Dear friends of Eurojumelages,

A Spanish language course was organised in Tossa de Mar from 24 April to 4 May 2025.
Our Jumeleur and Board member Felipe Romera, together with his team from the Girona section, organised this language course in the best possible way, as well as including an exciting and very interesting cultural programme.
When someone goes on a trip, they have a story to tell’: enthusiastic travellers told me about their impressions of this language and cultural trip (including the power cut). Many of them will remember their experiences for a long time to come.
For those who stayed at home, I would definitely recommend reading the following
travel report.

Muchas gracias Felipe y a todo tu equipo!

SPANISH COURSE IN TOSSA DE MAR - 27.04. TO 04.05.2025

MONDAY 28. 04.

The participants were divided into groups according to their language proficiency level. They were all allocated to three classrooms where the teachers were already waiting for them. At the last minute, one person decided to participate in the beginners' course, even though she initially was not enrolled to undertake a course. Bravo!

The day was marked by a power blackout at around 12:30, which not only paralysed the hotel but - as we later learned - large parts of Spain and Portugal. The exact cause is still not entirely clear. Nevertheless, we had hardly any noticeable consequences, apart from minor inconveniences such as lack of water in the rooms or a lift that was out of order. Emergency generators helped (except for the lift). Nevertheless it was a strange day, marked by uncertainty and the news on television. In the afternoon, two tour guides picked us up at the hotel and showed us around Tossa de Mar. Starting from the hotel, they told the story of the city, from its maritime past to the present as a holiday destination on the Costa Brava.

TUESDAY 29. 04.

Gradually a routine set in: Breakfast from the hotel buffet, followed by lessons from 9.00 am to around 1.00 pm. At 3:30 pm we met in the hotel lobby to take the bus to the gardens of Santa Clotilde in Lloret de Mar (neighbouring town of Tossa). Admission was at 4:00 PM. Most tourists who come to Lloret are unaware of these gardens. However, due to its location on a cliff above the sea and its scenic beauty, I recommend it to everyone who has the opportunity. We enjoyed a quiet walk in small groups in pleasant sunshine.

WEDNESDAY 30. 04.
As on the previous days: Breakfast and lessons – a good combination. Today was the walk on the camíno de ronda. Although the route was not very demanding, it involved many ascents and descents, so that in the end 27 of the 40 participants (34 students and 6 teachers/accompanying persons) set off. Héctor was our guide. The path ran along cliffs at the edge of the sea with constant ups and downs until a difference in altitude of 300 metres was reached. The afternoon was sunny and the sea was calm, so the view was spectacular. The walk offered plenty of opportunity for language exchange. Some also sustained a few small falls, thankfully without consequences. We had a group photo taken at Cala Bona, and we were back at the hotel by 7.30 pm. After dinner: well-deserved relaxation in the hotel bar!

THURSDAY 01. 05.
Public holiday in most European countries - including Spain. No lessons, but a packed day with a visit to the Sagrada Família in Barcelona at 10.00 am. We had to get up a little earlier than usual. As the dining room was still closed, we were given picnic packs so that we could have breakfast on the bus. At 07:30 am we were already on the road and arrived on time. Two guides were waiting for us on site to lead the groups (Spanish/French and Spanish/German) through the basilica (interior visits are limited to 25 people). After an airport-style security check, the tour began. The Sagrada Familia is impressive, no matter how often you visit it, you always see something that overwhelms you. However, the number of visitors (up to 8 million annually!) was sometimes a challenge. At 12 noon we took the bus back to Tossa. To be honest, I have to say that the Sagrada Família is always worth a visit, but the days program was very tight. The afternoon was spent shopping and strolling.

FRIDAY 02. 05.
Lessons again today until 13:30. Today's leisure programme is dedicated to Catalan culture. Catalonia, or Catalunya as it is called in Catalan, is a region or a country (depending on who you listen to) that has its own official language that exists alongside Spanish, as well as an extensive culture that deserves to be known, even if, as in our case, it is only touched upon. The first stop is the city of Girona, where the group was expected. Héctor, Duli and opted out to prepare the event after the visit. The group was welcomed by Ramon Quintano, a member of the Girona Seniors Group and an expert on the history of Girona. This year Girona celebrates its 2100th anniversary. That was the focus of the tour. Unfortunately, there was a concert on the steps of the cathedral that day, so the explanations were difficult to understand (a pity). The translation into German and French was done by Simone and Pierre-Yves Yves (many thanks to both).At 7.30pm, the bus continued on to Salt, a town near Girona, where dinner took place. The place where we had dinner is an old industrial building of a textile company, which was in operation until the 1990s and later became municipal property and is used as a cultural center for clubs in the city. Dinner was prepared there by two cooking friends (Encarna and Vicente): a fideua, a kind of paella, but with pasta instead of rice, typical sausages and bread with tomatoes. Once we had finished this meal, it was time for dessert: the 'xutxo', a traditional Girona dessert - a delight! There were words of thanks from Pierre-Yves, Michaela, Simone and Franco, whom I would like to sincerely thank on behalf of the entire Spanish team. Then there was a surprise: we were able to experience a rehearsal of the Marrecs de Salt - a group of ‘castellers’ who form human pyramids. It was not only possible to watch, but also to take part - it was very exciting. Thanks to the Marrecs! We then returned to the dining room which had already been cleared of chairs and tables and the Sardana dance began, a typical Catalan dance performed in a circle with participants holding hands. . The dance was given by the sardana master dancer Joan Pons who kindly offered to do it. A big thank you also to Joan! At 23:00 we returned to Tossa. A very intense day that will surely remain in everyone’s memory for a long time.

SATURDAY 03. 05.
On the last day of classes, the participants’ fatigue is already noticeable, although everyone is doing their best. Today we visit the town of Vic. This town in the centre of the province of Barcelona is one of those destinations that you might not necessarily explore at first glance, but is highly recommended. Two guides were waiting for us in Vic's main square to accompany us through the old town and into the impressive cathedral. This time the groups could not be split into German/Spanish as there were no German-speaking guides. We therefore formed one group in French/Spanish and one in English/Spanish. The latter was not a problem as everyone in the group spoke English. In Vic, one of the Roman temples has been preserved, which is curious as it was part of an old castle and was only discovered after it was demolished. The cathedral deserves special mention for its impressive interior, which has nothing to do with the rest. Be sure to check it out on the Internet. Vic is also a town famous for its sausages. After the visit, there was still time to buy typical products in the local shops. In the evening after dinner there was a farewell cocktail in the hotel. The participants presented gifts to the teachers and organizers, for which I would like to express my thanks. A great group! Thanks for coming!

Felipe Romera
asociación of Girona
Spain