A different Christmas

I know we are on holiday, but it's the best time to know about other cultures.
When we study a language, we also do the same with its literature, history, culture, music, art...all disciplines go together linked through a means of expression. As we do our best to improve our productive (speaking and writing) and receptive (reading and listening) skills in English, let's mix them on this activity. First, you'll watch a sequence taken from the famous 90's tv series Northern Exposure. Pay special attention to the interaction between cultures. Then, try to write down a title which summarises the performance and the audience's reaction. Finally, try to find a historical frame to the show by answering these questions:
-Which peoples/countries are involved?
-Where and when could the action take place?
-Is there a story within a story? Why?
You can use all the information you need, but remember to find the underlying message they want to give us.

Christmas Glitter

A Hannukah traditional game

After lighting the Hanukkah menorah, it is a tradition in many homes to play the dreidel game: Each player starts out with 10 or 15 coins (real or of chocolate), nuts, raisins, candies or other markers, and places one marker in the "pot." The first player spins the dreidel, and depending on which side the dreidel falls on, either wins a marker from the pot or gives up part of his stash. The code (based on a Yiddish version of the game) is as follows:

* Nun–nisht, "nothing"–nothing happens and the next player spins.
* Gimel–gants, "all"–the player takes the entire pot.
* Hey–halb, "half"–the player takes half of the pot, rounding up if there is an odd number.
* Shin–shtel ayn, "put in"–the player puts one marker in the pot
The game may last until one person has won everything.


Build your own Dreidel

Spanish cut-out version

Happy Hannukah!

This celebration, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, and may occur from late November to late December on the Gregorian calendar.

Spanish Constitution

Today is the 31st anniversary of Spanish Constitution.

On 6th December 1978, Spaniards finished with years of repression and started a new chapter in their history walking through Democracy.We cannot forget the effort they made to achieve the freedom We, Spanish people, enjoy nowadays. For this reason, we have to work to preserve and improve it. Happy Birthday!!!

Sleepy Washington

The legend of Sleepy Hollow is Washington Irving's most recognised contribution to American short-story fiction. Anytime is great to learn more about the headless horseman and the curse on Tarry Town villagers, but also about traditions and witchcraft from ancient times. Here is a brief sample from Tim Burton's view....What's yours? HUSH, it's in the book.

Washington Irving's anniversary

From 2nd October 2009 to 28th February 2010, Granada (Spain) receives an exhibition on Washington Irving's works, which coincides with the 150th anniversary of his death. This is the closing event the city is carrying out to commemorate Irving's relationship with this Andalusian province, its customs and people portraited on his Alhambra Tales. Thus, manuscripts, engravings, old photos and films are shown in the gallery located at Carlos V's Palace. You can also learn about the route he followed through the provinces of Sevilla, Málaga and Granada (Andalusia) which helped him create the literary frame for his tales.

If you want to visit the exhibition, just click here. Washington Irving and Granada

 
On the other hand, if you want to follow his footsteps and revive his voyage, just get ready and have a look at The route of Washington Irving

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

On the picture, the first Thanksgiving meal of the Pilgrims, at the site of Plymouth Plantation, in 1621.

Although it's considered a secular holiday, its origin was religious. It was a time to give thanks for the first harvest after the arrival and settlement of the Pilgrims from the Mayflower and express gratitude in general.
Nowadays, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. The typical Thanksgiving dinner, a roasted stuffed turkey in cranberry sauce, baked beans, creamed potatoes with gravy and pumpkin pie gathers families and friends around.

25th. November...a date to remember every single day