This post is meant to be a personal homage to the CAE course 2007-2008.
When -at last!- I made the decision to write a few lines to attempt to put my feelings into words, I knew -for certain- that, despite some mistakes here and there :) , I was going to be sincere and grateful at the same time. Then to my mind it came the memory of those dull end-of-term speeches at school, and I told myself: “No! This one has to be more than different!”. And so it will be.
Last year, 2007, was a tough one for me, not only due to the abrupt changes involved, but also to the reconsidering attitude I found myself adopting, specially during the last months of the year. Undoubtely, this change in my outlook was closely related to English, not only as a linguistic unit, but also as a whole, where noun phrases, laughs, anecdotes, friendship, gossip, learning and teaching were the ingredients for a recipe for success.
My first “Thank you!” is for the Cultural and its people, ranging from former high-classed teachers to even the secretaries, last but not least. I can assure anyone who might ask me that the Cultural is not just another English institute but a sort of family which is always at hand to give one support.
In second place, I want to thank my mates in general, but one in particular: Melisa. She is always ready to listen to what the other has to say, which, nowadays, is a scarce and therefore priceless gift that makes her truly unique. It has been a real pleasure to have lessons with her, and we have all profited from her contributions. I particularly enjoyed the fact that she always had an opinion when asked, her sincerity, her proactive attitude, along with her tireless willingness to work hard, cooperate, discuss and make the most of the classes. Optimistic, kind and nice; my dearest Naka, I will miss the classes with you! (and you, of course :) !!!)
At last, my third “Thanks you!” is for Maria Laura, a teacher who is in a class of her own. Her willingnes and eagerness to teach bears no comparison along with her down-to-earth and proactive approach. Passionate and knowledgeable, she succeeds in making classes both enriching and amusing, as far as I am concerned :) . I will never be able to forget -even if I tried!- the sight of her enjoying teaching us, specially during January and February. Not that she hadn’t made it clear; I just wanted to share with the world (ha, ha!!!) how unusual and invaluable is to find such a feeling in a teacher, though I’ve been mostly lucky during my learning-life. I also want to thank her for supplying Naka and me with additional material. Archer, Banks, Holt, DH, Bourdain; they have filled my imagination with excitement and enjoyment as well as helped me to improve my command of the language. Albeit :) I became a little obsessed (in the positive sense!!!) with the books and DH, I feel they were helping me a lot to consolidate vocabulary and widen my way of thinking at the same time. I will miss them too!!!
My beloved and fresh Lau; a big THANKS!!! To you, your kittens, the delightfully tasty tangerine tea, the religious guy, the “cuernitos de grasa” Naka always brought with her, the sickly juice, the cactuses, the blog, the e-material and all the other things that are missing in this list. Nevertheless, I am deeply conviced that we are well aware of the most important one: some guys I know to have shared with me Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 8.
A journey through a labyrinth of brick-walled rooms under the ctiy of Buenos Aires, it offers the visitor a unique expedition between the relics of the city’s first Foundation times.
Seat of the Military Circle of Buenos Aires, its architectural features were inspired in a part of the Louvre Palace, epitomising the urban residence of the XIX century in the city.
Guerrero, it includes a remarkable Church and several tunnels where a museum has been displayed.
Housing more than 7000 species of plants perfectly maintained, it encores the most varied flora from different continents and a remarkable collection of more than 30 pieces of art.
centres of latin America.
One of the world’s most outstanding cementery, it is admired for its refined architecture and respected for being the resting place for illustrous and remarkable figures of Argentinian history.
Errázurri who also owned the art collection. It houses more then 4000 objects which vary from Roman sculptures to contemporary hadcrafted silvered objects.
One of hte most relevant museums of Buenos Aires.
There is a vast array of activities to be done during your stay. The traditional horse-riding excursions through the beauties of Buenos Aires' hills, creeks and enchanting landscapes are the must for every visitor. At night, relish a couple of traditional dancers while eating a delicious Asado -a type of roasted cow meat- with a stylish glass of Cabernet Sauvignon wine. Wake up the following morning ready to visit the picturesque tiny town which will take you fifty years back in time, or even more, where friendship and warmth epitomise the inhabitants' lifestyle.