and visit it! That night I went to sleep feeling excited and happy: it was not going to be my first time ever in Venice, but the idea of going back to that wonderful place made me smile all night.

The next day I got up early to take the bus into the city. I fell in love with the city again, the moment I got off the bus. The city was still as romantic as I remembered, and walking through it again made me feel happy. The city has so much to offer: history, architecture, culture, art, food, romance…

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Genoa – International Boat Show

Are you a real boat and yacht enthusiast, or just want to experience something different this October? Then don’t waste a second and make sure you go to Genoa for the 53rd International Boat Show 2013. This year it takes place from 2nd to 6th October 2013!

It is one of the world’s most important boat shows, dedicated to the pleasure craft market, taking place in the port of Genoa inside the huge exhibition area called Fiera di Genova.

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Romantic, historic Heidelberg!

I have been in Heildelberg for six months and I found this city wonderful not only during the spring but also during the winter! Heidelberg has been labelled a “Romantic town” and if you come here, you will understand why! You will also be impressed by the breathtaking views of the river valley and the Heidelberg Castle – truly amazing!

The best starting point for exploring Heidelberg’s historic heart is “Bismarckplatz”, right next to Heidelberg’s main pedestrian street and not far from the school . Heidelberg’s historical city centre, the “Altstadt” (Old Town) is lively with its stylish cafés, good restaurant and nice shops.There are a lot of attractions that you can’t miss: Heidelberg’s “Alte Brücke” (Old Bridge), the Town Hall, the Old University and historic buildings.

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Exploring Madrid – La Latina!

If you are planning on going to Madrid, there is a neighbourhood you absolutely need to visit. It is located in the old town of the city, has some of the most beautiful medieval streets in the world and hosts the best Tapas bars in the Spanish capital. Its name is no other than La Latina.

La Latina is one of the most genuinely authentic neighbourhoods of Madrid. On Sundays, the biggest open-air flea market in Spain is held in its grounds – El Rastro de Madrid. Whether you are looking for a new painting to decorate your walls, browse rare books, vintage clothes or even buy a new pet, you can be sure that you will be able to find it in El Rastro!

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A bird’s eye view of Cologne!

After recently returning from a German course in Cologne, I am happy to tell you how surprising and fascinating this city was!

As a person who travels a lot and been to Germany several times, I have been round various castles, churches and cathedrals, both in Germany and at home in Spain. But,  I’ve NEVER climbed up any historical building with a  view which can compare with the one you get from the Cologne Cathedral!

Going to the top of the Cathedral really is worth it – the stunning views you have from the top are amazing, though climbing the hundreds of winding stairs can be a bit of a challenge! You have to go up 509 steps of the spiral staircase, and the same for down! 😉

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¡Viva San Fermín!

San Fermín, one of the biggest and most impressive parties in the world, takes place every year in Pamplona, Navarra from 6 July to 14 July.

After spending three days in Pamplona, I came to the conclusion that I will never be able to thank my friend enough for inviting me to San Fermín.

The first thing I needed to do in order to enjoy San Fermín as a true Pamplonica was dressing in white while wearing a red scarf. Once I satisfied this condition, I was ready to go!

Witnessing the Chupinazo, in which a rocket is launched to mark the opening of the festival, is simply breathtaking. You cannot imagine how many people actually manage to fit in the Town Hall square until you go see it yourself!

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Oxford – A great place for studying and shopping!

I always wanted to visit this famous University town and last month I was finally able to go there.  Like we all do, the first thing I did when arriving in Oxford was to drop my luggage at the hotel. I stayed at the Randolph, which was an experience on its own because of its neo-Gothic style. The detective fans among us might know that this hotel is famous for the inspector Morse scenes that have been filmed in the hotels’ bar. The bar with the very original name 😉 ‘Morse bar’, is often visited by tourists to have a drink or just take some photos and then leave again.

I knew that Oxford is known for its University and colleges, but it was a positive surprise that it is also very good for shopping too! You can find many high street shops and department stores, but for a different shopping trip you should definitely visit the covered market, with many specialist shops, food markets, some hairdressers and small vintage boutiques. It was noteworthy that there were a lot of tourists and international students in the shopping areas. It wasn’t comparable to London’s Oxford Street, but the shopping streets of Oxford itself are certainly popular among tourists as well.

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