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| - BARCELONA TRIP BLOG 2010: BIENVENIDOS!- |
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last updated: 1st November 2010
Created by: J Godoy-Simon |
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| Year 10 and 11 students went to Barcelona for a cultural visit from the 20th to the 27th October 2010. Here you will find a detailed account of what we did each day. I hope you enjoy our blog! :) |
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| 20-21 OCTOBER 2010: ON THE WAY TO BARCELONA + HOTEL VILA |
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last updated: 1st November 2010
Created by: J Godoy-Simon |
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As the tears and waves from parents disappeared into the distance the excitement on the coach rose to a higher level. We were finally on our way and we couldn’t wait. Hour after hour after hour passed and one by one we fell into disturbed sleeps. Stopping regularly and with a rocky ferry ride we neared our destination. A huge cheer rose as the coach came to a stop on Calella’s main road. A short walk and we arrived at our hotel- Hotel Vila. We had arrived and the fun was about to start...
Michael G.
Overall, the trip was pretty amazing. The long journey to Barcelona was extremely tiring, but once we were there, we realised it was worth it. Once we arrived at the hotel we noticed we were not the only school occupying it. After about two days, we had made friends with people from France, Germany, Wales and Dorset. The rooms really lived up to our expectations, with lots of space and a lovely balcony. The food there was delicious! There was many different things to choose from such as various salads, pasta and chips. The pool was closed but we did not need it. The wonderful and amazingly brilliant teachers had organised things like trips to the beach and quizzes. ¡Gracias a todos los profesores!
Danielle S. and Charlie M.
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| 22 OCTOBER 2010: LA SAGRADA FAMILIA |
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last updated: 1st November 2010
Created by: J Godoy-Simon |
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When we got off the coach everyone stood in awe of the building. It is so intricate and every detail is well thought out. It is amazing to think one man designed everything about it and that he had such a beautiful image in his mind. A well as being amazing on the outside, the inside was stunning. He continued the theme of nature, contrasting the land and sea animals and every detail and number had a meaning. It is sad that Gaudi will not get to see his finished creation, but I will definitely go back to see it when it is completed. It will be fantastic!
Megan Cr.
For me, this has to be the highlight of the 2010 Barcelona trip due to the unique style of architecture produced by the late Gaudi. I feel I could understand his ideas and thoughts through the history of Gaudi’s life- with thanks to Conchi, the tour guide.
You stand in awe at Gaudi’s exceptional creation from the outside and the standard of the more recent work by current architects, using Gaudi’s inspiration in a different style is just as high as the original parts. From the inside of the Sagrada Familia the light catches the stained glass windows and creates a warm within the whole building. As you look up, you can really see Gaudi’s intention to incorporate nature into the structure, as all of the columns supporting the roof part at the top; creating an image of a forest. Gaudi’s memory will live on thanks to his determination and belief which is portrayed through the architecture we see today. His intention to detail definitely impressed me when I saw that he had managed to include a bassoon as part of his masterpiece.
Saul R.
I enjoyed this place the most because my family visited it 10 years ago when hardly any of the building was built. As I have taken lots of photos my parents will be able to see what it looks like now.
James H.
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| 22 OCTOBER 2010: PARC GUELL |
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last updated: 1st November 2010
Created by: J Godoy-Simon |
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After our visit to the Sagrada Familia we went to the Parc Guell, another example of Gaudi’s many works. We had two hours to explore and we needed it because the park was huge and had a complicated system of walkways. Despite this, most people managed to make their way to a cross at the very top of the park which was not too dissimilar to the statue in Rio de Janeiro. The view from here was unbelievable – you could see every part of the city and beyond into the Mediterranean land behind us was a clear view inland of the mountain peaks and lakes, a really great place!
The FresCo restaurant was great too. Being a small restaurant, the group took up most of the tables giving the meal a private feel. The food was fantastic and the all-you-can-eat nature of the evening was fully taken advantage of.
Adam T.
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| 22 OCTOBER 2010: THE WALKING TOUR, LAS RAMBLAS, MEDIEVAL CATHEDRAL, CITY MARKET |
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last updated: 1st November 2010
Created by: J Godoy-Simon |
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After an extremely lengthy journey to the hotel it was finally nice to experience the fantastic views Barcelona has to offer. The tour took us around the main sights of Barcelona including la Boquería, which was the main city market, although it was pleasing to see the Spanish culture and cuisine.
We also visited the mediaeval cathedral which was a remarkable building with amazing architecture and design. But the most important part of the day for us was spending time walking up and down the mile long street called Las Ramblas. We met some very intriguing and interesting street artists along our walk some of which really liked to get into their characters. There were so many things going on that we almost forgot about the shops and stalls that surrounded the street. This was certainly a very memorable start to our stay. Thank you to all teachers that made this possible.
Luan and Sophie
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| 23 OCTOBER 2010: AQUARIUM + MAREMAGNUM |
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last updated: 1st November 2010
Created by: J Godoy-Simon |
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“There were some fish” - Mr. Barker
After spending the morning at the football stadium and Poble Espanyol we had an hour or so to run round the Aquarium. The best part was the fish tunnel with a slow travelator. There were some pretty cool sharks and a couple of sting rays that liked to circle numerous times round the tank just to see what was happening. Señor Godoy was especially pleased with the jellyfish section as were we with the penguins. The gift shop afterwards provided some good present opportunities for friends and families back home.
Izzy P., Anna and Helen
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| 23 OCTOBER 2010: BEACH GAMES AND SHOPPING AT CALELLA |
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last updated: 1st November 2010
Created by: J Godoy-Simon |
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After a busy day on and off the coach it was nice to be able to relax and also to do something fun at the same time. We walked a short 2 minutes and arrived on the quiet beach with the sun still up. The favourite activity was volleyball, with less competitive game of catch on offer for those who preferred to just watch the year 11’s dominate every game of volleyball against the year 10’s + teachers. After tea, we were allowed to go out into the town, where many of us enjoyed ice creams and bought souvenirs such as bracelets and t-shirts. We also spoke a lot of Spanish and felt proud of ourselves! Unfortunately on one of the nights we were meant to go bowling it was closed so “the hero” (señor Godoy) bought us all ice creams, ¡gracias señor!
Jess H. And Emily D.
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| 23 OCTOBER 2010: NOU CAMP STADIUM |
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last updated: 1st November 2010
Created by: J Godoy-Simon |
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This has to be my favourite part of the trip. It was a phenomenal sight! We were all amazed by how huge it was. It was amazing being able to go into the dug-out and just stand there and take in and savour the moment. It is definitely something I will never forget. Being in the trophy room filled me with joy even with a glass window between me and the “champions league” cup! Could have stayed and taken in the moment all day, still an amazing time! Thanks!
Lucas M.
As huge football fans, we were ecstatic to be visiting the incredible Camp Nou. Once the Nou Camp was in sight we were in awe at the sheer size of it. It was beautiful. We had a bit more than an hour to walk round, in amazement, of the stadium. The pitch was in pristine condition, the grass cut to a perfect length, maintained well on the wide pitch. On the seats were the words “Més que un club” meaning more than a club. The 98.000 capacity stadium gleamed as the sun shone. The museum was fantastic, holding all trophies ever won by the club as well as fair collectables such as signed shirts from the likes of Maradona, Ronaldinho and even the goalkeeper gloves worn in the 1974 champions league final. We were lucky enough to see and walk round the luxurious changing rooms, admiring the Jacuzzi that the footballers use. The shop was huge, containing everything from Barcelona beer glasses to Barcelona crisps!! The prices were extortionate but this didn’t stop us making a few purchases. It was an incredible experience that we will never forget. Thank you for everything!
George B. and Joe C.
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| 23 OCTOBER 2010: POBLE ESPANYOL (SPANISH VILLAGE) |
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last updated: 1st November 2010
Created by: J Godoy-Simon |
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After visiting the Nou Camp stadium we made our way to Poble Espanyol, a village that shows the different styles of buildings around Spain. A sunny day and plenty of shops meant that we were all able to enjoy our time there. The shops were unique and many were filled with intricate, handmade items. Some bought souvenirs and others bought ice creams to eat while relaxing in the sun. One shop that attracted a lot of attention was a small shop full of glass items. As well as looking at these you were able to watch the glassmakers at work in the workshop right next to it. However, as it was such a nice day, many of us sat in the main square to relax. The buildings were interesting, and we were given a map so that we could identify which area of Spain they came from. Wandering around the shops, enjoying an ice cream and sunbathing in the heat made our time in Poble Espanyol a fun time for all.
Eleanor H.
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| 24 OCTOBER 2010: DALI MUSEUM |
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last updated: 1st November 2010
Created by: J Godoy-Simon |
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Though never having been to Figueres before and knowing only a little of Dali, the museum was instantly recognisable for its eccentricity; golden figures stood in a proud formation upon the roof, oblivious of their strange choice of headwear and the strange looks they received from eager yet confused tourists. Apparently bread is a very fashionable choice of hat in the land of Salvador Dali.
Before entering the museum we had time to wander the streets of Figueres which were scattered with interesting shops sporting an army of Dali-related wares, ranging from high quality framed prints of his famous works to fully functioning melted clocks. It was the perfect place to pick up a few stunning postcards and catch a few glimpses of the wonderful art we would soon behold. Once within the museum it was slightly bewildering; corridors snaked off in all directions, each lined with increasingly bewildering paintings. We ignored the map, in a place like this it meant very little, and let the corridors carry us in whichever direction they wished. Though interesting, this technique was not entirely effective as we managed to neglect what we were later told was one of the most amazing rooms in the museum which held all of Dali’s most widely known pieces such as the melting clocks and also a huge painting on the ceiling. Despite this, I still feel as though we got to experience many fantastic artworks and gained a lot from the visit, especially those of us who take Art GCSE because we took some very useful photographs for our coursework.
A lot of people find it easy to dismiss Dali’s paintings as “weird” or “strange” and declare them impossible to decipher. With them I can only half agree. Yes, they are certainly strange yet it is this strangeness that can allow you to form your own perceptions of the thought-provoking images, contortions and illusions he created.
Abigail E.
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| 24 OCTOBER 2010: ROMAN RUINS OF AMPURIAS |
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last updated: 1st November 2010
Created by: J Godoy-Simon |
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From a distance, the Roman Ruins of Ampurias looked like just a pile of rocks but our American tour guide Jon showed us there was much more to this interesting and historical site. Built in 575 BC, this area was inhabited by Greeks. They chose the location because of its natural port and this made it perfect for trade. It was also known as a medical centre and we learnt the mythology behind the god of medicine Aesculapius. We then went up to the Roman ruins and saw the massive advance in technology. It had a large house with central heating and hot water. There was also Roman baths and a forum. It was a very educational excursion.
Rosie S. And Becca F.
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| 25 OCTOBER 2010: PORTAVENTURA |
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last updated: 1st November 2010
Created by: J Godoy-Simon |
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After a tiring week the long two hour coach journey gave us all some much needed rest but as PortAventura drew closer the excitement on the coach was high! Once inside and when we got to the first ride the queue was huge and we all realised it was going to be a very long day. Many of us chose to experience the thrill of “Furious Baco”, a ride which literally makes you fly out of your seat! Next ride was “Dragon Khan”, it has eight loops and travels at a mighty speed. While we were queuing we were very apprehensive, questioning why we were doing this to ourselves and also freezing to death. However, once on the ride about another hour later, adrenaline pumped through our veins. It was amazing! At the end of the day, we met up, had our group photo and got back on the coach. It was a fantastic day . Gracias to all the teachers for taking us!!
Chelsea B. and Megan Co.
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last updated: 1st November 2010
Created by: J Godoy-Simon |
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After packing up our suitcases we all headed down to the bar area. When we arrived we were told to split ourselves into groups and we realised the teachers had organised a quiz for us. We were competing against our friends however some people were more competitive than others (George B.)
Also Mrs Woodward had kindly bought us all Chupa Chup lollies. This was then followed by a second quiz in our muster groups and we were asked challenging questions about the teachers such as Mrs Wildman’s age (which we had to be careful about answering). Everyone was fighting for the prizes that the teachers had spent time choosing from PortAventura.
¡Muchas gracias, profesores! ¡Nos encantaron las vacaciones!
Lucy and Chloe.
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