Spain's oldest university can be found in Salamanca. Salamanca is located in the province of the same name, about 200 kilometers northwest of Madrid. The University of Salamanca is not only the oldest university in Spain, but also the second oldest in Europe after the University of Bologna.

• The University of Salamanca was founded in 1218 by King Alfons IX of Leon. Christopher Columbus, among others, was a professor at this university.
• In addition to a Spanish course, there are numerous other options for studying in Salamanca.
• There is a frog in the facade of the university's main building; legend has it that students who find it will have a prosperous time studying.

Now what makes Salamanca such a great student city is that, among other things, it speaks the purest Spanish, it is a modern city with beautiful architecture but still has the charm of a village. This is because everything is within walking distance and because you do come into contact with international and national students everywhere. The beautiful architecture of the city has made the old center of Salamanca, including the university and the old and new cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

The number of students at the university increased until 1580. At that time there were 6,500 students studying at the university. In the seventeenth century, the number of students decreased. Today, more than 30,000 students study in Salamanca every year. This therefore makes Salamanca the student city of Spain.

The Spanish language

In addition to studying Spanish language, writing and culture, there are numerous other options for studying in Salamanca. In the past, students could choose to study medicine, law, technology, art-philosophy, mathematics, music, humanities and, of course, linguistics, among others. Today, there are still numerous options. For example, there are several opportunities to study the Spanish language. But there are also still opportunities to study medicine, psychology, mathematics, history, literature, philosophy, law science at the University of Salamanca. Studying in Salamanca for an entire academic year, a semester or just during the summer are some examples of the many options at the university.

The facade of the university's main building has caused the frog to become Salamanca's city symbol. Something of this city symbol can be found in every souvenir shop. Now it is not that the frog is a special animal for the Salamantinos (inhabitants of Salamanca) but because a frog can be found on the beautifully decorated facade of the university. Not only on the facade of the university but also at the richly decorated door on the west side of the new cathedral, the frog can be found. Legend has it that students who find the frog face a prosperous student life. For non-students, the frog ensures good luck in love. So while visiting Salamanca, it is well worth trying to find the frog.

As you know, Spain consists of the Spanish peninsula, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. But what you probably didn't know is that there are also two enclaves in Morocco that belong to Spain, Ceuta and Melilla. So there are many more Spanish facts you probably don't know yet. Like that besides the official national Spanish language, there are also four official regional languages in Spain.

Melilla and Ceuta

Melilla and Ceuta are two Spanish enclaves located off the Mediterranean coast of Morocco. The neighboring country of these enclaves is Morocco. Melilla is about 20 kilometers from Nador and Ceuta is a little closer to the Spanish mainland, near the Strait of Gibraltar. The enclaves are easy to visit from Spain. For example, there are daily ferry crossings from several cities in Spain. What makes it attractive to visit these cities is that although Ceuta and Melilla belong to the European Union, they are exempt from European tax legislation. So tax-free shopping! These enclaves belong to Spain because until 1950 Morocco was part of Spain. In 1950, Morocco gained independence, but Spain kept the two enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla. Spanish is therefore spoken in Ceuta and Melilla, although a passport is required when visiting these cities, as these cities are not within Europe.

The Spanish language

In addition to the Spanish language spoken throughout Spain, there are several dialects found in Spain, just like in the Netherlands. However, in Spain, four of these dialects have been named official reginonal languages. Galician, Basque, Catalan and Valencian. In Catalonia and the Basque Country, their regional language is often considered the main language. In many public places, such as on road signs, you will find Catalan or Basque first, with the Spanish meaning given underneath.

The Spanish climate

By now you already know a lot of information about Spain. You will also know that Spain is a very suitable winter destination. However, not all areas of Spain are suitable for wintering. Spain has three climate regions. The south and east coasts of Spain have a Mediterranean climate, as do the islands and enclaves. The north and northwest of mainland Spain has a maritime climate, and finally the central interior has a continental climate. The inland and northwest side of Spain can be compared to the Dutch climate, which has mild winters and cool summers. Of course, in Spain, as in the Netherlands, there can be outliers that make it either warmer or cooler. So the islands, Ceuta, Melilla, the south and east coasts are the best winter destinations.
 

 Photo by i-Dave

Spanish culture has many different customs and traditions. The siesta, the special division of the day with no less than 4 meal times and then there are the dozens of different types of Tapas. There are many other special, "crazy" customs from the Spanish culture. For example, what about the bullfights in Pamplona or La Tomatina in Buñol. Below is a small selection of the sometimes very unusual customs of Spanish culture.

Siesta

Many stores, supermarkets and other public places in Spanish towns and cities close between 2 and 5 p.m. To many people, siesta is known as the afternoon nap of those who work in Spain. However, this is by no means the case. Only a small part of the Spanish population actually takes an afternoon nap. Since the time of siesta is also sometimes the time when lunch is eaten in Spain, many Spaniards choose to spend this time with family or in a café for a sumptuous lunch. The Spanish lunch that takes place between 2 and 3 p.m. is similar to the evening meal eaten in the Netherlands. Large hot dishes that are often eaten with the whole family. After the Spaniards finish their afternoon nap or their extensive lunch, they return to work until 7 or 9 pm.

Tapas

After the extended lunch, tapas is often eaten between 6 and 7 p.m. with colleagues. Almonds, olives, ham, chorizo and shrimp are just a few examples of tapas. These small bites are mainly used to whet the appetite, because around 10 p.m., the people of Spain will begin their last meal of the day, dinner. Dinner is much lighter than the Spaniards' lunch. This is why tapas are eaten between lunch and dinner.

La Tomatina

Finally; La Tomatina this is a festival celebrating the harvesting of new ripe tomatoes from the land. The festival begins every last Wednesday of August at 10 a.m. with a ham being hung on a greased pole. The start of the tomato fight takes place as soon as someone manages to get the ham off the greased pole. At that moment, trucks full of tomatoes enter the Plaza del Pueblo and the fight can begin! After exactly one hour, the final signal will be given and all locals and tourists make their way to the nearest garden hose to get rid of the tomato residue. Since 1957 the tomato fight was officially authorized and since 1980 tomatoes have even been handed out by the municipality. The next tomato fight will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013. During a Spanish course, Buñol is definitely worth a visit.

Photo by renotahoe

The Spanish Language in the US

The University of Guadalajara is putting on the 3^rd annual Spanish language book fair of Los Angeles (LéaLA) at the L.A. Convention Center from the 17^th to the 19^th of May. Organizers of the fair, the largest of its kind in the US, aim to strengthen the Spanish language in the country, particularly among the children of its Latino community. They expect record turn out this year, planning to attract over one hundred thousand book enthusiasts and more than 300 publishers including the Penguin group and Random House. 

Besides an impressive list of over 200 book booths, 90 authors are also scheduled to offer book signings, presentations and readings. Although most of the authors are Mexican, writers and readers of all backgrounds are encouraged to participate in the free event. Chilean rock star Beto Cuevas, of the group La Ley, will be on hand to discuss his new book entitled The Art of Being Beto Cuevas, and American best-selling author Nicholas Sparks will talk about literary translation. Other participating authors include Paco Ignacio, Beatriz Riva and Daniel Krauze.

Marisol Schulz, the director of the fair, is also director of the hugely successful International Book Fair of Guadalajara in Mexico. One of her goals has been to attract greater international attention to L.A.’s book fair, and especially from Latin American countries beyond Mexico.  She has already confirmed that members of both Argentina and Colombia’s camaras del libro (trade associations for those in the book industry) will be in attendance this year.

The fair will also pay special homage to the Mexican literary legend Carlos Fuentes and to the widely celebrated Mexican American singer Jenni Rivera, both of whom died last year. Carlos Fuentes’ widow Silvia Lemus will also participate in the tribute to her late husband.

Over 100 Activities to explore Ibero-American Traditions

Over 100 activities are also scheduled for the popular childrens’ area, where kids and parents will get to explore Ibero-American traditions and the rich artwork of the Mexican Muralists. Activities include entertaining and educational stage performances about folk legends from a variety of Latin American regions. A number of childrens’ workshops designed to promote bilingualism have also been scheduled, where kids will hear tales of the plumed serpent Quetzalcoatl and play traditional Mexican games. The group Zaikocirco will also offer entertaining circus performances and puppet shows. Over 40% of last year’s visitors brought their kids, a promising statistic for the future of the Spanish language in the US.

Visitors will also get the chance to see lectures and participate in forums and panel discussions, where a wide range of topics to be discussed include the challenges of distributing and selling Spanish language books in the US, and the history of the city of Tijuana. That city itself is booked as the event’s guest of honor this year.  

Although the main purpose of the book festival has been to promote Spanish-language literature and celebrate Latino heritage, event organizers soon discovered their growing venue was also offering a profitable space for booksellers, filling a clear void in the book industry. 80% of visitors made purchases at last year’s fair. 

The Dutch student life: study, move in as soon as possible and hit the bars with your friends/student association! The Spanish student life is similar, but a little different. For many Dutch students it is hard to imagine living at home until the age of 27!

The Spanish student life means lots of partying (if you want you can go every night of the week!), living at home for a long time and of course lots of studying. In Spain, most students live at home until the age of 27, with some exceptions, of course. The students who will study a little further away and would therefore have to travel for a long time do move into rooms. They become really independent only when they have their own jobs.

Speaking of jobs... Many Spanish students did have side jobs a few years ago, but we all know the financial situation in Spain. There is hardly any work to be had. This has already led to major protests throughout the country several times. 50% of young people are unemployed. Then again, what is very nice to see is that many Spaniards remain so cheerful and sociable despite the unemployment figures! They don't lose their charm because of it!

Study in Spain

Spain is one of the favorite countries among foreign youth to study for a while. You then have the choice of studying at a Spanish university or taking a Spanish language course. Typical among students are the botellones that are held. In the park or somewhere else outdoors with a large group of people from many different countries having a drink. This drink is bought in the supermarket and put in large plastic bottles. Usually this is cola with red wine: calimocho. But cava is always good too!

Contrary to popular belief, Spanish students do receive years of English in school. However, because classes are in Spanish and series or movies on television are dubbed, they do not have the opportunity to practice the language so they do not master it. Fortunately, many foreign students do speak Spanish which allows for good communication. Plus, you learn to speak Spanish much faster when you practice it outside of school!

It already starts with dinner: in Holland punctually at 6 p.m. but in Spain usually around 10. Earlier or later is also allowed, it doesn't matter. As long as you have taken a siesta in the afternoon!

The cultural differences between Spain and Holland are quite noticeable. My first time in Spain, I was out with some friends and at 02.00 o'clock at night the little children were still running over the streets! I had never seen this before! But yes, in the summer this is the most normal thing in the world here.

Spanish food

I was just talking about dinner time, but the food itself is different, of course! In the afternoon, Spaniards eat a hot meal. I sit there every day with my sandwiches... I still haven't managed to get used to such a large meal at noon. In the evening they eat something smaller, usually tapas or a sandwich.

Spaniards love a drink! But then they don't do it like us Dutch, with half a liter of beer in your hand. In Spain it starts somewhere in the morning with a glass of red wine. Some alcohol in your coffee is also possible. In the afternoon some more wine and in the evening of course it can't be missed! We can't expect anything else from the largest wine country in the world.

Elderly people in Spain

Nice to see in Spain are the elderly people who sometimes spend whole afternoons sitting on benches talking. You won't easily see this in the Netherlands. They sit there for a while people watching and talking, it does look relaxing.

In the summer, everyone here sits comfortably on the ground! And then especially in Plaza Mayor in Salamanca is fun, all groups of people sitting on the ground talking. All this is also possible and not dirty, as the streets are cleaned EVERY night! And if you are not careful, the cleaners just spray you wet too.

As we all know, Spain has a 'mañana, mañana' culture! But really, there is nothing wrong with that, is there? Spaniards always stay calm and don't rush into things. Much more sociable. I hope that after this information about Spain, you too will now say, "I want to go to Spain!"

The Spanish Tortilla

It is not called "Tortilla Española" for nothing: the tortilla de patatas is one of Spain's showpieces. In every tapas bar in Spain, you will come across a tortilla de patatas as standard. This is a kind of large omelet made of egg and potatoes and often with onion. Your visit to Spain is not complete without having tried this cake! It is also fun and delicious to prepare it yourself!

Other Spanish dishes that are also highly recommended in the local tapas bars:

Patatas bravas

Typical Spanish tapa, not really something special but oh-so-tasty! Deep fried potatoes with spicy salsa.

Gambas a la plancha

Fried shrimp with garlic and parsley on a piece of baguette. Especially delicious on the coastal areas, these areas are known for their good fish! By the way, these areas are also a very good place to eat Paella, another one of Spain's specialties.

Calamares a la romana

Deep-fried squid rings. Even if you normally don't really like fish, these are often still found tasty!

Chorizo

Tasty piece of sausage, usually also well seasoned with spicy paprika.

Lomo

This is the most delicious piece of meat from a pig. Not comparable to other pork!

Boquerones en vinagre

Sprat in vinegar. You must have tried this once.

Albóndigas

Small meatballs in sauce. Not like the Dutch meatballs, but very tasty!

Croquetas de jamón

These Spanish croquettes are nothing like our Dutch croquette. They are small and usually made of cheese, ham, shrimp or stockfish.

In Spanish cuisine, it is normal to eat these dishes with a piece of baguette. You often get a tapa, or also called a pincho, for free with a drink. There are many more tasty dishes, which you get to try for yourself in Spain!

In spring, nature is reborn and everything about it invites us to renew our ties with the planet. It’s a time that charges us with energy and prepares us for the splendor of summer.

We want to take you to ten landscapes that we think are inspiring, uplifting and full of positive energy: from the glaciers in southern Argentina to the Peaks of Europe, and the Arabic gardens in Granada to the rich history of the Alberca cave… This week we have a special route for you designed to highlight the beauty of Mother Nature and the marvels made by mankind as you renew your interest in living life in Spanish. Let us guide you through our list of TopTen inspiring places in Spanish speaking countries where you will find harmony, balance and beauty that you will never forget.

10 Amazing places where people speak Spanish

1. Los Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe)

This majestic mountain range is located in the center of the Cantabrian Mountains in the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula between the Autonomous Communities of Asturias, Cantabria and Leon.

A favorite destination for Spanish climbers, El Naranjo de Bulnes is one of the most popular peaks and is often considered as the birthplace of the sport of rock climbing in Spain.

With over 64,000 hectares of unforgettable landscapes, we recommend the Picos de Europa to anyone who wants to get just a little closer to heaven, in all aspects.

2. The Generalife Palace

Located in Granada, the Spanish city where the splendor of the Muslim culture reached its highest levels.

The Generalife, a royal summer getaway hidden away behind the massive Alhambra Palace, is a haven of tranquility and balance with its sprawling gardens, beautiful buildings and paths that run throughout the complex.

Stroll through the fresh and serene scenery while losing yourself in the sound of the moving water and the sweet aroma of the ubiquitous plants and flowers…

3. Iguazu Falls

In the junction between Argentina and Brazil and very close to the Paraguay border are some of the most impressive natural falls imaginable.

With 275 different waterfalls, the roar of falling water can be heard from miles away. It is no surprise that this magical place has been recognized as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Iguazú National Park, located in both Argentina and Brazil, offers protection to this unique ecosystem that exemplifies the strength and power that Mother Nature hides within.

4. Perito Moreno Glacier

Located in Los Glaciares National Park on the southern tip of Patagonia, Argentina, near the town of El Calafate, is one of the world's most impressive glaciers.

This huge river of ice is five kilometers wide and reaches a height of over 60 meters above sea level, where massive icebergs break off of the huge glacier and produce intense sounds.

The location is in a privileged area of the world where one can observe whales and other cetaceans in one of the largest fresh water reserves on the planet.

5. Montserrat

About 50 kilometers to the south of Barcelona we find a surprising place: the mountains of Montserrat (In Castilian, "Monte Serrado" due to the aspect that years of erosion have caused). It is the most representative mountain in Catalonia and home to a sacred monastery dedicated to the Virgin of Montserrat, a pilgrimage center of the Catalan people.

The Black Madonna (Moreneta), patron saint of Catalonia, is a Romanesque carving that, according to legend, miraculously appeared there in 880. When an attempt was made to move it from its place, it became so heavy that it was impossible to move. This seemed to prove to those who found it that it was the Virgen's will to stay there, where a chapel was built that would eventually evolve into the monastery that we see today.

6. Altamira Cave

This cave was inhabited for 35,000 years, and much later it was discovered by a hunter in 1868.

It showcases the most impressive cave art of the Upper Paleolithic period. Many have called Altamira "the Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art" due to its beauty, complexity and shear amount of pictures located inside. These prehistoric paintings inspire us to pay homage to our ancestors, an experience well worth the trip through the lovely landscapes of the Cantabrian town Santillana del Mar, where the cave is located.

Visit Altamira Cave and enjoy the harmony of these cave paintings, where you'll experience the memory of a primitive age through the artwork of its people.

7. The Wind Cave

The On the volcanic island of Tenerife, near the city of Icod de los Vinos, we can find an impressive example of the telluric force of the volcanoes that formed the Canary archipelago.

The Wind Cave, over 17 kilometers long, is the longest lava tube in the European Union and the fourth in the world. Upon entering the interior of the volcano you observe Mother Nature's majestic engineering work, which makes you shudder as you imagine the roar of liquid lava that once passed through the very spot where you stand now in perfect silence, in the heart of the Teide, where the only melody heard is that of your breathing and your excitedly beating heart...

8. Enchanted City

Near Valdecabras, in the province of Cuenca (Spain), at an elevation of about 1,500 meters is the location of our next site, the Enchanted City.

Carved out of the rocky ground from years of rain and wind erosion, these natural formationswere declared a Natural Site of National Interest in 1929.

The rock formations transport you to a magical landscape where anything is possible and your imagination finds hidden animals and monsters within the rocky shapes.

It is here, next to the Tormo Alto formation that is the symbol of the city, that Viriatus, the Spanish leader of the resistance against Roman rule, was cremated.

9. Doñana National Park

This natural park extends nearly 105,000 hectares, occupying parts of the provinces of Huelva, Seville and Cadiz. The name originated from the name "Doña" (Mrs.) Ana de Silva, wife of the seventh Duke of Medina Sidonia, original owner of the land which he used as private hunting grounds. The natural enclave is home to marshes and dunes, an important stopping point in European bird migration to and from Africa in the winter and spring.

This wildlife sanctuary hosts annually more than 300 species of birds, as well as some of the most important Spanish animals, including the highly endangered Iberian lynx. Also located in the park is the site of one of the most important religious celebrations in Spain: El Rocío.


In the village of Almonte, the event attracts more than a million pilgrims each year as they converge upon the village from various different controlled routes to pay homage to the Virgin of El Rocío.

The Peña el Cabrelillo, just behind town hall, is one of Andalusia's longest standing flamenco institutions, a place full of love, faithfulness and a passionate interest to safe guard el cante in its purest form. In the city of Ubeda, the Tablao casa-museo andalusí, next to the Parador, offers the unique opportunity to enjoy flamenco in a gorgeous building on calle Narváez.

10. La Alberca

In a busy world of Internet and globalization in which being in a hurry has become a normal part of life for most of us, La Alberca, located in the northern part of the province of Salamanca, is a peaceful haven of history where traditions have been carefully preserved.

The village feels like a living museum with its unique architecture.

Surrounded by thick impressive forests, the village is like an island of peace that makes visiting it a must for anyone who finds themselves in the proximity of Salamanca.

Photo thanks to: Max Westby, Granadadian Weirdo, Cadampol, Adry, Yishac, Turismo de Tenerife, Machbel, Rlasaosa, Fernando Cuenca, Turistas x Naturaleza

Active vacations in Spain

The sports lovers among us should definitely take a trip to Spain! And not only the "regular" sports like soccer, basketball are popular. If you like water sports then you can't believe your luck in Spain! From rafting and surfing to diving and admiring the most beautiful spots of the sea. It's all possible in Spain! Is also a nice way to spend the winter in Spain, enjoying the sun ... With the Spanish climate you can do it all.

You can really practice many water sports in Spain. Because there are more than 250 harbors, you can sail well, so this is a popular sport in Spain. Furthermore, there are many sports here such as surfing, water skiing, kite surfing, kayaking and many more. Kayaking is best done in Catalonia, Gállego in Aragon, Carasa in Cantabria or Mino in Galicia. For surfing, water skiing and kitesurfing, head to the north coast.

If you want to dive you don't have to go far either! Spain has the most breathtaking spots! You can go diving on the north coast, these places are totally different from the marine life found on the Mediterranean coast, but incredibly beautiful. Of course, you can also go to islands like Mallorca and Ibiza, where you usually have a lot of visibility. Anywhere else is also possible as there are diving schools all along the Spanish coast!

Outdoor sports in Spain

In Spain you can find all kinds of daring outdoor sports. These are less known but certainly no less fun because of that! For example, you can go canyoning, then glide with a wetsuit through narrow and steep gorges. The best place to do this is in the region of Aragon in the Sierra de Guara - with over 200 gorges, this is one of the best places in Europe for canyoning.

What is also popular in Spain is puenting. In this sport, you usually jump from a high bridge and then you hit the water just or just barely. It's a bit like bungee jumping only now you don't have a rubber band pulling you back up. Of course, you hang from some kind of rope, but there's not much elastic in there. So the difference is, with bungee jumping you bounce and with puenting you swing.

There are so many different activities to experience in Spain. Because of the wide variety of different climates, you can always find fun water sports somewhere. In any case, you will never be bored!

Los Animales

Discover “Los Animales”- Animal names in Spanish. The following infographic is the ideal tool for learning Spanish animal names. It can be used by teachers in classrooms, as a poster in your office, or to teach children the names of animals in Spanish.  Use this tool to help you memorize all of the most important animals in Spanish. Each animal is accompanied by an image that will make it easier to remember the animal names and memorize them. Within a few days you will be an expert at the most common Spanish animal names!