GOOD BYE ENGLAND

     Today is our last day in Leamington and the sun is shining as it never shone this summer. We had a nice morning with our families having breakfast no wondering if we may miss the bus.

     We have finished packaging and as we were told we went to Newbold Terrace. It was our time to say Good Bye.
     We will miss the families and the nice time we had in Leamington this summer. Now we are going to Heathrow looking forward to arrive in Spain.

     See you soon.

j.s.

FAREWELL

     Today is 20^th July. I got up at 7 o’clock. I washed dressed and had breakfast. All the family was sleeping. I met Nieves at 8 o’clock to catch the bus.

     In the morning we had our lessons as usual and at break time we practised our dance. When we finished the lessons we went to the Town Hall. We could visit it and we ate there too.

 

     After lunch time we had time at leisure until a quarter past five. We met altogether and we went to prepare the place for the Festival. The families were arriving in time and the Festival started.

     After Ms Antonia’s and Fr Jesús’ speech we did the performances we prepared. In the Festival we sang “Glad you Came” danced “The Lazy Song” and read short paragraphs of W Shakespeare’s plays Julius Caesar and  The Merchant of Venice. After our families could try some Spanish food such as ham and cheese.

     When the Festival finished my family and me went to KFC restaurant. Later on I gave a Thanking Card to my family. It was a very special evening.

B.M.S.

LAST SHOPPINGS IN BIRMINGHAM

     After day by day routine getting up and having breakfast I went to meet Álvaro as we go together to school by bus.

     Classes start at 9 o’clock. Today we learned about speaking in front of people and reading a bit slowly. We also did some activities and more exercises. We prepared our performances for tomorrow’s Farewell.

     In the afternoon we went to Birmingham by train. We were looking for the lasts presents to buy. We have also thought in our English families and our teacher.

     When I arrived back to the family I started thinking in my depart and in the suitcase and more things. After I had dinner I wanted to go up to my room early because I was very tired for all the things that happened today.      

J.S.B.

ENJOYING SWIMMING

     Today I got up at 7:30 like all days. I had breakfast toast with butter and hot chocolate. I dressed and I went to catch the bus at 8:15. I waited for Belén and Nieves and we went together to school. There we all talked about yesterday trip to Stratford-upon-Avon and we did our scrapbook and some activities. At break time Álvaro Nieves and Javier practised their dance for Friday. Back to the lessons we had a dictation and comprehension reading.

     When we finished class we went to Newbold Comyn Centre. We had lunch along the way for we wanted to go to the swimming pool straight on arriving. We entered the changing room to wear our swimming costume and we played a lot in the pool. We went out of the swimming pool by 4:20 and before returning to town we had some advice about tomorrow and our last days. Arriving at Newbold Terrace we did some more practise for our dance. It seems going to be successful.

     I came back home by bus and here I have played some games with Claudio after I had dinner. Then I had a shower and watched a film “2 fast 2 furious”. Now I’m going to bed because I am very tired.

P.T.R.

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

      Today we went to Stratford in the afternoon. We walked in town and visited a monument in memory of Shakespeare. It had four well-known people in his plays, Hamlet, Falstaff, Macbeth and Prince Hal.

     We went to the Royal Shakespeare Company and Theatre. We found a lot of books and thing related to Shakespeare. We also could enter the new theatre and have a look at the Stage and the Balconies all around it. It was amazing.

     Then we went to Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Museum and we learned a bit about his live and his plays. After our visit we found a couple of actors playing in the house yard a scene or Romeo and Juliet. It was nice.

     Then we had some free time. We sat together and had some Spanish ham. At five we came back to Leamington in a double-decker bus.

A.F.F.

A FUNNY QUIZ

     Today is 16^th July. I woke up with my mobile alarm. So tired I was. I had less time than usual to dress me up and have breakfast. But I caught the bus in time and so I get in Leamington for the lessons.

     We had some conversation, grammar exercises and writing. We also did part of our scrapbook. It is updated.

     It was raining again and we went to The Priors for our lunch. After lunch we entered Starbucks and some of us went into internet as there is wifi free access.

     When stopped raining we met at Newbold Terrace for a Quiz about Leamington. We were split in three groups. There were questions about Leamington History and some people. We asked people for the answers in the park or in the shopping centre. Some people said “No sorry, I don’t know” and also “Sorry I am not from Leamington”. We entered in the Library by the Museum and a nice person went into internet and found some answers for us. It was nice asking people for answers.

     At four we met. We did not have all the answer found. Never mind. We went to the Bowling Club and watched people playing the Leamington Open. It is a game like 10 Pin Bowling because you through the bowl rolling on the grass, but different because there are not Pins only one little ball as in French Boulles or Petanque. Because they were playing championship we couldn’t have a go.

L.E.C.

SUNDAY WITH FAMILY

     Today there are not activities in our Programme. It is Family Day.

     Some of us went to Mass to Saint Peter’s in Leamington or Saint Joseph’s in Whitnash. Some visited other places here around such as Charlecote Park near Stratford, or taking part in Fetes, or meeting relatives sharing the afternoon meal.

     We all had a nice opportunity for chatting with the family. We have realized that in certain moments we cannot say a word in Spanish, can you believe it? We start thinking in English when we speak.

j.s.

ENJOYING ALTON TOWERS

     Today Saturday after a long trip by coach we arrived to Alton Towers :D

     We had a lot of time to ride many rides and to do many things. We ate our packed lunch and also chips, sandwiches, hot dogs… We rode Rita which is very fast, like starting a race and you have to get high speed in very short time. We also rode Thi3rteen, full of surprises the greatest one is a fall top to down. In other area of the park is Air in which you go like Superman hold from your back. And Nemesis with some looping.

     Then we went to other place in the park and rode Oblivion. Not everybody was ready to go in but it is very exciting as there is a fall after a stop and you go into a hole… We also rode Sonic and Mine Train but they weren’t so good as others.

     The last one we rode was Rapids. It is a ride in water and you get wet.

     It was a very great day.

A.F.F.

THIRD DAY AT BOWLING

     Today Friday 13^th all my family woke up earlier because of their work and so I did. I dressed up and had breakfast and went to the bus stop early.

     In class we practised a bit of singing, we finished our yesterday diary and had some conversation activities.

     We went to Royal Priors for lunch and shopping. I bought a blue belt and a wallet. Late along we went Bowling again. Now we enjoy it a lot. When we finished our games we met for some information and advises. And also we had some Spanish “Jamón” we appreciated a lot. Thank you Paula.

     Back to our families I got ready for tomorrow exciting day.

N.F.L.

TRIP TO OXFORD

     Today is 12^th July. I woke up later than other days. Last night I received a call from my mother late evening and now I feel tired.

     I arrived in time for the lessons. We had some activities and were giving directions. It is not as easy as it seems.

     We were waiting for the train but it arrived 40 minutes delayed. So we hand lunch at the station… In Oxford noticed about many Colleges such as Oriel, Christ Church. Many of them were closed for visitors.

     Merton College was opened and welcomed all students, so we visited it. It is one of the eldest Colleges in Oxford. Its has four quads from different ages as it has grown. But the oldest quad in Oxford is here. We sat there and learnt about de University and the Colleges.

     We followed our visit in Oxford and we got to the Bodelain Library. There we saw a stage and chairs ready for Hamlet play performance. We could not go to stage.

     After our visit we went shopping t-shirts and some records for brothers, or cousins.

     When I arrived home I was very tired, and had a shower.

L.E.C.

TRIP TO WARWICK

     I got up at 7:00. I couldn’t sleep very well because last night the cat came under my bed . After breakfast I went to meet Álvaro and we walked to the bus stop as usually do.

     When we arrived at school they were speaking about our dance and we all practised some steps. After the lessons we went to the shopping centre for our lunch. It rained during the morning and all was wet.

     We caught the bus and went to Warwick and we visited Warwick Castle. We walked the wall and from the towers we had lovely seeing of Warwick and around. We also met a group of students from BCU, and we made some new friends. Visiting the Castle we could see an archer showing how the battles were in the past, and a big trebuchet that was put in operation by five people. It was an interesting visit.

     When I was back home I watched a terrible film. After I went to bed and I remembered the things we did during the day.

J.S.B.

NEW WEEK, SOME NEW THINGS

     From today I have to catch The bus everyday in the morning and in the afternoon. So I had to get up earlier than last week. I met Belen at the bus stop. Though for a moment we felt lost we got straight to Parish Church stop and from there to the school.

     In class we did some exercises about London and Warwick. We also made and exercise about Murillo the Spanish painter. At break time we could enter and see our blog.

     After lunch we walked in Leamington and did some shopping. We all met at the bus stop and went to 10 Pin Bowling. This time we enjoyed more than last week. We are learning how to play and we all scored better figures.

     Back to Leamington we had to wait for long time to the bus. In town Belen and me took our bus. We already know where to stop so we got home easily.

     I had dinner and I called my parents by skype. We the family I watched some tv programmes before I went to bed.

N.F.L.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

     Today I woke up at 7·30. After dressed me up and breakfast we went to Lawrence’s school and then to mine. I arrived early so I had to wait for the opening door. A man came and he opened the doors for us. Me and Nieves waited inside doing our scrapbook. But arriving Mrs Payne we started preparing a Card for Álvaro because today is his Birthday.

     In class we practiced how making telephone calls. So Álvaro phoned each one inviting us to his party. Beside this we learnt more new words.

     Today was not raining so we went to the park for our lunch. It was planned going to Rugby but as we won’t be able to visit Rugby School, we went to Warwick for sports. We had fun at Adventure Mini Golf. It was hard to start putting but we scored quite nice results. In fact I won with 49 in 18 holes. When we finished we went to a near park enjoying a lot in its play fields. In town we ate chips and chicken because we were very hungry.

     Everybody caught the bus going home. But Sue came to pick me up and we walked in the park until it was time to fetch Claudio and Lawrence. We went home and sat together. We had dinner and watched tv. I had a shower and now I’m doing this diary. I feel tired because today has been a very amazing day.

P.T.R.

FAMILY'S DAY

     Today I got up at 9 o’clock. Sam (the mum of Nieves’ family) picked me up at 10 because we were going shopping in Birmingham. Nieves wanted to change the shoes she bought for smaller ones. I bought a present for my dad and another for my sister. I don’t know what to buy for my mum… :(

     After shopping we arrived in Leamington and went to Sam’s house for lunch. When I was back in my house I painted with Aaliyah, played pool with Lukell and we all played hide-and-seek.

      B.M.S.

TRIP TO LONDON

     Today I woke up earlier than other days because we go to London. After breakfast we collect Belén from her house and went to Newbold Terrace, our meeting point. As everybody were in time we went to the railway station to catch the train that in one hour and a half took us into London.

     In London we moved by underground. First we went to Convent Garden Market and The Royal Opera House. On foot we got to the British Museum. There we visited the rooms for Egypt and the Mummies, and the Rosetta Stone.     Then we went to The Tower of London and crossed The Tower Bridge. From this side of river Thames we caught a bus for Waterloo Station, and from there we crossed Westminster Bridge and we saw the Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey.

     After our visit we went to Piccadilly Circus. We looked for some presents to buy there and along Regent Street, where Hamleys is, until Oxford Circus. In our way to the train station we visited 221B Baker Street, Sherlock Holmes House, where we took some photos of us disguised as the detective. At the station we met people from others groups in Birmingham.

     We all caught the train and back in Leamington I had dinner with my family. Finally I went to sleep because I was really tired.
N.F.L.

SWIMMING IN THE RAIN?

     This morning I got up at seven like all days. I had breakfast, washed my teeth and went to the bus stop with Álvaro.

     We started our English lessons making a revision of the whole week and spoke about discussions and conversations.

     We went to the shopping centre for our lunch for it was raining. Today we went to the swimming pool. Good. It is indoors; outdoors is raining. We enjoyed playing and the slide a lot. Before leaving we have a meeting about our stay and things to prepare for tomorrow.

     Today we’ve had a very good day.

J.S.B.

WHO SAID BORING?

     This morning I woke up at a quarter to eight, I dressed up and I went downstairs to have breakfast toast with butter and hot chocolate. We didn’t have much time so I had to have breakfast in the car. First we went to Lawrence’s friend’s house we took them to their school and after that we went to my school and I arrived at half past eight. There I met Nieves. We were waiting for Álvaro, Javier, Laura, Belén and for Fr Jesús.

     We all were in time. In class Mrs Payne wanted us to speak about yesterday at the Bowling. We said how we enjoyed a lot and after that we did grammar games which were really amazing. After the break we did comprehension and translation from a text about Aliatar’s horse.

     At half past twelve we went to the train station and there we had lunch waiting for the train which will take us to Coventry. First we went to Planet Ice where we ice-skated. Nieves, Belén and me can skate quite well and we taught Álvaro, Javier and Laura to skate. We had fun. Everybody fell down once at least but it was really amazed.

     We they closed we went to visit Coventry about its history and Lady Godiva. Back to Leamington we went to our families. When I arrived it was quarter past six. I had dinner and a shower. When I was ready we went to a Claudio’s friend’s party. When we finally came back home I wrote this diary. Now I’m going to bed because I’m very tired. Today has been a very excited and funny day. :P    

                            P.T.R.

BOWLING DAY

     This morning I got up at 8 o’clock. I washed and dressed up. Then I had breakfast with my family. Today is 4^th July and Lukell’s Birthday and I bought some marbles for him.

     In class we have talked about our visit to Birmingham and we have done a game about food with Mrs Payne. After the break we were doing our scrap-book.

     When it was lunch time we had time at leisure. Late along we went by bus to the 10 pin bowling. I lost :( Back to town center we all went to Starbucks :P 

     At half past five my family took Nieves and me and we all went to meet Aaliyah at the Gym. Then my family a I went to Pizza Hut to celebrate Lukell’s Birthday.

     I have a fantastic day!!!

     When we arrived home I played with the children and then we went to bed.

B.M.S.

TRIP TO BIRMINGHAM

      Today is 3^rd July. In the afternoon we went to Birmingham. It is a very big city, not too far from Leamington. We visited the Jewellery Quarter so named for many shops and manufactures in this area.

      We visited the Museum which is in a house where Mr Smith and Mr Pepper worked with silver and gold. We saw the selling room, the office, and the work rooms. The cutting machine, and the engraving for making earrings bracelets necklaces or brochures and the process for uniting pieces was amazing. We all bought some presents.

       After our visit we went to the city centre. And we looked in shop windows in the Bull Ring a very big shopping centre.

      It was 5 pm when we took the train back to Leamington.

                            A.F.F.

OUR FIRST DAY IN LEAMINGTON

      This morning I got up at seven o’clock. Then I had a shower and dressed up. Then I had breakfast with the family and I went to school on the bus. There I met our teacher Mrs Payne and made some English activities and exercises.

      In the afternoon we visited Leamington . We walked through its streets to know where we can have lunch in raining windy days, where to shop our presents for the family and where are the bus stops to catch the bus in the evenings or getting off in the mornings when  we came from our homes. We also went to the Travel shop and bought the Megarider Pass. We also learnt somethings about Leamington and its healthy waters.

      At half past five we all went back to our families. I met my family grandson. Then I had dinner and I finished the homework. 

                                               L.E.C.

TRAVELLING FOR A VICTORY

Summer 2012. Everything seemed going perfect. But once on board we took off delayed: 30 minutes is a huge of time when more and more people gather for Passport Control desks and claiming the luggage on the belts. We were lucky Captain got landing on time, and things were on wheels: desks, belts and coach waiting for us.

     Though there were not tv set, we followed the other match by BBC radio... and shouted full of joy, second and third and forth goals. We are the Champions.

     May it be an introduction for a successful Programme in England?

So we hope. 
j.s.