Arriving at a city in a foreign country is not that easy, but thanks to all the people at Taronja Spanish School, I have to say that we felt like we were at home. In the two weeks here, I have not missed my home. It is like a family here, everyone is very friendly. If I had doubts, everything was sorted out in very short time. The school offers a lot of different activities; they organization of them perfectly and they allow us to spend time with people from all around the world. About the school, I don’t have more to say other than that the level of the Spanish classes is very good. We discussed various topics, which allowed us to talk a lot and also to open ourselves up for other cultures, which is worth a fortune.

This Sunday we have come to Valencia. We love the weather because it has about 25 degrees more than in Austria. The first destination was the Spanish School «Taronja», where we met our Spanish mothers. After relaxing a bit we did a walk through the Old Town. On Monday we went to the beach where we had to answer some questions. We ate our picnic and then we went to school and had our first Spanish class. In the afternoon we went shopping and almost all the girls bought shoes 🙂 On Tuesday morning we visited the Central Market, which was very impressive. Then we had a cooking class, where we saw how to prepare Paella, Patatas Bravas, Allioli and Sangía, which we later ate at school. It was very delicious! Later we had Spanish class and had dinner at home. On Wednesday we walked around the‘The City of Arts and Sciences‘ and we walked along the beautiful River Turía. There we visited the Science Museum, where we saw many interesting things. There were many experiments and cute chicks. Then we went to the beach. On Thursday we went to the Old Town, where we saw the Miguelet, the Cathedral, the Old University and the Silk Exchange Building. Moreover we tried Churros with Chocolate, which were very good, but it was too much chocolate. At night we visited the Corte Inglés (spanish department store) and then we went to a bar. Today is Friday, the most fun day. We visited the Oceanografic, which is very impressive. We have seen many types of fish, beluga whales, sharks and a lot more. In the end we were fascinated by the great dolphin show. Now we‘re having the last Spanish class.

Nicole and Christina

In Valencia we have seen many things this week, for example the first day at school in the morning we met our professor named Victor. In the afternoon we visited the Cathedral of Valencia and after that we ate Churros with Chocolate, which tasted good. The next day at the Spanish School we learned verbs, colors, food, numbers, addresses and family members. On Wednesday we went to the Central Market where we saw many food stores such as butchers, fruits, etc.. Then we went to school and we have helped preparing the Paella with Chef Nando. After that we went to the Fallas Museum, where we saw the winning Fallas sculptures of past years and we went to the Turía Park. We also visited the Bullfight Museum, where we saw a film of a bullfight, bullfighter figures and embalmed bulls. On Thursday we went to a coffee shop called Starbucks and ate chocolate, donuts, frappuccino, etc.. Then we visited the Muvim where we saw a show treating topics from medieval to modern times. At night we went to the ‘Plaza de la Reina’ (Queen’s Square) to meet up with everybody and have dinner… Finally, on Friday in class we played a game in the streets, for which we had to take pictures, ask people for information and we have bought gifts or souvenirs, etc. Later we’re going to the port and we’re going to buy more souvenirs. Tonight we’ll go to see a flamenco show.   In short, it was an unforgettable experience. The most beautiful place for us has been the Turía Park because it is very large and there is a lot of nature. Due to the Spanish classes we were able to communicate with Spanish people, who are very open-minded and sociable. I hope to return to Spain and repeat this experience. Thanks to Taronja School and especially to our teacher Víctor!  

We are a very fun and varied class. We are all Europeans. We’re German, Swiss and Greek. The teacher ‘acts like a goat’ and doens’t want to correct this text. We are here because we like Spain. But the things that impress us are, for example, original rice and rice-addicted people. The differences in between Spain and our countries are firstly the weather and secondly the food. For example, in Switzerland there is food with more sauce but less rice. In Valencia people eat rice all the time. Rice for breakfast, rice in coffee and also houses are made out of rice. Sometimes it seems like China and not Valencia. Therefore are a lot of Japanese and Chinese tourists here. The ‘Arrocianos’ (‘rice eaters’) are not very social…After two weeks your glad that you can return to your country and stop eating rice. They’re boring, they are very uncommunicative and do not know the word »party». Always insult foreigners because they do not eat rice…In addition, most of the people are very tall because they eat a lot of rice. The ‘Arrocianos’ are consuming a lot of cocaine made out of rice and are smoking the rice plant. In the bullring arena the Toreros die all the time because they are high. There are no major sports. Just playing soccer with rice. They do not know how to play football or basketball or anything else. The ‘Arrocianos’ are very tall because they eat too much rice. There are no old people in the city because they are working outside the city to get more rice. Life at Taronja Spanish School is very boring. The worst Spanish teacher of the school is called Dario «Rice» Sanchez. He is a very sad guy because he has a rice allergy. Therefore his life is not very easy. But he can smoke rice and nothing will happen because the amount is less. In the end there is a possibility that Valencia gains the Rice Trophy! We found out that the previous original name of Valencia was ‘Arroceria’ (Rice Town). TU CHE!  

Julian Reis, Romina & Janine Riis and finally Vagelis Rizi.

On Sunday we arrived in Valencia. Then we met the families. Our mother’s name is Mary. She is a very kind, friendly and communicative person. There is plenty of food and therefore we are never hungry. Since Monday we have to go to Spanish classes which last four hours. We also went to the beach, the Old Town, the Central Market, the Miguelete and shopping. The Paella we ate at the Spanish School and restaurants was very good. On Wednesday we visited ‘The City of Arts and Sciences’. The Science Museum is very impressive. We loved the beach and the Old Town. In the afternoon we went to the beach for a picnic with our girls. It was a blast. On Thursday we visited the Old Town. First we went to the Town Hall Square. After that we ate Chocolate con Churros which we like very much. Then we saw the Cathedral and its doors. We also saw the figures of the Silk Exchange Building and had to laugh. In the afternoon we went shopping. On Friday we visited the Oceanografic. It is very interesting and wonderful. The animals are very affectionate. We saw a dolphin show which was fun.

Lisa and Joana

————————————————————————–   After arriving we met our Spanish mothers. In the afternoon we saw the Old City with the Spanish teachers. On Monday morning we played at the beach, which was very nice. As every day we, went to school in the afternoon. After Spanish class, we met in front of the school, to go to a restaurant, where we ate a very good Paella. The next day we visited the big market with its variety of colors and scents. In the afternoon we had a Spanish cooking course with «The Great Chef Nando», where we learned how to cook Seafood Paella, Patatas Bravas with Allioli and Sangría. On Wednesday we went with Marta to the ‘The City of Arts and Sciences’, visiting the Science Museum ‘Prince Felipe’. The next day we went to the Old Town, and saw the Silk Exchange Building, with its odd facade. Before we had visited the Town Hall Square and the Building of Communication. It was a pity that we visited the Bullfighting Museum, because we did not like it that much. At Taronja School we are listening to Austrian songs like «Der Komissar» by Falco and «I am from Austria» by Reinhard Fendrich. On Friday we visited the Oceanografic at ‘The City of Arts and Sciences’. Here we saw belugas, jellyfish, sharks and other fish. The dolphin show was very impressive and we liked it a lot. Then we went to our last Spanish class and now we are writing the blog entry.

Lea and Esther Hornstein Knauder

NUCIA CASULA VISITS VALENCIA This trip to Valencia has been an unique experience. I really enjoyed the time I spent here in Valencia because it is a very nice city with lots of friendly people. Life here is quiet and full of things to visit, as we have done. At night the city is busy, especially in bars and clubs where I have had fun. Taronja Spanish School has small classes and nice Spanish teachers, and so, I liked it a lot! Nicolas Bianco   This week we have been to ‘The City of Arts and Sciences’. We have seen the Oceanografic with sharks and the dolphin show. We walked a lot through the city in the afternoon, while at night we danced salsa. One morning we have cooked with Chef Fernando, Tortillas and other typical dishes of Spain. Our families have been very welcoming and friendly and we really enjoyed the experience in Valencia and we would like to live in this city for a few months. Federica and Maria Londino Salardi   This week I spent in the city of Valencia and at Taronja Spanish School, which was an unique and unrepeatable experience. When we arrived at night, we met our Spanish mom. Her name is Charo and she is a very loving and kind woman. Me and my friend Simona liked it a lot because she is a very nice woman and also talkative. We have done many activities, such as Monday afternoon, I went to visit the Museum of Science «Prince Philip», where I had the opportunity to have a look at science from a different point of view, so much fun. Also, on Monday night we went to eat Paella, where I tried different Paellas, as for example the one with fish or the vegetarian Paella. The next day was more exhausting because we walked around the city a lot, in fact, after the Spanish lesson, we went to visit the Oceanografic, where we were able to encounter all marine species (what I liked most were the dolphins, because I’ve seen the show); after the Oceanografic the whole group has gone to the Fallas Museum, which I liked because you can see the dolls of past Fallas. The rest of the week I enjoyed myself a lot, even at the Spanish School, where teachers are very nice and fun, and we also went shopping and eating typical sweets like Churros. I think I will come back to Valencia because for me, it was an unforgettable experience and very very nice. Many kisses. Sharon Selva   This week in Valencia was wonderful. The sun, the sea, the people and the sympathy of the teachers are the things we will remember most from this experience. Every night, there were parties and music in the streets of Valencia. The typical meals are very good, we especially liked a lot Paella, Tortilla, Sangría and Churros. We also have learned some recipes from «Chef Nando» at Taronja School as for example the Spanish Tortilla, Mussels with bread and Andalusian Gazpacho; School was helpful to improve the Spanish in a fun way with games and interesting activities. Our days were unique and unforgettable thanks to these activities. The first two days we visited ‘The City of Arts and Sciences’. The Science Museum ‘Prince Felipe’ was fun and showed how science, which seems to be boring, can be enjoyable. What we liked most was the Oceanographic, walking through the tunnel where it seemed that we were swimming with the fish, taking pictures and watching the dolphin show, was an experience incomparable. One day we hope to return to this magnificent city! Francesca and Federica Lingua Macchi   This experience I liked a lot. I think it’s very important to improve the Spanish language. Classes at the Spanish School Taronja are interesting and fun. The Spanish teachers were lovely and helped us. The activities we did were lively, such as the visit of ‘The City of Arts and Siences’ and the old town. Also important was the contact with the families, because we could experience Spanish culture better, in particular the Valencian culture. For me, this week’s study has served to experience and learn a lifestyle different from ours; Valencia is a great city and people are very nice, talkative and friendly. Valencia is a city with many festivals and so I think, that it is one of the busiest cities in Spain. The organization of the week was very comprehensive and accurate, also the Spanish classes and the visits. What I liked most was the Oceanographic, which is very big and I love the marine world. This experience was unforgettable because Valencia is a city rich in history and culture, where festivals and art reign. Stefania Mangiacotti   My week in Valencia I really liked a lot. I believe this experience is very important to improve my Spanish. Classes at the Spanish School are interesting and fun, the teachers are very charming and helped us, the activities we did, were lively, such as the visit of the ‘The City of Science’ and the old town. Also important was the contact with the families because we could get to know better the Valencian and Spanish culture in general. Families were very chatty. For me this week of study was important to get to know and learn a lifestyle different from ours; Valencia is a beautiful city and the people are very nice, talkative and friendly. In Valencia are many parties and so I think that it is one of the busiest cities in Spain. The organization of the week was very comprehensive and accurate. I visited a lot of things and we had many activities, what I liked most was the Oceanographic. Here are many shops and I love shopping. I want to return to Valencia because it is beautiful. I also loved the nightlife. I think it’s an unforgettable experience. Roberta Sosio   Last Sunday we arrived in Valencia at 20:30 pm and met our Spanish mom called Charo, who is a very loving and kind woman and I love to speak to her because she is very friendly and talkative. On Monday we started the day at school by having Spanish lessons and getting to know our very sympathetic Spanish teachers, especially Elena. In the afternoon we visited ‘The City of Arts and Sciences’, I didn’t like it that much but I consider its architecture very beautiful and interesting. At night we went to Áragon to eat Paella together, the night was a little bit boring but I liked the Paella, especially the one with fish. Tuesday, was for me the most intense day of all, because we were in a restaurant and a hotel to speak to the manager and learn secrets about that world of work. In the afternoon we went to visit the Oceanographic and what I liked most there, was the dolphin show. There have been sharks, dolphins, fish of various kinds, starfish, jellyfish, sea horses, etc. I came home very tired because I walked a lot and when I removed the shoes my feet hurt a lot. At night I ate churros with sugar and they were very very nice! Wednesday was the most boring day of all, I did not like at all walking around the city, but I liked the old town. I tried the Horchata drink but it was bad! How disgusting! I think it was an unforgettable experience, unrepeatable, where I had great fun and learned a lot of Spanish. I hope to return soon, because Valencia is a beautiful city, full of shops and you never get bored. It’s a shame I have to go home but I’m very happy because I can hug my boyfriend, who I have been missing a lot. I give a kiss to everybody I have met here and I hope to see you again in my life. Simona Massaron

KATEDRALSKOLAN (SWEDEN) VISITS TARONJA

Hello! We are five students from Katedralskolan, a school in Sweden. We have been in Valencia for a week – from 23/9 to 29/9. The reason for this trip was to learn more Spanish and experience the Spanish culture. We liked the school for the activities and the Spanish classes. The teachers we had, Sara and Mariajo, are very nice and friendly. The most fun activity was cooking Paella and we have also made Sangría. We think that the school has a very good manner. Erik, Amalia, Ida, Amanda and Natali Boys and girls of the world, we write you from Valencia. We are a group of Swedes studying Spanish at Taronja. We had a fantastic time here and a very intensive trip. We liked the varied classes outside of school. You can learn Spanish and meanwhile experience Valencia at the same time. Kristoffer, Albert, Gabriela, Sandra and Felix Jenny’s Spanish classes were fun and very energetic. Although some of us didn’t like the Tortilla de patatas (potato omlette) we can say that we really enjoyed the tour through the city on the second day, the visit of the Oceanographic, ‘City of Arts and Sciences’, the parks throughout the city, the nightlife in general and THE BEACH! Tina, Caroline, Emily, Olivia, Zara, Julia, Jennifer, Marcus, Henrik and Aidin Hello! We are students from Katedraskolan in Lund, Sweden. We have been here studying at Taronja Spanish School for one week. We have visited several sites in this beautiful city, for example the Oceanographic, where we enjoyed the dolphin show. We have also learned how to prepare Seafood Paella which we loved. The families, who we have been living with, were very friendly and nice. Everything has been such fun and we have learned a lot. We would go back any time! Isak, Emelie, David, Marcus, Lia Hello! We are five students from Katedraskolan in Lund, Sweden. We are eighteen years old and we have been studying Spanish for about 5 years. During our time here in Valencia we have done many fun and interesting things. We discovered places like the Oceanografic, the beach and the Turía Park. Due to the fact that we have lived with families, we experienced authentic Spanish culture. We have also tried new flavors and also very exotic breakfast during the week. We attended a class where we learned how to cook Valencian food. During the Spanish classes at Taronja we have developed our Spanish a lot! We’ve spent a great time and we will miss Spain when we’re not here anymore! Desirée, Johanna, Edvin, Filip and Oskar

The week of February, 27th to March, 2nd the ALFRED NOBEL school visited us. We have to say that it was love at first sight for both sides. So we want to share some of the activities and comments that they have left us. We spent a few great days! Thank you all! «POSTCARDS FROM VALENCIA» Valencia, 01.03.2012 Hello! We are the students from the Doctor Loco class and we want to share our experience in Valencia. How cool! We have been welcomed by the fish, sharks, turtles, sea lions, penguins, beluga whales and the crazy dolphins of the Oceanographic, as also by the sun and the heat of Valencia. School started on Monday but the fun does not stop there. We have learned about the Spanish grammar and the Spanish culture in a fun way with nice games, as for example, the gymkhana. In the afternoon we have gone to the beach where we have played a lot, we have visited the ‘City of Science’ which is very interesting, we have taken a bike through the Turia Garden and the Formula 1 circuit and we have danced salsa. We have enjoyed the typical Valencian flavors like Horchata, Churros and Paella. Now we’re going to the Cooking Class, but we do not forget to thank the families who have been so kind, as also all Valencian people. Hugs and kisses Mario, Angelo, Marco, Simona, Giuseppe, Lorena, Luca and Anna Elena Hello: This week we have made a lot of wonderful things in a city and a school which are very nice like Valencia and Taronja. During the week we have lived in different families who are living in the city center. Some of us have been very fortunate to have lived in good families and to have eaten well. Every day we have done something specific, in fact, we really liked going to the Oceanographic, the beach and the salsa dancing. Actually, we are very tired because our teachers never wanted to go to sleep. We also can not sleep during class. We recommend this experience to everyone because it is great to live in Valencia and to be capable to do everything we want, but always by following the rules: rules of the city, family rules and the rules of having fun… hihihi XD Gennaro, Simone and Alessandro (Torre del Greco) Hey guys! We are Italians who are in Valencia to study Spanish at Taronja School. Here it is great. Teachers are very entertaining, friendly and good. Every day we do different activities. We have visited the Oceanographic, the Science Museum, the old city by bike, we have gone to dance Salsa, to eat Paella, etc. And our host families are very good, but do not know how to cook. Here in Valencia everything is beautiful. Most people are friendly but there are also dislikable people. Everyone is sure to come back, because it is a very entertaining city and we advise to everybody to come to Spain and especially to Valencia. Kisses The students at Taronja Alessandra, Federica, Francesco Gianmarco, Liugi and Roberta (Torre del Greco)   MEMORIES AND UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS, RIGHT? Both in the classroom and during the excursions we had a blast.                 AND WHAT ABOUT OUR ARTISTIC TALENT! We also had a great time with our imitations and theater. From «The Colombian and Mexican soap operas» to the original mini-play «A very strange disease», role-plays on a bus in everyday situations, the imitation of our teachers in Italy or the surprising prepositional poem: PrEpOSiTIoNaL POeM WHEN looking at your eyes my soul is happy BEFORE the sea the moon turns black UNDER the power of your love WITH the heart I smell your scent AGAINST everyone goes our love SINCE I heard your voice, I found my heart DURING each breath I look at you IN your eyes I lose my soul IN your hair I find it again AFTER waiting a thousand years UNTIL tomorrow TROUGH poetry I told you what I feel BY looking at you I hope for luck BECAUSE OF your smile I become ash IN my opinion you are the woman of my life ABOVE a star as your paella all we loved. You have made real artists!  

In second class of group 1 and 2, we have studied Spanish cinema, specifically the Goya Award finalists from this year. First, the teacher showed us the titles of the four nominated films for Best Film Goya: La voz dormida (The sleeping voice), Blackthorn: Sin destino (Blackthorn: without destination), No habrá paz para los malvados (No peace for the wicked) and La piel que habito (The skin I live). In addition, we have seen the covers, synopses and finally, the trailer of each film. After briefly getting to know and interpreting the topic of each nominated film, we thought about what movie we want to see or not. To do this, we thought about our likes and gave reason for our choices: Simone: «I’d like to see La voz dormida because I am interested in post-war history, but I also want to see La piel que habito because the trailer is very interesting.» Vincent: «I don’t like any of them because they discuss very serious topics, I prefer watching comedies.» Oksana: «The title of La voz dormida attracted my attention. I’ve seen La piel que habito and I didn’t like it that much, but nevertheless I recommend it because it is very different to other movies of Almodóvar. » Raphael: «I would pick La piel que habito o No habrá paz para los malvados. The first one because it is about science and the second one because I like the topic of revenge. » Nils: «I would like to see No habrá paz para los malvados because I want to meet José Coronado. La voz dormida seems to be boring and I’ve seen the other two films already. » Fernanda: «I love movies and, therefore, I would like to see all the movies the teacher has shown us.» Reinhild: «I would like to see La voz dormida because I like movies that are about history. I’m not really interest in the others because I think they are very violent, and the one with the cowboy, very boring. » So Yang: «I’d like to see La voz dormida because I like dramatic movies. I’m not interested in the other ones because I do not like action or violence.» Kim: «I also would like to see La voz dormida because I like the topic of post-war history. I wouldn’t want to see Blackthorn because I do not like western. » Finally, we have watched an extract of the Goya gala on youtube, with the award’s winner, “No habrá paz para los malvados”.

Valencia is a very nice and interesting city. We spent one week in a Valencian family and visited the most famous monuments of Valencia. There are many buildings with a very interesting history and they also have many different styles. The first day we visited the old town and went to the Plaza de la Virgen. On the second day we visited the Central Market where we bought many things. It was built in modern style. We also visited the ‘City of Sciences’, we liked the exposition very much. One attraction was the Oceanográfico with the dolphinarium. We saw many underwater animals such as sharks, beluga whales, starfish, seahorses and seals. We loved the dolphin show a lot. Seeing the beach and the sea – a big surprise. Each afternoon we had classes, which is fun. We talked and learned a lot. We believe that speaking Spanish after one week is a lot easier. The trip was interesting, impressive and fascinating. In short, you should not miss the opportunity to visit Valencia.  

Markus, Thomas, Jakob y Lisa

VALENCIA TASTES LIKE… This week at TARONJA School we have dedicated ourselves to enjoy some Valencian food and drinks. Each student in the class has chosen a delicious type of food that he wanted to try and we went searching for it in bars and restaurants throughout the city, to experience the feeling of being a gourmet for a day! After various tastings, students wanted to share these experience with us and have told us what they think of the Valencian cuisine. This activity has left us a very good taste! ROSA. PAELLA. I’ve eaten Paella. I like the taste of saffron and seafood. I also have eaten Paella with chicken and rabbit but I did not like. I want to cook the Valencian Paella at home in Germany. GIORGIA AND VIVIEN. CHURROS. I’ve already tried Churros but without chocolate. I like it a lot. We have seen it only here in Valencia. We really liked the taste but I think they are very heavy. There are many shops in the street and it is ready to eat right away. All streets in Valencia smell like Churros. MALCOM. HORCHATA AND FARTONS. I’ve gone twice to a Horchatería drinking Horchata and eating Fartons with Horchata. I went to the Santa Catalina Horchatería because I was told, that it is the best Horchatería in Valencia. I really liked this drink and afterwards I have not been tired. I have paid 3.50€. The professor said that it is made out of groundnuts. MAREIKE. SANGRíA. In Valencia I’ve tried Sangría, which is a typical drink in Spain. I drank Sangría in a bar during a Paella Party. I like Sangría because it reminds me of summer.                 LEE. HWASEOP. TORTILLA. This dish is very tasty and easy to prepare. To make this meal you need four potatoes, ham, five or six eggs, a pepper, olive oil, one or two onions and salt. Depending the person, but normaly it is easy to prepare.

A WEEK IN VALENCIA FROM NUCIA CASULA! We have had a great week! We have practiced and improved our Spanish from «buenos días» to «buenas noches», also while we were eating! On Monday we went to the ‘City of Arts and Sciences’ walking through the Turia Park with orange trees and fountains. There we also visited the Prince Felipe Museum where we found out the percentage of our body fat, mirrors which make you appear fat or thin and thousands of other curiosities. The first day ended with a «Paella Party» where we ate our fills! The next day, after the usual Spanish class, «we took a dip» in the wonderful world of the Oceanogràfic and we talked to dolphins, sharks and other marine species! The most beautiful experience of the visit was the underwater tunnel through the tropical fish aquarium. After this adventure we went to the Fallas Museum. We loved the dolls very much. How cool! Delvecchio Martina, Martina Morando, Debora Martella, Elisa Nani, Sara Milaneschi 🙂