Summer in Valencia

La noche de San Juan

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The night of the 23rd June is “la noche de San Juan” (Midsummer’s night). In Valencia and other parts of Spain one of the most common customs is to celebrate the shortest night of the year with bonfires on the beach. The brave jump over the bonfires for luck. Those less brave but who still want to improve their fortune for the coming year jump over the first seven waves that come onto the beach after midnight.

For most it’s just another excuse for a party on the beach. Students at Route 66 Idiomas language school who want to join in should head down to the Malvarrosa beach on Wednesday night. One word of caution, if you’re not planning on walking or going by bike, check out the situation with public transport before you leave home. Strikes on the metro and buses are planned – but might get called off.

¡Feliz noche de San Juan! from the Route 66 team.

¡Fútbol! ¿Algo más?

No, nada más. Todas las selecciones ya están preparadas. Los cinco continentes se han reunido en Sudáfrica (o Suráfrica, como queramos) con la idea de volver a casa sujetando en las manos ese precioso y pesado tesoro de color dorado que tiene, en mi opinión, un puntito algo dominante: la Tierra sujetada por las manos de alguien… que no se sabe quién es.

Nos volvemos locos durante las competiciones deportivas. Las Olimpiadas y los campeonatos de fútbol son nuestros favoritos. Incluso para alguien como yo que disfruta del fútbol solo cuando mi Athletic de Bilbao del alma gana un partido o, casos excepcionales que se dan una vez cada mucho, llega a una final importante (el 13 de mayo de 2009 está en mi calendario marcado con rayas blancas y rojas y con lágrimas de emoción).

Mi amigo Roberto es intérprete en un equipo de fútbol, el Olympiakos de Pireos, al lado de Atenas. Es un tipo como yo, al que prefería leer las crónicas internacionales a las médicas de la sección de deportes; pero el azar lo llevó a usar la lengua helena, su pasión, como método de trabajo en un área interesante pero desconocida. A mí, los idiomas me llevaron hace dos semanas a conocer a Kaká, a Thierry Henry y a Rafa Márquez, tres ases del balón.

Y es que los idiomas sirven para mucho más que para viajar. ¿A qué esperas para aprender uno nuevo? Infórmate en Route 66 sobre los cursos de verano. Además, en la biblioteca tenemos una macropantalla para ver algunos partidos del Mundial en los descansos: ¡es el curso perfecto!

Summer special offer – make the most of your holidays!

10% off courses for you and your friends this summer at Route 66 Idiomas

Summer holidays will be here soon! If you’re planning a trip abroad, maybe you’re already thinking about what to pack and checking whether you need a visa. But why not include learning a little of the local language in your pre-travel plans?

Whether you’re setting off to Berlin, Chicago, Polynesia or Shanghai, Route 66 Idiomas offers short intensive courses and private lessons that can help you learn (or remember!) some holiday survival essentials in the language(s) spoken in your holiday destination. Knowing something of the local language can make your time abroad even more enjoyable and your efforts to speak the lingo are sure to be appreciated by your hosts.

And for those of you staying in Valencia? You could use some of your free time to improve your existing language skills or learn something new. The teachers at Route 66 Idiomas help you learn to communicate in another language in an enjoyable and relaxing environment. The school’s central location means you can easily combine your studies with some sight-seeing or trips to the beach.

As if that weren’t enough, you can also take advantage of our special summer offer. Bring a friend with you to Route 66 Idiomas before 30 September, or recommend a friend, and you and/or your friend will get a 10% discount on your course(s).

Hope to see you soon or drop us a line to tell us how you are.

Enjoy your summer!!

The Route 66 Team

Feria de las Naciones en Valencia

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Route 66 Idiomas Language School welcomes students from all over the world. As a member of such an international group, you might be interested in dropping in on the Feria de las Naciones, a celebration of various countries and their cultures hosted in Valencia’s Turia river bed until the 13th June (next to Alameda metro station and the Puente de las Flores).

There are various activities and workshops everyday and entrance is free – so take advantage of the sunny weather we’re being promised to sample international cuisine, music and dance. The programme promises everything from Abba to Bollywood, Salsa to Line Dancing: something for everyone then.

Click here to check out the full programme.