Social programme, December 2007

 

Our social programme is part of your course here in Barcelona whenever you come. But at Christmas it's inevitably rather a special one...

Week 3-9 December

The week starting December 3 includes two public holidays (Thursday and Saturday). It might be a public holiday but, don't worry, most of the shops will be open if you want to do your Christmas shopping!

Events for the week include an aperitif on the Monday to welcome you to Barcelona. On the Tuesday, we have a visit to Gaudí's magnificent Park Güell, and the next day we'll be going to the Santa Lucia fair (see picture, above), where people go to buy figures for their crib and for their Christmas decorations in general.

Check with us in Reception ('C' floor) on what excursions outside Barcelona we have on this week (and those that follow).

Week 10-16 December

It might be Christmas time but you'll still want to see something of Barcelona's architecture. This week's social program include a trip to the Parque de la Ciutadella (more amazing modernista architecture!) and the Estación de Francia, which was modelled on the Eiffel Tower.

We can't tell you yet what the theme for this week's Friday Club language exchange will be but do come along -- it's hugely popular, and lots of fun! (You could check it out on our Spanish blog, if you really want to know...)

Week 17-23 December

If you are beginning this Monday, we'll have a 'welcome' aperitif waiting for you too and we'll also be going to the Santa Lucia fair this week, so you won't miss that, either. It's right beside the Cathedral in the old part of the city, not a bad spot for some last-minute Christmas shopping. The week's other activities include a trip to the Pueblo Español (another good place to do some souvenir shopping!)

Our "Friday Club" has a different theme every week. We've had Halloween, Tarantino and Chile nights, and a (surreal) Dalí night recently and guess this week the theme just might be "Christmas"... You don't have to dress up but we won't believe you if you say you haven't come to Barcelona to party!

Week 24-30 December

For the last (three-day) week of 2007, our social programme includes a Christmas Eve trip to the Sagrada Familia, which will also take in the Christmas fair that is on there, as well as a trip down to the Plaza España and the Christmas fair that's on down there.

Week 30 December-5 January

The first week in January (classes starting on the Wednesday) includes a visit to one of the local churches, the Parroquía de Belén, which has an amazing exhibition of cribs.

Apart from the social programme we provide as part of the course, you'll want to explore for yourself. The place to be Sunday evening is down in the port -- where the Three Kings land, bringing presents for the kids (not, traditionally, at least, Father Christmas in Spain). Just follow the crowds...!

Week 7-13 January

By now the Christmas season is over, and things are almost back to normal -- but the social programme never stops.

This week, we'll be going to the "Manzana de la Discordia", the city block that includes three of the most famous examples of modernista architecture.

We also have another trip to the Picasso museum (come with us and, apart from anything else, you'll skip the queues...).

Come on the social programme!
Do join us on the social programme -- it's a great way of seeing something of Barcelona, as well as to meet even more people from all over the world than you would anyway here at IH Barcelona...