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2018 Spanish Exchange
Rufaro and Diana in Year 11 sent this report:
Thursday, 15 November 2018
‘On Thursday, 15 November 2018, 25 students left Invicta Grammar School for Gatwick Airport. With excitement running high to see our Spanish exchanges again we explored the shops in Duty Free and before we knew it we were already on a 2 hour 20 minute flight to Sevilla Airport. As soon as we stepped out of the airport to get on the coach, we noticed the warmth of outside compared to the freezing air of the UK, especially since it was 7pm in the evening! As we drew closer to the school, nerves began to build. However, we need not have worried because we were met with a welcoming reception by our exchanges and their friends and family.
Friday, 16 November 2018
¡Hola! Today was our first day to be able to look around the beautiful city and begin to get accustomed to its school and people. When we got to the school, we could see straight away the difference between our school in England and this one. We all started the school day together in the English classroom and learnt about the traditional party in Jerez - a Zambomba. We were then treated to breakfast by our exchanges. After this, some of us went to Economics class and others to Psychology. From personal experience, psychology was a very interesting class where we learnt about the effect and impacts on perception and what it can be used to do. Next, we had another English class and translated different personality traits. The new vocabulary we learnt should hopefully help us in future exams!
This was our last lesson before lunch when we met up with our exchanges and friends. Then we had another English class with a Scottish teacher and some of our exchanges, where we had a quiz about Spanish architecture and the Sherry Triangle. Our final lesson of the day was with our exchange partners. I had Spanish language and was tested on my Spanish pronunciation as I read out a paragraph to the class. Other English students had lessons like Chemistry. The day was very long as we then went bowling or playing snooker and some went shopping in the centre of Jerez.
Saturday, 17 November 2018
Due to the late evening I ended up waking up at around half past 10 in the morning. Much later than I am used to! After a delicious breakfast I headed to Rota, Cadiz with my exchange family. We spent a lazy afternoon enjoying the beach and taking photos. Finally, I was taken to a local restaurant where we ate ensalada mixto con queso, jamon y vinagre; pizza; patatas fritas y queso (mixed salad with cheese, ham and vinegar; pizza; chips with cheese). While eating, I practised my Spanish speaking skills and we discussed life in the UK, my future aspirations and had a mini debate about the use of iPhones. The meal was absolutely amazing but I was too full to move. Although, I did have some room left to visit the heladeria (ice cream shop).
Later on in the evening most of us met up in the town centre, where our exchanges gave us a tour of Jerez. We visited the Catedral de San Salvador, which we would visit again later on the trip, and took pictures of a statue of Manuel Maria Gonzalez, the founder of the Gonzalez Bypass and Tío Pepe Sherry. Afterwards, we enjoyed a late meal of nachos con queso y guacamole (Nachos with cheese and guacamole) before returning to the town square for a ride on the lit up carousel. Eventually, we all retired home for a good night’s sleep.
Sunday, 18 November 2018
So today when I woke up, I was glad to find out that today was traditionally a rest day for the Spanish. This was good news since I was still exhausted from the previous day. After talking to several friends, it appeared that nearly everyone decided to have a rest day on the Sunday, in order to prepare for school and catch up with friends. I tried the best kebab ever from a nearby restaurant and were dared to do a hot sauce challenge by my exchange’s friends. Luckily, I managed to succeed thus winning 1 euro and 50 cents. What an extraordinary way to end an eventful weekend!
Monday, 19 November 2018
On Monday, we travelled to Seville by coach. First, we visited the Alcázar and toured the expansive gardens. Some of us also managed to get pictures with the peacocks that are kept on site. The inside of the palace was home to some heavenly architecture and we took some amazing photographs of the intricate details and paintings decorating the walls.
Afterwards, we entered the town centre where we searched for cheaply priced souvenirs but also checked out some well-known more expensive shops. We also went on a quest to find the best churros in Seville; almost giving up hope until we found a place close to where we started looking! To end the day we visited the Plaza de España, where we took some breath-taking photos in front of a fountain while a kind man blew bubbles around us. It was definitely an unforgettable, spectacular site.
Tuesday, 20 November 2018
Today we travelled to their school as per usual, for 8.15am and then waited for the coach to arrive. After this we travelled to the city of Cádiz. When we arrived, we took a few photos and walked to the cathedral. After this, we were given some shopping time to look around and gather some notes and souvenirs from the area. Shortly later, we walked down the city’s pretty streets to the tower in which the periscope is located. You can see the entire city from the top and from the dark room that we visited and got to understand in more detail. This was followed up by a trip to the food markets. Once we met up some of us went to the cathedral. The last place we visited was the beach where we were able to take some great photos and watch the horizon. Soon after, we left and got back to our exchanges houses. This was a very busy and day and so most of us just went home and relaxed ready for the next day.
Wednesday, 21 November 2018
After leaving our exchanges at school for the day, we headed into Jerez town centre. Here, we explored the markets and bought some chorizo and ham for our families. Next, we visited the González Bypass, a sherry bodega. Here we were given a tour, by train, around the different buildings of the bodega; then learnt how they made and stored their sherry. Diego, our amazing tour guide, also taught us about the Sherry Triangle compromising of Jerez, Sanlucar and El Puerto de Santa Maria. It was interesting to find out how sherry is exported around the world from Jerez. We also managed to get pictures of one of the top 10 most beautiful streets in the world sheltered by grape vines. Then, Diego took us to a tasting area. Sadly, we were unable to try the sherry but we did get some grape juice.
On the way back to the school we all got on the public bus, pleased with our newfound knowledge and gifts. On our last night, my partner taught me flamenco dancing. We really enjoyed our last night together and everyone was very reluctant to go home at the end of such a fun night.
Thursday, 22 November 2018
This was our last day in Jerez, our last day to see our exchange partners. Once we left the houses of our exchanges partners with our suitcases, it was unusual to think we would not be returning. We went to the Area Del Sur shopping centre to finish off the last of our euros. We returned to the school and after many tears and goodbyes, we were leaving for Sevilla airport! I have to say it was a very eventful week that not a single one of us will ever be able to forget; we learned so much about the culture and some of us have made new friends for life. We hope to see our exchanges soon!
