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WELCOME

¡Hola!

¡Ya es verano! The warm summer air embracing Salamanca is a refreshing and invigorating change from the dull winter cold... and one of the simple pleasures thousands of students look forward to in having to better enjoy their unforgettable verano español in Salamanca.


Can't wait to experience it yourself? dQ News provides you all the details of not one, but TWO exciting offers for you to accompany us in celebrating a special anniversary!

Before you begin your Salamanca adventure, get a taste of a typical Salmantinian recipe – one we’re sure you’ll try over and over when you’re here! Learn a charming summer time piropo, a wise proverb straight from the Father of the modern Spanish language (Miguel de Cervantes) and get to know one of our former teachers through URL

We hope to see you soon! ¡Adios!


PROVERB

No hay miel sin hiel.
 

Literal Translation: There is no honey without gall.
English equivalent: No pain, no gain.

This month’s proverb comes straight to us from the ever popular Don Quixote of La Mancha tale by Cervantes!

It simply states that nothing good in life comes without hard work. In other words, you have to take the bad in with the good.


WHAT'S ON IN ...

Enjoy a summer of Spanish with don Quijote Salamanca

Are you a Spanish teacher? Then pack your bags because don Quijote Salamanca gives you 2 opportunities to take a Teacher of Spanish course in the month of July!

In the Teacher of Spanish course, you will learn the latest techniques and keys of explaining complicated aspects of Spanish grammar to students, the new uses of Spanish, and updates on Spanish-speaking countries… basically everything you need for your students to become interested and motivated in learning the Spanish language… and for you to become their favorite teacher!

There are 2 starting dates for this course in July, the 6th and the 20th. The duration of the course is of 2 weeks with 20 hours per week for the group courses. You can also choose an individual course which allows you to start any Monday, except in weeks coinciding with a group course.


Also, if you need to learn Spanish for work related reasons or you just simply want to get the most out of your summer, don Quijote Salamanca offers your Premium Courses, which are mini-group courses of 1 to 4 students that also begin every Monday.

The Premium Courses consists of 4 modules, one of them perfect to fulfill your needs.


So what are you waiting for? It’s always good to stay updated!

 Want to study in Salamanca? Request your free brochure!
 Contact our course counselors for more information



Last minute news!

Changes, changes…

In order to make it more pleasing and easier for you to surf through our web, we’ve been spending the last few weeks working hard making changes to the homepage of www.donquijote.org

Get ready to be surprised when you see it in 2 weeks!







dQ NEWS

The celebrations keep on happening at don Quijote...!

Did you know our don Quijote Salamanca school is celebrating its 20th anniversary?
Twenty years of hard work, much involvement and dedication have led to twenty years of success… and we want you to celebrate with us!

Get a 15% discount on any of our Spanish courses (to begin anytime between now and 31 December 2009) when you book before June 30th!

So get your traveling bags out, prepare your summer outfits and get ready for a fantastic time living “pure Spanish” in our Renaissance Ciudad Dorada (Golden City)!

¡No te lo pierdas!- Don’t miss out!

 Request a free brochure!
 Contact a Course Counsellor to request more information!



Conditions:
- Offer not cumulative with other offers.
- Offer must be requested at time of booking.
- Subject to availability. Expires 30 June 2009.





But wait! The anniversary celebrations in Salamanca are not over yet!

Due to the festive mood we're feeling following the 20th anniversary of our don Quijote school in Salamanca, our high-spirits have animated us to grant another offer - and this time, an "all-inclusive" one:

An Intensive Spanish Course (20 classes and 5 cultural classes a week) + Premium Accommodation Residence complete with full board (3 daily meals) and your own private bath for only 399€/week!


It's a wonderful opportunity to live a ‘pure’ Spanish immersion in graceful Salamanca starting anytime you want between now and 31 December 2009. Just make sure to complete your booking before 29 June 2009!

Come celebrate with us, meet new people, experience the exciting Salmantinian life and learn Spanish at a great price! Don't wait!

Request a free brochure!
Contact a Course Counsellor to request more information!

Conditions:
- Offer cannot be combined with other offers.
- Offer must be requested at time of booking.
- Applies to fully-paid bookings completed before 29 June 2009.
- Valid only for Intensive Spanish Course in Salamanca.
- Offer subject to availability. Expires 29 June 2009.



PIROPOS

¿Acaba de salir el sol?, o ¿me has sonreído?

Did the sun just come out or are you smiling at me?


SURVIVAL KIT
Formal Informal
To swipe, to steal

Robar, hurtar

Mangar

Hype, fanfare

A lo grande Bombo y platillo

To get drunk

Emborracharse Tajarse

Laugh

Reírse mucho

Mondarse

Money

Dinero

Guita


RECIPE

Patatas Meneás ("Shaken" Potatoes)


Call them meneás or patatas revolconas, either way you’ll get a kick out of this rustic and truly Salmantinian (“charra”) recipe that has become a staple pincho (or tapa as it is called in other parts of Spain) of Salamanca’s snack bars!

Ingredients:
  • 500gr of potatoes 
  • 150gr of bacon
  • 1 tablespoon sweet paprika 
  • 1 tablespoon spicy paprika 
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Laurel (Bay) leaves
  • Salt

Preparation:
Boil the potatoes in salty water and the bay leaves for 40 minutes (tip: you may also add cumin and garlic cloves for extra taste!) then drain the water. Fry the previously seasoned and diced bacon until it is crunchy. Dice the potatoes; add the paprikas (sweet and spicy) and the olive oil. With a wooden spoon, lightly mash-shake (“menea”) the potatoes into a purée of thick lumps. Serve the resulting lumpy potatoes with the fried bacon bits as toppings.


URL

Trip down memory lane: interview with a former teacher of don Quijote Salamanca 

Olga, a student of don Quijote Salamanca wanted to get to know one of her former Spanish teachers, Estela Díaz Rodríguez, a little better.

She had the opportunity to conduct a small interview a few years ago which we are now glad to re-publish here for your reading enjoyment!

1. What did you study and where?
I obtained degrees both in German and Hispanic Languages, Literatures and Linguistics from the University of Salamanca.


2. What influenced you to become a Spanish teacher?
I have always liked to share my knowledge with everyone and have people share their own with me. I find cultural exchanges very fascinating.
 
3. What is the best thing about teaching?
The best thing about being a Spanish teacher is meeting people from all over the world!
 
4. Do you speak other languages? Would you like to learn another language?
I speak German and Italian. I would like to learn English. It’s on my list of pending tasks that need to be accomplished.
 
5. What is the oddest thing that has happened in your class?
I once had a 65-year-old North American student taking a week-long course while also accompanying her daughter. She began knitting in class one day and when I noticed it, I asked her: “What are you making?” to which she answered: “a scarf for my daughter”. I then jokingly told her “That’s great! Make one for me too, when you’re finished!”
 
6. Have you ever had special and unforgettable student?
I make an effort of not forgetting my students despite my memory sometimes playing bad tricks on me– like forgetting names! Other than that, one never forgets the essence of a person.
 
7. Is there anything else you would like to share?
After dedicating almost 20 years to this profession, I still consider myself lucky that I get to experience something different and special every day at work.


EXTRA

Book Holidays on the beach with HostelBookers!

Fancy a bargain beach break this summer? Get into the summer spirit and save by booking a beach hostel when planning your summer holiday. From a family-friendly holiday hostel on the Costa del Sol to a backpacker-friendly party in Valencia hostel Spain is home to some of the best budget accommodation by the sea.


You can save even more this summer with HostelBookers, a budget accommodation site with no booking fees. With no joining fees or hidden costs, you’re sure to find the lowest prices for beach hostels all over Spain, from Barcelona to Bilbao.



OPINION

Show no mercy!


Follow our motto "say it all with language". We are happy to receive any criticisms or suggestions about our newsletter. Of course, a bit of praise always goes down well, too! You can write to us at this address:  monthly@donquijote-foundation.org
Our very best virtual wishes!


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