Let's Travel in English

Natalia (Poland) _ Travelling to Turkey

2011-09-08T07:17:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone ! ; )

My name is Natalia Wilk. I come from Poland and I live in Zabrze - I have lived here since I was born. I'm 14 years old. I live with my parents and 19 year-old sister.
I’m a cheerful and talkative person. I like meeting other people but I’m a little bit shy. I am friendly, tolerant and helpful.
I like listening to music, playing the piano (since 2006) and shopping. I wanna learn to play the guitar. I think it is cool. I perform at the school theatre. My favourite kind of music is rock, but sometimes I listen to another kind of music. I love surfing the internet and watching films. I like comedies, horrors and dramas, for example “Saw” and “Halloween” or “American Beauty”. I would like to travel and see the world. I don’t know who I will be in the future and I don’t care about this now. I like swimming.
I’m so excited and I’m sure there will be great in Turkey.
I’m on facebook, so if you want to write to me I will answer !
See you soon ;D

Natalia

Marion (France) - Travelling to Turkey

2011-09-08T07:09:00.000-07:00

I’m Marion Glanard. I come from France and I live in Paris. I’m 15 years old. I have one brother, he is 20 years old and one sister, she is 29 years old but I don’t live with her. My parents are divorced, and I live with my mother, but I see my father Wednesday and Saturday and Sunday.

I have one cat, he is grey and white. I found this cat in a park, he was lost. I speak English and German.
I like : Video games, music, draw, animals… But I’m not a sportswoman!

So goodbye!

Samuel from Flensburg travelling to Turkey

2011-06-24T04:20:00.000-07:00

Natalie from Flensburg travelling to Turkey

2011-06-24T04:19:00.000-07:00

ANTOINE FROM PARIS TRAVELLING TO TURKEY

2011-06-23T10:33:00.000-07:00

Hello!

My name is Antoine Vaysse; I am 15 years old and I live in Paris, in France, near the park of Buttes Chaumont, which was a gypsum quarry. I study in Colbert high school, and speak English and German a little, I began to learn German fin primary school1, and English in junior high school, but I already spoke English a little before.

I love playing video games, but I also love handball and basket ball. I like the nature and the animals, I have 2 kittens which are really cute, and they are named Shaka (the male, he is black) and Pouki (the female, on the picture)

With my family, I went to the USA when I was 12; I saw the Grand Canyon, and many other things. It’s the only trip of my life and that was really great! I prefer science and languages and I like the design but I’m not very found of the other arts. My brother, Pierre, is 18 years old and my sister, Elise, twenty.
I am very simple as far as gastronomy is concerned: I especially like bread and pasta, grilled meat, but my favourite dish is pasta carbonara.

That is all!

YANA FROM ITALY TRAVELLING TO TURKEY

2011-06-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

My name is Yana. I come from Ukraine but I've already been living in Italy ( in Spello which is a small medioeval village near Foligno ) for seven years. I'm 18 years old and I'm attending the 4th class of a vocational school in Foligno where I'm specialyzing in fashion design because I love designing and making clothes. My days are always full and I hardly find time to relax. I think I'm a generous, self-confident and responsable girl, I like travelling a lot and discovering new cultures and that is why I joined this project because it gives me the oppurtunity to meet many people and their cultures.

I greet you all and see you in Turkey!!!

NATALIE FROM FLENSBURG TRAVELLING TO TURKEY

2011-06-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

Watch Natalie's video

SAMUEL FROM FLENSBURG TRAVELLING TO TURKEY

2011-06-23T10:20:00.001-07:00

watch samuel's video

LEA FROM FLENSBURG TRAVELLING TO TURKEY

2011-06-20T13:58:00.001-07:00

Hi!
My name is Lea and I'm living in Husby, a small village. It's in the north of Germany. I'm 15 years old and my younger brother is 11. My school, KTS (Kurt-Tucholsky-Schule), is in Flensburg.

Swimming, reading books, meeting friends, laughing and dancing are my favourite hobbies.
And I like travelling to other countries. My uncle and my aunt are living in France. Sometimes we visit them. In summer it is very hot there.
I'm glad to go to Turkey, because I wasn't in Turkey before and I want to meet new people.
I'm looking forward to see you.

VIDEOCLIP ESTRELLA DAMM - MENORCA SANT JOAN

2011-06-18T02:57:00.000-07:00

Łukasz, from Poland, travelling to Turkey

2011-06-16T02:59:00.000-07:00

Hey, hi, hello;)

From this side - Lucas. I am 15 years old and I live in Zabrze in the southern Poland. I have no siblings, but this does not mean that I am alone. I have a dog called Niko. The dog can also be a member of a family:)

What am I look like? Well, you can see in the picture but seriously I'm a type of a crazy boy with a sense of humor. Music is my vocation since childhood - it accompanies me forever and everywhere. My favourite music is Electro, House and Trance. Currently I am an amateur DJ – I organize various events. My best Dj is Markus Schulz.

My hobby is also a martial art Aikido, which I have been training for five years. I just love what I do and it blends well something nice with something useful.

I will take part in a Comenius meeting for the first time, although it is not my first attempt. I have been trying to become a member of our travelling group five times. It is not easy to be a loser so often…;) If you are stubborn enough, if you do not give up too easily, everything may happen.

By the way I love travelling and exploring new things. I am curious about the world. I am especially curious about Turkish religion and traditions. These threads were important parts of the qualifying rounds in my school.

I hope to meet many new friends in Turkey.

See you in Iskenderun;)

AIRPORT SECURITY – CLARA RODRIGUEZ DE CASTRO

2011-06-13T12:43:00.001-07:00

In recent years flying and flight time spent at airports has increased dramatically. Since 9-11 the security measures have changed to make air travel safer. These measures have prevented terrorist attacks, however, the impact has made people look for others ways of travelling.

On the one hand, the most important point is that air travel has become much safer. Furthermore, people feel less worried about terrorism. In addition, these measures have

created more jobs and, moreover, have increased the revenue from the airports shops. As well as this, the airports now have better X-ray machinery which means that they don’t have to search so many bags by hand. As a consequence of these new measures, new technology and police dogs, drug trafficking has decreased.

On the other hand, although it’s good to feel safe you waste so much time standing in queues. What’s more it’s really inconvenient that you have to take off your coat, belt, boots… Due to having to remove all these items you might lose or forget them. Not only that, but you also waste money because you have to pay for the liquids that you have in your own house, such as shampoo. However, they allow men to bring their razers and women to wear high-heeled- shoes, but you cannot bring tweezers. Above all, the new measures sometimes cause flight delays or people might miss their flights.

From my point of view it’s important to feel safe, but the measures make people waste a lot of time and money. It would be better, if it was managed in a different way, so as not to spend so much time wasted in queues.

ANDREAS JESSEN- TRAVELLING TO TURKEY

2011-06-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

My Name is Andreas Jessen, I live in Oxbüll a small village near Flensburg, this is in the north of Germany. I am nearly 16 years old. I live with my parents, an older brother and a younger sister on a farm. We have many animals, mainly chicken.

I'm 1,76 m tall. I have straight blond hair, blue eyes and glasses.
I'm a very humorous person and sometimes that is a bit annoying, but usually you can laugh much with (and about) me. I speak mostly only when it's necessary. I think I'm a very friendly person.

In my spare time i like to hear music, read, meet friends, ride bike or play computer games. I am a scout and in the holidays I am often on scouting camps.

SCHOOL UNIFORMS_LOTTI VIDAL

2011-06-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

Many people have strong views about the use of school uniforms. In my view there are arguments both for and against it.

On the one hand, uniforms stop other students judging them on how they look, as everybody will look more or less the same. Furthermore, it saves parents money as they don't have to buy new school uniforms every year and their children only need clothes for the weekends and holidays. Moreover, it means that children don't waste time having to think about what to wear to school.

On the other hand, even though some parents say that wearing uniforms is a way of saving money, other say that uniforms are not cheap, besides children are constantly growing up and need bigger sizes. A further argument against uniforms is that students at school need to learn to express themselves, and their wardrobe choices are one way of doing this. When every child is forced to dress just like all his class mates , he loses his freedom to choose how he wants to reperesent himself through his clothing.

In my opinion wearing a uniform is a good thing because no-one stands out and it looks smarter.

Are Wikileaks cables controversial?

2011-06-13T08:47:00.000-07:00

On July 25, 2010 Wikileaks website released thousands of US classified documents. These leaks have been compromising not only the US but other countries mentioned in the documents. Some people are now wondering if these cables are harming more than helping, since they expose governmental secrets and the true side about some issues that some countries covered.

Some people think that there’s nothing new on these documents since they knew that the government covered issues although they didn’t know what kind of issues. Some people think that the leaks are dangerous because they expose some people’s name and reality, which could create uprisings.

Other people applaud the revelations because they think that if we live in a democratic state, then people should know the truth, and leaking confidential documents is a big step to reach real democracy.

As far as I’m concerned, Wikileaks’ leak has been a good move for people, since it’s made people be aware of some issues the governments were covering but I also think that the information on those documents isn't new information, but always is good to be aware of the stuff that’s out there.

AGAINST/FOR GAY ADOPTION

2011-06-13T05:55:00.000-07:00

Many people have different views about gay adoption. Some people think a gay couple can't adopt a child and other people thint that it doesn't matter if you are gay or not, everybody has the right to have a child. It's clear that nowadays most people have the same opinion as me and are for the gay adoption.

On the one hand, some people think that gay adoption has to be suspended, because they say that children should have a mother and father as role models. It seems that they are trying to say that being gay is not a good model, that is something bad. Besides, in the area that does not accept gays and lesbians, the child might sovially get picket on. Furthermore, some parents think that gays are like child molesters, and forbid their child to associate with the adopted child.
In some areas, both members of a gay couple adopt the child and are considered legat parents, but in others, only one person can adopt the child, because a child is legally considered with only having one father or one mother. If the adoptive parents die, the child may be removed from the non-adoptive father. In addition to all this, people also say that "homosexual relationships don't last very long".

On the other hand, others believe that a gay couple are able to adopt a child. Because it is not just the parents who influence a child's behavior, society also plays a role in their upbringing. Furthermore, most children get picked because of something else, like being chubby or looking differents. It also has been proven that more heterosexuals molest their children.
Another reason is that it is natural for couples who can't have children through sex to adopt children. When they say that a child will be removed if the legal parents dies, actually the same thing would happen if a single parent adopted both parents in a heterosexual relationship became deceased.

In my opinion, I think if people want to adopt they should. I think that if straight people are allowed to adopt children, homosexuals are also allowed, if they really want a family why can't they have it? They just help children, care for them and love them and they don't hurt anyone

Two door cinema club "What you know"

2011-06-12T00:46:00.000-07:00

Euthanasia, is it a right or a crime?- Yannick Roselló

2011-06-11T02:13:00.000-07:00

Euthanasia, is it a right or a crime? Euthanasia is used when very ill people with no cure and who suffer a lot of pain decide to be killed or to have a more pleasant death. For this, certain drugs or poisons are used. This death is quick and not painful. There’s a big discussion about euthanasia being legal or illegal.

On the one hand, people have the right to decide when they want to die, if you are ill and you’re going to die anyway, perhaps it’s better to have an earlier but quicker and more pleasant death than a slower and painful one. Moreover, it’s unpleasant for the relatives to see their loved ones in pain or agony. Euthanasia gives you the chance to die with dignity, you can die wherever you want, whenever you want and with whoever you want. Besides, there’s no sense to keep people alive beyond their natural life span, if a person has no chance to survive and can’t do anything, it’s OK to let him die.

On the other hand, people might receive euthanasia against their will, in this case, it’s just like a murder. Sometimes a person might recover from an illness against all odds, perhaps the doctor got confused or was simply wrong, we’re human and we can always make mistakes. Then, some doctors are against euthanasia, their job is to try to save people’s live and make it better, everyone has his own point of view, so perhaps some doctors wouldn’t agree to kill somebody. Euthanasia is voluntary, however, some people might feel pressured to kill themselves, even though they don’t really want to die.

To sum up, as in many other dilemmas, there are many different points of view, each one with their own arguments for and against. In my opinion euthanasia should be legal, people should be free to die whenever they want. However, euthanasia should be extremely controlled, no one must die against their will or pressured by someone else.

LARA CATCHOT- SPAIN

2011-06-08T23:09:00.001-07:00

My name is Lara Catchot Orfila and I’m seventeen. I live in Menorca, Spain. Menorca is a small Island in the Mediterranean and is very touristic, especially in summer. I live in the capital, Maó, in a flat near the harbour, which is very important in the island.

I live with my family, my parents and my two brothers, Sergi who is nineteen and Pau, who is twelve. I also have two cats, I love animals!

I have curly blond hair, big green eyes and pale skin. I have a normal height and a normal weight too.

I think my character is good, I’m a little bit stubborn but I’m an open-minded person, sociable and friendly. I never get nervous and I try to be as optimistic as I can. I don’t believe in superstitions nor any religion, but I respect the people who believe in them.

I’m not a very sportive person, I don’t have enough time, but I used to dance in an academy until last year. I hope I can do it again.

In my free time I like to meet my friends and go out, especially in summer. In winter Menorca is a very boring place, and I just study and go to high school. But in summer it is great fun, I enjoy going to the beach and going out at night with my friends.

LARA CATCHOT- TRAVELLING TO TURKEY

2011-06-08T23:08:00.001-07:00

My name is Lara Catchot Orfila and I’m seventeen. I live in Menorca,

Spain

. Menorca is a small Island in the Mediterranean and is very touristic, especially in summer. I live in the capital, Maó, in a flat near the harbour, which is very important in the island.

I live with my family, my parents and my two brothers, Sergi who is nineteen and Pau, who is twelve. I also have two cats, I love animals!

I have curly blond hair, big green eyes and pale skin. I have a normal height and a normal weight too.

I think my character is good, I’m a little bit stubborn but I’m an open-minded person, sociable and friendly. I never get nervous and I try to be as optimistic as I can. I don’t believe in superstitions nor any religion, but I respect the people who believe in them.

I’m not a very sportive person, I don’t have enough time, but I used to dance in an academy until last year. I hope I can do it again.

In my free time I like to meet my friends and go out, especially in summer. In winter Menorca is a very boring place, and I just study and go to high school. But in summer it is great fun, I enjoy going to the beach and going out at night with my friends.

Introduction Aitana Bernabeu

2011-06-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

My name is Aitana. I’m fifteen. I’ve got pale skin in winter, but when the summer arrives I easily get brown, my hear is curly and I’m not sure if it is blond or brown. I’m thin and about 170 Cm.
I try to be a good friend and to help people when I can, I’m very sensitive, and everything seems important to me. One thing that stands out in my character is that I always smile, I’m very happy all day, well, like everyone I’ve got different days, but normally I’m happy all day. I laugh for everything and I think that is positive.
I really like skating, I go to skate lessons three times a week since I was ten.
I’ve to admit that when I get angry, I’m horrible but only if the reason is serious.
Another thing I must change is that I’m not always honest and for me it is very important to say the truth whatever happens.

MENORCA- PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

2011-06-08T07:04:00.000-07:00

nuclear energy - Gemma Camiña

2011-06-08T06:52:00.000-07:00

On March 11th, there was a tsunami as well as an earthquake and an extremely important nuclear catastrophe in Japan. For this reason, many people have recently thought about nuclear energy, which is the main source of energy in many places for example, France, and provides domestic electricity to a lot of people. In spite of the fact that this source of energy is very efficient, should we keep on using it?

On the one hand, today, nuclear energy is much safer than it was in the times of the catastrophe of Chernobyl due to the technological advances. Moreover, we are running out of petrol and coal and it’s a solution to this problem, as green energies. In addition, nuclear energy is twice more economic than the hydroelectric one, a third less than fossil steam energy and two-thirds less than gas turbine energy.

On the other hand, nuclear power is dangerous, another disaster like Chernobyl can happen any time, what’s more, the costs of an accident will be borne by society and not by the nuclear plant. Moreover, the long-term storage and treatment of radioactive waste hasn’t been found yet so it remains dangerous for thousands of years and radiation can lead to cancer and birth defects.

Seeing that, in my opinion we shouldn’t use this type of energy because the arguments against exceed the ones which are for, even though there are some really good reasons for using it.

XAVI ORFILA

2011-06-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

My name is Xavi Orfila Sans, I'm from Spain and I live in Minorca. I study at Joan Ramis high school, in Mahon and live with my family in a house close to my shcool.

Anyway, I'm 17 years old and I was born on 9th March 1994, I have brown eyes and black hair. I'm 180 cm tall, I'm thin and I'm not very strong.

I am really funny, respectful and friendly. Although, when I meet new people sometimes I'm a little shy.
My favorite hobby in my free time is basketball. I'm usually play basketball with my town team as
a eaves. I'm an experienced player but I believe I can learn many things even more, because the basketball is a very technical sport and perfectionist. In front of my house I also love playing basketball in my basketball court.

At the moment, I'm studyng the social Bachillerato in IES Joan Ramis, and in the future I plan to study
economics and law.

I want to take part in the Comenius Project, because I want to meet with people who are from other countries and have different lifestyles. And especially to improve my language skills.

XAVI ORFILA

2011-06-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

My name is Xavi Orfila Sans, I'm from Spain and I live in Minorca. I study at Joan Ramis high school, in Mahon and live with my family in a house close to my shcool.

Anyway, I'm 17 years old and I was born on 9th March 1994, I have brown eyes and black hair. I'm 180 cm tall, I'm thin and I'm not very strong.

I am really funny, respectful and friendly. Although, when I meet new people sometimes I'm a little shy.
My favorite hobby in my free time is basketball. I'm usually play basketball with my town team as
a eaves. I'm an experienced player but I believe I can learn many things even more, because the basketball is a very technical sport and perfectionist. In front of my house I also love playing basketball in my basketball court.
At the moment, I'm studyng the social Bachillerato in IES Joan Ramis, and in the future I plan to study
economics and law.

I want to take part in the Comenius Project, because I want to meet with people who are from other countries and have different lifestyles. And especially to improve my language skills.

Introduction Elián Rodríguez

2011-06-07T12:24:00.000-07:00

My name is Elián. I’m sixteen. I’ve got brown eyes and brown dark wavy hair. I’m about 1.60 tall and my weight is over 54 kg, I’m slim.
My expression doesn’t match my personality. I can be calm and sometimes inexpressive, but I can be lively too, it depends on the day. I like humour and absurd comedy, but I can be serious when I have to be. I like history and discovering things. I love travelling and I’d love to be in all the Nordic countries, in New Zeland and in Texas. I’m crazy about fantasy and mythology novels. I like metal music, rock music, grunge, blues, punk, folk and classical music. I'm usually thoughtful. I think that it’s good to be critical.
I’m a friendly guy. Sometimes I’m a bit down but I enjoy life.

Introduction Andrea Sintes

2011-06-07T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hello!

My name is Andrea, and I'm 16. I live on a small island, Menorca.I’ve got pale skin but in summer I've get a tan. I’ve got long, brown and straight hair. I've blue eyes.I am a bit shy with the people that I don't know but I am nice and affectionate with the people closer to me. I like staying with my cousins in my grandparents' house. I’m sometimes quite nervous for different reasons. When I’m disappointed with something or someone I'm sad. When I get angry I’m very headstrong.
Seven months ago I used to dance in a private dance school in “maó”.I like spending time on the computer, but not all day, also I like listening to pop music, and love going for a walk with my friends and chat about everything that matters to us. In the future, I would like to go to university and study Business Administration.

That's it.

Introduction Paula de Bustos

2011-06-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

Hi!

My name’s Paula, and I’m 16.I’m not too tall but not small, and I’m not fat either too thin. I’ve brown skin, but obviously more in summer. I’ve got long, curly, brown hair.Personally I’m sometimes absent, but when I want I’m cheerful.I’m ambitious, and so faithful to the people that are faithful to me too. I’m sensible with almost everything I do, I’m also affectionate, and almost always smiling. I’m sometimes quite nervous for different reasons. When I’m sad or disappointed with something or someone, I’m so thoughtful. When I get angry I’m headstrong.Three months ago I used to go to the gym.I love reading and spending time on the computer, but not all day, also I like listening to all kinds of music, and going for a walk with my friends or going to the cinema although it’s too expensive. I love toddlers, and for this reason I want to be a nursery teacher.And that’s all.

Introduction Núria Riudavets

2011-06-07T12:05:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Núria Riudavets and I'm 16 years old. I live in Mahón, but in summer I live in Sa Mesquida, one beach of Menorca. I'm studying 4t of ESO at Joan Ramis. I don't know what I want to study yet. I have one sister, her name is Gràcia and she is 11 years old. My face is a little round, and my eyes are green, but sometimes they appear brown. I have long, wavy and brown hair.I like hanging out with my friends on Saturdays, and I like going to have dinner with them too. I like playing basketball, last year I played it, but now I don't play any sport. In summer I like to stay with my friends, and I always swim, because I like it a lot.

Bye.

Núria. 4t A

Introduction David Lutzenkirchen

2011-06-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

Hello my name is David , some people call me David, and sometimes, but it is not very usual, there are people that call me Lutzen, because of my surname. I live with my mother, her name is Rita, with my father, he is called Pierre, and my small brother Fabian. I live in Es Castell in Menorca. Now I am studying at IES Joan Ramis I Ramis, and I am in 4 of ESO. I am very tall but I am not fat, I think I am fit. In the winter I go to school and I play badminton in my free time. In badminton I am going to fly to Mallorca for a competition when I am old enough. In the summer, it is the season that I like the most, I usually go to Valencia to visit my family that live there, and I have fun with them, but what I like most is that I do not need to go to school. I always get a tan, but I lose it in the winter.If we speak of my character, I think I am friendly but sometimes I am lazy. I, and the teachers, think that I am not a very bad student.

Introduction Alex Vidal

2011-06-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Alex Vidal and I’m 15 years old. I’m from Mahon Minorca. I’m blond, I’ve got green eyes and I wear glasses although recently I’ve started wearing contact lenses. I’m in the fourth year at the Joan Ramis i Ramis Secondary School, where I have been for two years. I still haven’t made my mind up which bachillerato I want to do next year. I’ve got an older sister called Lotti and a smaller brother called Harry.
I’m not very tall ,I would like to be a bit taller, but my mother always tells me that I will be taller than her and she’s 1.80 m, so I live in hope. I’m very slim and sporty. I like all sports and I play in a football team and when I don’t have matches I often ride my bike. I’m quite shy and I’m a homely person, I prefer staying at home rather than going out. I’m very tidy and I like having every thing nice and clean. I like water skiing and last year I also went snow skiing twice, I enjoyed it so much that I would like to go back this year. I’m a hard worker and I’m very demanding with myself when I don’t get the results I want. I’m helpful, I cut the grass and last summer I painted all the shutters at home. Every summer I go to England to my grandparents’ house, to a summer school and I also go every Christmas except this year when I went to my uncles’ wedding in Italy.

Introduction Mónica Tadeo

2011-06-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

Hello!! , My name is Mónica Tadeo, I’m fifteen years old. I live in Mahón, Menorca, one of the Balearic Islands. I am studying at the Joan Ramis i Ramis secondary school. This is my third year here, before I was living and studying in Mallorca, another Balearic Island and the place where I was born. I have got long brown hair. I’m short and thin and I’ve got brown eyes. I’m joyful, friendly and generous.
My hobbies are watching films, reading, listening to music, going for a walk with my friends and I love babies, as often as I can I like taking care of my little neigbours or cousins. When I grow up I would like to be a nursery teacher.
I like sports. I practice swimming 3 times a week since I was 3 years old and walkings about 3 times a week too. In summer I like going to the beach with my friends.
I have a brother called Adrián, he’s 12 years old and he’s studying at the same secondary school than I am.

Wearing uniforms - Loren Goñalons

2011-06-07T08:53:00.000-07:00

There are schools which force students to wear school uniforms. Nevertheless, other schools allow their students to choose their clothes. Some people think that uniforms decrease students’ freedom. There are arguments for and against both positions:

On the one hand, people who are for school uniforms say that uniforms will save families money, because students’ parents won’t have to buy clothes. What’s more, these people think uniforms will cut down on teasing. Another argument for says that uniforms will make it easier to indentify students who are from foreign schools and therefore enhance security.

On the other hand, people who are against uniforms, support their arguments saying that uniforms ultimately cost more. Besides, they say that freedom in choosing their own clothes will make students more self-sufficient. In order to support this idea, people who are against say that uniforms teach children that everyone must accept the same patterns.

In my opinion, schools should allow their students to wear what they want, since everyone thinks differently and is free to express herself/himself the way she/he wants.

TESTING DRUGS OR PHARMACEUTICALS ON ANIMALS

2011-06-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

Many scientists test drugs or pharmaceuticals on animals. But is itmorally correct to use animals for this purpose?

On the one hand there are some arguments for testing drugs with animals: a pharmaceutical products or drug haven't been sufficiently tested they may have undeseable effects. One classic example would be thalidomide in 1960's, when women who were pregnant used this sedative their babies were born with terrible phisical defects. These scientists are very cruel to these animals as some of them die when the drug takes effect. Another argument for, is the drug or vaccine would be tested with animals with a similar metabolism to the humans to see the effects that it might have.

On the other hand, some of the arguments against testing drugs eith animals are: firstly the animals suffer. Animal testing can be false. The responsable to a drug can be diferent from that to in humans. The stress that the animals go through in labs can affect experiments, making the results without sense. Finally the animals have as much right to live as human beings.

To sum up, tesing drugs in animals in my opinion is very cruel since many animals who scientists tested any drug or pharmaceutical product die or theur breed can be born with any terrible physical malformation.

POWER POINT- ACTIVITIES IN TURKEY

2011-06-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

DRAFT PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES IN TURKEY

Abortion - Amanda García

2011-06-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

Abortion causes a lot of controversy. The definition is "the termination of pregnancy by various means, before the fetus is able to sustain independent life"

On the one hand, people who are against abortion think that life begins at conception, and abortion is the same as murdering a person and taking a human life. They also think that adoption is an alternative to abortion and it gives the same result. In addition, abortion can result in medical complications, such as affecting a woman’s future ability to become pregnant.

On the other hand, others say that abortions take place in the first trimester, when a fetus cannot exist independently of the mother, and it’s not considered as a human life, so it’s not a murder. Furthermore, they say that adoption is not an alternative to abortion. Moreover, abortion is a safe medical procedure, it has less than 0.5% risk of serious complications and does not affect a woman's health.

All in all, I think that abortion is not comparable with a murder. In my opinion, the woman who wants to abort can do it. She can decide what she wants to do with her own body, and if she wants to be a mother or not.

Wearing a school uniform- Mónica de Pablo

2011-06-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

A lot of pupils in schools in Britain wear a uniform, but is this a good idea or not?
On the one hand, some people think the uniform is a good idea since everyone in the school looks the same. What's more, nobody can see the social difference. In addition, the uniform is cheap because all students wear the same clothes everyday. Morover, students don't have to spend time thinking what they are going to wear.
On the other hand, the uniform takes away all individual personality and makes everyone the same. Besides, the same clothes don't suit everybody. Morover, uniforms prevent the students from having their individual style which is another way to express their personality.
In conclusion, although many people believe in the utility of wearing a uniform in schools I don't agree with it because I don't like being exactly the same as all the other people. What's more, I believe in the individuality of a person.

SOCIAL NETWORKING

2011-06-07T06:53:00.000-07:00

Nowadays there are many kinds of social networking sites and things like friendsters.com. Furthermore, young people like these sites so much that they spend a lot of time on them. Moreover, they are connected and they join in to meet new people and make new friends to start a relationship.

On the one hand, they aren’t good as they are sites where a boy or a girl doesn’t really meet another person. People can show wrong information about themselves and it could be dangerous. Furthermore, these social networking like Facebook, Tuenti, Twitter and so on can be a distraction for the students as they are a bit addictive if students or people don’t use them correctly.

On the other hand, they are a good thing for a shy person as they can help him or her to be more sociable in public but only if the information about himself is correct and he doesn’t lie. In addition, many people use these sites to find old friends from school or high-school whose friendship had ended.

In my opinion, I’m sure that there are a lot of people who have lied to another person and then it has become a big problem. Therefore it’s better to make new friends face-to-face and in this way you will get to know that person better.

Amanda García - Travelling to Turkey

2011-06-07T04:58:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody!

Hi, my name is Amanda García and I live in Mahón, in the isle of Menorca, which is in the Balearic Islands in Spain. The isle is a little bit small but it’s a nice place, with lots of beautiful beaches and a good weather in summer.

I’m sixteen years old, and I live with my parents and my two sisters. My sister Nayara is twenty-five and she’s studying nursing, and my little sister Ainoa is two years old.

I’m not very tall and I’m a little thin. I have an oval face and a dimple on the left side of my mouth when I smile. My nose is quite normal and my mouth too. I’ve got big blue eyes, with long eyelashes and thin eyebrows. My hair is brown with some blond streaks. It’s very long and straight, but sometimes it’s a little bit wavy.

I’m very sociable and talkative, but sometimes I’m a little bit stubborn. I think I’m a very nice person whom you can talk about anything. I’m really open-minded and trustworthy, I’m sure that when you get to know me, you’ll see that I’m incredibly friendly.

This year, in October, I'm going to travel to Turkey with some classmates with the Comenius Programme.

I hope to hear from you soon. See you. :)

INTRODUCTION - Amanda García

2011-06-07T04:53:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Amanda García and I live in Mahón, in the isle of Menorca, which is in the Balearic Islands in Spain. The isle is a little bit small but it’s a nice place, with lots of beautiful beaches and a good weather in summer.

I’m sixteen years old, and I live with my parents and my two sisters. My sister Nayara is twenty-five and she’s studying nursing, and my little sister Ainoa is two years old.

This year, in October 2011, I'm going to travel to Turkey with some classmates with the Comenius Programme.

I hope to hear from you soon. See you.

IS TELEVISION GOOD FOR US? - CARLOS GOMILA

2011-06-06T22:21:00.000-07:00

Is television good for us? In modern life television is very important. But is it good or bad for us?

On the one hand, I think television is good and useful, but, on the other hand, I think it’s bad and useless, too.

It’s beneficial because you can be informed by watching the news or you can have a good time watching a film, your favourite series or a football match. There are some programmes which are interesting and educational, as well.

Despite having good things, TV also has bad things. As well as informing you, the news can show a lot of horrors which are happening in the world. Not only the news is bad, but some films are bad too, because most of them have violent scenes. And the worst thing is these programmes where people go and talk about their lives, which should be banned.

To sum up, I think it’s useful in spite of having negative aspects. But if the channels improve their programmes, it’ll be better.

WEARING UNIFORMS- GIORGIO MESSARA

2011-06-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

Some schools make students wear uniforms and some don’t. But what is really the best thing? Wear or not to wear, that is the question.

In my opinion, I think that wearing uniforms is a good thing because all the people are in the same statement, they see them as equal and not with different status, moreover , it is easier in the morning because you don’t have to think What you are going to wear . Every day you wear the same clothes. On the other hand , uniforms aren’t good, because if you wear them you don’t see who you are; since you wear a uniform you don’t let your personality go out, for this reason, you close it.

In conclusion, I think that all the people is free to wear what he/ she wants, therefore the school should let students wear what they want,whether it's a uniform, shorts or whatever they like.

Should we ban smoking in public places? - Alex Villalonga

2011-06-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

In 2011, in Spain, smoking in public places was banned. There are many arguments for and against on this topic.

On the one hand, smoking is very unhealthy, and it's expensive. It makes some people spend a lot of money. This prohibition will help them. Furthermore, the smoke annoys people (children, old people) who are around the smokers, and this is as bad for their health.

On the other hand, the smokers say they have the right to smoke wherever they want. But they also think that, in order not to annoy the others, public places should make a special place for them to smoke.

In my opinion, I agree with this prohibition. I would ban the sale of tobacco, but the government doesn't want to because smoking costs a lot of money to the state.

The advantages and disadvantages of public transport - Cristina Picón

2011-06-06T10:00:00.001-07:00

What person has not ever taken public transport? I've been one of those people, and despite some problems you can have, I'm in favour.

Some people think the opposite. They say that sometimes it can be very expensive, especially if you take a taxi or have to travel a lot . Also, another thing some people say is that you can find very strange and unpleasant people, especially in the underground. Not only that but also you have to depend on timetables and if you're not careful you can miss your transport.

Some people say, however, totally different things. For example, they say public transport doesn’t pollute much, since you don’t take your own car. Also, you contribute to avoiding traffic jams and if that wasn't enough you save money.

Finally another thing that people really like is that if you go to a party, you can drink and not have to drive and not have to find a place to park.

In my opinion, I agree with people who are in favour, because although public transportation has bad things, it also has good things and these are good for the environment and people.

Cristina Picón- 1r BTX A

Abortion

2011-06-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

Is abortion a good action? IT is clear that we are killing a person but it depens on many situations. In my opinion abortion is a sensitive issue and I think that it should be legal.

Some people believe that fetus in the first can't live without the mother and it depends on the mother's health. The fetus hasn't got a separate existence outside. I think it isn't a murder. Another thing is that women have the right to decide what to do with tehir body. In addition, no ne can say what she should and she should not do. Furthermore, if the child was born out of rape or the like, it semms to me that it is better abort becuase the mother not expect the baby.

Although some people say especially the Christians, that the fetus is alive and abortion is simply a murder. They believe that nowadays you can't do it. Conservative people that young girls don't know what they are doing.

Personally, I think that women have the right to decide what they have to do. In addition, you can't force a girl to abort because she has a big responsaility and some girls aren't ready to look after their children. I feel that in some situations abortion is the best option. In conclusion, aborton should be legal.

Public transport - Marc Pons

2011-06-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

It’s true that public transport gives people more independency, despite having a car or a motorbike, because it’s scientifically proved that public transport is cheaper than private transport, as well as cars or motorbikes. But, why do not people use public transport when they need it?

On the one hand, public transport is cheaper than any other type of transport , and in fact it’s more comfortable too. I usually go to school by bus, because I live 20 km away from Mahon, and the High School where I study is in Mahon. For example, during the bus voyage, I usually listen to mp3 music or read a book. One advantage of going to school by bus is the good frequence of bus lines in Minorca. In addition, the drivers are very polite.

On the other hand, some people say “oh! I hate going by bus because I hate to miss it”, but I think it’s a question of organisation that some people have, because if everybody was on time, these false arguments wouldn’t exist.
In conclusion, I think that people may change, but it’s a consciousness problem of a lot of societies. Moreover, it’s a political problem, because if presidents and other authorities taught people why public transport is good, these situation wouldn’t exist.

Beauty is skin deep - Judith Massanet

2011-06-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

Why don’t we accept the way we are? You’re ugly or you’re too fat, your nose is too big or your lips too thin. Let’s wear an exaggeration of make-up even though we look like a clown and let’s change our nose although it’s even worse than the first one. This is our society, especially worried about appearance instead of the important things, and wasting money in, sometimes useless, plastic surgery.
Plastic surgery has only a good thing, it improves your body appearance (and not always). On the other hand it has a long list of bad consequences. Do you think you’re totally safe during the operation? If you thought that, you’re totally wrong. There are a lot of risks, for example, surgery can cause infections which are hard to heal. Furthermore, the wound can take a long time to heal, especially if the person is old and depending on the kind of each skin. It can also cause addiction and, unless you’re extremely rich, money goes away quickly. People can even die during the intervention because of chemical products or an excessive bleeding.
However, a lot of people still think that plastic surgery is the best invention ever and very safe. In theory it has to improve our physical appearance, but it not always goes well. You can hear that typical posh and rich woman telling her friend: “I’ve just had an operation, look at my lips, they are perfect now, aren’t they?” Her friend agrees but she deeply thinks: “Yes, you’re much more beautiful with those lips like sausages”. You’ve wasted money to worsen your beauty. The only good thing I think plastic surgery does are liposuctions, because they help the extremely fat people to have a better life and it also improves their health. Nevertheless, I think make-up is good if you use it moderately because it hides small imperfections but it doesn’t change completely people’s face.

In conclusion, I think we should accept the way we are and stop looking at ourselves in the mirror if it’s to see our physical defects. Beauty depends on each person’s point of view. Like it or not, there will always be people who criticize you and the best thing you can do is ignore them. If you don’t like something, don’t look at it.

All students should have a TV in their room - Simón

2011-06-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

It is clear that TV is an entertaining object, above all for children. But, is their academic failure caused by children’s distractions? If the answer is yes, it’s probably bad for them to have a TV in their rooms. But, if the answer is no, can it help them? A quick analysis of the pros and cons will show us the opposite opinions.
On the one hand, the TV can inform us about the world situation. Moreover, there are a lot of educational programmes, for instance, cooking programmes. Therefore, all children should have a TV in their room.
On the other hand, children’s distractions improve with entertaining objects near them, for example a TV. Why? Because when they are young they can’t control their temptations and, for instance, if they want to watch a film, they will do it if they can. Furthermore, if children have a TV in their room, parents won’t be able to know what their son or their daughter is watching.
In my opinion, I am against children having a TV in their room. As they won’t be able to concentrate. However, I admit there are useful programmes and children can learn a lot with them.

SIMÓN ABELLÁN- TRAVELLING TO TURKEY

2011-06-04T08:16:00.001-07:00

Hello people!

I’m Simón Abellán Cardona, I’m 16. I’m from Minorca, it’s a great island in the middle of the Mediterranean. I live in the harbor, but not in the city area, my home is between the sea and the countryside. I’ve got one brother who is studying in Barcelona. He is 18 years old. I’m studying at IES Joan Ramis i Ramis, it’s a nice high school.

I’m medium height, 1.80m tall, thin and slim. I’ve got a flat nose, brown eyes and thick eyebrows. My hair is brown, short and straight. I usually wear jeans with a T-shirt or a polo shirt.

I am easy going and a bit withdrawn. I’m not extremely popular but I’m sympathetic and trustworthy. I like drawing, meeting friends, architecture, but the thing I really love doing is running. I enjoy this sport because it is individual and its aim is to excel oneself. I also run some triathlons.

I have done my description to meet new friends from other countries and to establish a friendship with them.

LOREN GOÑALONS - TRAVELLING TO TURKEY

2011-06-04T08:14:00.001-07:00

Hello!!

My name is Loren Goñalons, I'm 16 years old and I live in Minorca. I study at Joan Ramis high school, in Mahon.

I have got a serious face, a big nose and arched eyebrows. My eyes are round and brown. Most of my hair is black and thick but I also have got some grey hair. I'm 174 cm tall, I'm thin and I am not very strong.
I am even-tempered, respectful and quite modest. When I meet new people I am terribly introverted, but when I know people better I am friendly.

In my free time, I usually play football with my town team as midfielder or defender. Other things I like doing are playing videogames, basketball, reading books...

I have got two brothers. The eldest is called Sergio and he is studying in Terrassa, and the youngest is called Dani and is studying 2 nd ESO.

At the moment, I'm studying the scientific Bachillerato in IES Joan Ramis, and I don't know what I want to study in the future.

GEMMA CAMIÑA TRAVELLING TO TURKEY

2011-06-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Hi guys

My name is Gemma Camiña Conforto and I’m nearly seventeen. I’m from Menorca, Spain (which is a very touristic island) and, specifically, in Mahón, which is the capital. I live in a semi-detached house with my parents and also my little brother, Xisco, who is fifteen.

I have long dark straight hair, dark big eyes and normal nose and lips. I have some moles and a birthmark, as well. People say I have an oval face, I’m a tall and slim girl (1’73m high) and I remind them of Anne Hathaway. I used to wear glasses when I was younger.

I am an extremely nervous and hardworking person, very sociable and friendly, as well. I’m terribly talkative, and I think I’m humorous and open-minded but It depends, of course, on the person that you compare me with. My weaknesses are I’m straight forward and rather stubborn. I don’t like supercilious, critical or rude people.

I like enjoying my time listening to music, meeting my friends, reading, shopping… I love travelling abroad and I like extreme sports but I don’t practice them because Menorca is a terribly quiet island and We don’t have things like that.

I used to play tennis when I was younger and I did judo until last year. I cannot practice any sport now because I want to be a doctor so, I have to study hard, but I don’t mind.

I hope to receive some answers soon.

Helena from Minorca travelling to Turkey

2011-06-04T08:06:00.000-07:00

My name is Helena. I live in a flat in the center of the city with my mother and my sister. My mother's name is Marga and my sister's, Maria. She is thirteen and we are very close. Everyone says we are very similar phisically, but I don't think so. My school is called IES Joan Ramis i Ramis. It is in Mahon, near to my house, which means that sometimes I go there walking. I've been in this school sice I was twelve, but next year is my last year there. Then I'll go to university. Mahon, the city where I live, is a quiet city. It is the capital of Menorca and it has one of the biggest natural harbour in the world.

Phisically, I am a medium-heighted teenager. I have long, straight and light brown hair, and sometimes I wear it in a ponytail. My face is a bit oval and a bit round. I am not very tanned, we could say I am a bit pale faced. My eyes are green, but it is a rare green, because sometimes it seems blue. My lips are normal, nor very thin neither very full.

About my personality, I am an optimistic person, I like seeing the positive face of life. I try to be generous and reliable, and I think I am. I am polite, good-tempered and open-minded, but sometimes I can be very stubborn. I am a bit lazy, specially when I have to tidy my room, which means I'm not very tidy.

I don't have any special hobby, but I love travelling. I spend my free time with my friends. We go to the cinema, go for a walk, go dinner... and thinks like that. I used to go to dance lessons, but now I prefer going to the gym. I like going to the beach, getting tanned and eating ice-creams. Summing up, I like summer. Finally, I can't stand nor ruthless neither narrow-minded people.

I hope your answer soon,
Helena.

BINIGAUS AND COVA DES COLOM

2011-06-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

Santo Tomás has two beaches separated by a headland . The eastern beach ( Playa Santo Tomas ) is deeper with extensive dune systems and lies in front of the mainly hotels area which occupy the front line positions in the eastern part of the resort. The western beach ( Playa San Adeodato ) is a longer ( extending towards Binigaus ) less deep beach with lifeguard, beach bar ( Es Bruc ) plus water sports including wind surfing, pedaloes and Motor boats & water jet skis for hire.

BINIGAUS

Further westwards is the huge virgin beach of Playa de Binigaus which is extremely beautiful, natural and less frequented. Its also a favourite location for nudists but everyone is welcome ( no need to strip and plenty of space if you are shy).

Santo Tomas can suffer from quite strong water currents, so care should be taken ( keep within 40 meters of shore, make sure you are not drifting ) and keep an eye on the red and green safety flags.

Barranc de Binigaus is a fabulous valley ending in a huge virgin beach - Playa de Binigaus. Along the road route there is the well known landmark of Binigaus Nou country house.

Along the Barranc de Binigaus ( Binigaus Ravine ) you will find a spectacular cave called Cova des Coloms also known as the 'Cathedral cave' due to the sheer height of its ceiling (24 meters high!). Previously used as a place of pre-historic worship. Binigaus valley is reached in land from Es Migjorn Gran ( follow the red arrows down a track starting at the old cemetery ) and from the coast from behind Binigaus beach.

COVA D'EN XOROI

2011-06-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

SPECTACULAR BY DAY, EVENING AND BY NIGHT... THAT IS WHAT SA COVA D`EN XOROi IS.

An impressive natural space located in a beautiful cliff on the south coast of the island of Minorca, touched by history and washed by the sea.

A cavern steeped in mythology, open from morning to dawn, full of corners to discover.

In the establishment you could drink an aperitif at any time of the day and night, immersed in a unbeatable natural framework with a quality service.

A view point with spectacular views, from where one can contemplate

the dawn, the sunset and the spell of the moon.

With a selection of the best cocktails, a quality service and the ambient down music giving the appropriate atmosphere, the relaxing sunsets will leave you an indelible memory of your stay in the island.

You can’t miss the well-known ambient festivals with live music that are being held yearly and they count on the best international artists.

A place to dance at night with the rhythm of music from the best international Djs.
With a exclusive and elaborated music program, you will find the type of party that fits you better.

Sa Cova d`en Xoroi, without a doubt a unique not to be missed place.

MENORCA PICS

2011-06-04T01:29:00.001-07:00

Homosexual couples

2011-06-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

Some people say homosexual couples shouldn't be allowed to adopt children from all around the world as normal heterpsexual people do, however I disagree.
These men or women couples should have the right to adopt children as all normal people do. Is true that a child should have a female and a male figure in their education, but having two mothers or two fathers could even be fun! They have the same capacities to raise a kid and look forward to having one, although not everyone thinks that way. Because of people like this, homosexual people don't have the privilege to have one of the best pleasures in the world, a child.
At the beginning the kid could have some problems at school because this isn't normal or socially accepted, but if there start being more kids with parents of the same gender then discriminations would stop. It's said that this is something that society should forbid without any exception forever, but I believe someday countries will modernize and homosexual people will be treated as they should with all their rights, including adopting a baby.
So, only beacause they don't think as the majority of the people will we let them without the benefit of having a child? I think it's a big mistake.
In conclusion, I believe that society today needs to be modernized, and accept that conventional couples aren't just the men or women couple, but can also be homosexual, and we must accept them, because they are humans and for this reason they may be parents too.

ARE BLACKBERRIES AND IPHONES ACTUALLY LIKE SMARTPHONES?

2011-06-03T11:27:00.000-07:00

It's clear that nowadays the new telephone technologies increasingly invade us. Because technology has developed a lot and every day there're more advanced mobiles. Is it necessaty and appropriate that all of us have a Blackberry or an Iphone in our hands?

Obviously, mobile phones are useful to keep in touch with others; what's more, we can connect to the internet, check our e-mail and so on. All of this can be useful, however, what isn't normal is that adolescents aged 17 are attached to their mobile phones day and night.

Some parentS feel bad if they don't buy and advanced mobile to their daughters or sons, because they won't be fashionable.

On the one hand, as already mentioned above, having a mobile phone is serviceable in many situations, we can be in contact with someone in seconds when we need it. In additions, we can take photos, listen to music or listen to the radio, make videos...

On the other hand, there're more disadvantages than advantages, if we refer to students. Despite all the benefits, students are hooked on mobile phones, for instance, in class they're more interested in receiving a message from another student thant paying attention to the teacher. Furthemore, at home they're neither concentrated on their homework due to the message alerts, the comments on networks... In spite of being banned in class, theachers don't realize that the students spend their classes with phones in their hands.

To sum up, at least in high schools teachers should control the use of phones in class, moreover, all that is reflected in the students' marks. From my point of view, the new technologies are necessary in our stressful world and in our quiet worl too, nevertheless, these changes shouldn't affect our daily life, It's more important to have good friends and spend the day with them thant stay at home with the phone saying that we're studying, but actually we're hooked on the computer and the phone.

GRADES - Francina Florit

2011-06-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

This year in first of "batxillerato" the average marks have dropped considerably, many people have had to work hard in the third term to pass the course.

On the one hand we may assume that in previous years we haven't been sufficiently prepared to make a "batxillerato" without problems. The level of the courses proior to "batxillerato" is very low, therefore when you do the two more advanced courses you may have difficulties.

On the other hand we should study and work more harder, some teenegers are very lazy and they don't know how to use their time, moreover we have many technologies which make us waste time, although it sometimes helps us to study but we must know how to use them.

As a result of the grades, many students don't pass course, but many others have worked very hard every day, and theerefore they have passed.
I think we should have worked harder every day and strive for what we want. I thought "batxillerato" wouldn't be so hard.

Cars- Ana Carretero

2011-06-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

I'm going to speak the advantages and disadvantages of cars. Cars are used very by us. However they have got a lot of disadvantages.
On the other hand a car is used to go from one place to another in a few minutes, they are safer than motorbikes. On the other hand they are very expensive and you have to pay for the petrol which is very expensives. And cars pollute a lot.
In conclusion cars are good to go from one place to another when it is far but if both places are near we can go by bicycle, on foot and we shouldn't use the car.

Zoos: are they really necessary?- Abel González

2011-06-03T09:07:00.000-07:00

Humans have always been interested in animals. We have used them for a lot of things: as food, transport, we experiment with them in order to find new cures for diseases... But, of course, which of this things are right? Should we use animals for our own benefit? One of the topics that has raised more controversy is the use of zoos. Are they useful or not? Are animals really protected?

Some people think that animals kept in zoos suffer from isolation. This is true in some zoos, but not in all of them. In some zoos animals are kept in small cages with concrete floor where they can't even move. This animals can't be healthy for a long time and they die prematurely. In addition, most animals are kept there just for entertainment. Many people go to zoos to make fun of the animals kept there, throwing different stuff at them, like cans, cigarettes and food. There have been cases of dead animals due to eating rubbish and, on an occasion, a monkey learnt how to smoke cigarettes. Of course, the zoo used it as a publicity stunt to increase visits.

On the other hand, zoos protect some endangered animals. In a zoo, they are safe and protected against hunters and predators. There, they have easy food and can breed. However, animals born in zoos can't survive in the wild. Zoos also help us to see animals we would not be able to see, like penguins or orcas. And that, in some way, makes people aware of the value and beauty of animals. Some zoos have an educational mission and others are used for scientific research.

In conclusion, although some animals suffer from being in captivity, zoos are important to study and understand our fauna. Most animals could have disappeared without zoos. However, we should make sure that these animals are protected equally inside and outside the zoo.

Wearing uniforms at schools- IRIA FLORIT VIDAL

2011-06-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

Some people think if the students use their behavior improves but doing that that the students can’t express themselves.

On the one hand I think it’s true that violence reduces because the students wear the same clothes, and if they wear the same clothes the socioeconomic differences will reduce, some studies have proved that the learning and behavior improves.

On the other hand if they require the students to wear a uniform they haven’t freedom of expression. Moreover, they have to spend less money on clothing but they have to pay for the uniform, and they also have fewer opportunities to make choices.

In my opinion, I think that a student can decide what he wants to wear every day, because with your clothes you can express yourself, and everyone should be able to decide, because we are supposed to be free.

ARE BOOKS BETTER THAN TV? - Judit Martí

2011-06-03T05:17:00.000-07:00

I think this is an interesting issue. There are a lot of people who don’t like books, they hate reading and I don’t understand why. I think reading books is fantastic, you can forget about everything which is around you; you can feel all the characters’ adventures. I love it, however, television is a constant bombardment of music, images and feelings and you don’t have to use your imagination. There are a lot of advantages of reading books, but there are a lot of advantages of watching the TV too. Which of the two things do you think it’s going to win?

On the one hand, books are much more interesting than television. One of the advantages is that you can learn a lot of things. With a history book you learn about history, with a novel you learn a lot of vocabulary and it helps you to write better than the others, you have facility to write about a lot of things. In addition, books make you forget about your problems, about your life, about everything around you. Your imagination flies through the book’s story; you can imagine everything with a lot of details. If you like the book and it’s a good one, you can’t stop reading; you read until your eyes are red, but, despite of this, you feel very happy. Moreover, books are portable and cheaper than television.

On the other hand, television is something to relax, to disconnect from the world, but when you’re concentrated watching a program or a film… On the screen appear advices. Then, after ten minutes (or more), you don’t know in which moment you were on the film. Television is a very popular medium because of its lots of channels, which there are a lot of types (news channels, comedy channels, music channels, etc). Over 900,000 people watch over 4 hours of television a day. We can think that TV it’s a good thing, but, for example, it’s not recommended for children under two years because it can cause brain dysfunction. With the books this doesn’t happen.

All in all, I think books are better. You can see TV sometime but in my opinion it’s better to read some good books. You can think that books are boring because you have only read school books. With that point of view I agree, I also think they’re very boring. But when you discover a type of books you like, then is when you began to read a lot. For example, I began reading Harry Potter books, then vampire and love books and now I love horror books, where a lot of people die.

Books are a good way to entertain you, so if you don’t know what you have to do, read a book; and if it isn’t good for you, search a good one or watch television.

Bullfighting - Elisa Rotger

2011-06-03T03:44:00.000-07:00

Bullfighting is a tradition in Spain, Portugal, Latin American countries and southern France where one or more bulls are fought and killed in a bullring as part of a ceremony for public display. It’s true that it’s been a tradition for a long time, but I think it’s just a cruel slaughter, not even a sport, that works only to amuse people with a really weird sense of humour.

On the one hand, bullfighting is an established part of those countries culture and supporters say that others should try to understand and respect this. What’s more, they maintain that the bulls are not being mistreated. In addition, they defend their point of view claiming that this sport, tradition and art brings economic benefits to the city council, something that, yes, can be true, but would you kill more than 30,000 bulls in a year to get money?

On the other hand, bullfighting is criticized by animal rights activists, referring to it as a cruel or barbaric blood sport. It’s just a hideous sport (if you can say so) to amuse hideous people, and what they only do is to mistreat the bulls until they die.

In my opinion, I believe that is horrible that people call that as a ‘sport’ when they are just killing cruelly some animals that, in spite of the fact that they have lived a good (but short) life, don’t deserve to die that way. In conclusion, I think that bullfights are just another way to entertain people with weird likes and a cruel tradition that we shouldn’t keep performing.

2011-06-03T03:43:00.000-07:00

Hello,my name is Celia, I'm seventeen. I live in Menorca an island in Baleares, Spain. I'm a usual teenager: brown eyes, long hair,thin... I am always happy and sometimes i get angry. I practice sport, I play football and antoher hobbies is chess. I like barça and I celebrate their cups, go out with my friends and I never watch TV. I like many types of music: rap, pop... and my favourite film is the choristes. Now I study baccaulaurate in the Joan Ramis in Mahon. I haven't got a favourite subject. I don't know that I want to be. I am writting to meet people around Europe.

(NOT CORRECTED)

Celia Velasco Calvo

2011-06-03T03:41:00.000-07:00

WORKSHEETS _ TRAVELLING

2011-06-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

Calling your travel agency
At a hotel: Fill in a registration card
Traveler's crossword
Mr Bean in room 426 part 1. Lesson plan
Travel word match
At the airport: crossword
Travelling by air: dictation worksheet
Complaining about an airline worksheet
Aviation exercise (advanced)
English for tour guides ( vocabulary and exercises)
Travel and culture (speaking exercise)
Airport vocabulary and speaking exercise with pictures
Travel problems vocabulary
Airport check-in speaking exercise
Show me your passport. Immigration (speaking exercise)
Travel Lesson Plan
Traveler or tourist teaching activities ( for teachers)
English for tourism (mainly interactive exercises - practice for the FCE exam)
At a hotel: speaking practice with pictures
telephone conversation: reservation and confirmation (speaking)
Booking a hotel ( picture conversation)
Booking holidays (role play)
Checking into hotel lots of worksheets
Communication in hotels. Worksheets
Flight times information gap (pair work)
Hotel pair puzzle (speaking)
Hotel booking (vocabulary)
Holiday and travel exercises
Hotel reservations and booking (role-play)
At a hotel (role-play)
Talking about restaurant problems (speaking)
Dealing with customers' complaints and incidents
At a hotel (vocabulary)
Hotel and restaurant (exercises)
Letter writing task (vacations)

AT A HOTEL: Lesson plans and exercises

2011-06-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

LESSON PLAN WITH DIALOGUES ( No mp3)
Reorder hotel dialogue (interactive)

RAILWAY TRAVEL (with mp3 files)

2011-06-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

A ticket to London, please 1
A ticket to London, please, 2

CONVERSATIONS AT A HOTEL ( with mp3 files)

2011-06-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

Calling to Get a Reservation

Checking into the Hotel

Requesting a Wake-up Call

Asking the Concierge for Sightseeing Advice
Asking the Concierge for Restaurant Advice
Talking to Room Service
Calling to Report a Cockroach Problem (1)
Calling to Report a Cockroach Problem (2)
Asking about the Hotel Gym
Asking for More Amenities
Asking Where to Make a Copy
Calling to Report a Medical Emergency
Calling for a Wireless Connection
Requesting More Supplies for the Minibar
Asking about the Swimming Pool
Getting a Taxi via the Front Desk
Checking Out
Disputing the Bill
Storing Luggage for a Few Hours after Checkout
Asking the Concierge to Hold a Parcel for Pick-up
Calling to Cancel a Reservation
Booking a hotel room
Telephone facilities. How do I get an outside line?
How do I get an outside line? (2)
Room service 1. I'd like some breakfast
Room service 2. I'd like some breakfast
Checking out of the hotel 1
Checking out of the hotel 2

CONVERSATIONS AT A RESTAURANT (with mp3 files) - READ AND LISTEN

2011-06-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

1. Choosing a Good Restaurant

2. Making a Reservation
3. Being Seated at the Restaurant

4. Ordering Foods and Drinks
5. Ordering Appetizers

6. Ordering Main Entree

7. Ordering Drinks

8. Ordering Dessert

9. A Mistake by the Waitress

10. Making Positive Comments on Food

11. Making Negative Comments on Food

12. Good Tips for Good Service
13. Little Tips for Bad Service

14. Talking Positvely About the Restaurant

15. Talking Negatively About the Restaurant

16. Ordering Fast Food

2011-03-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I am Deniz.I’m 15 years old.And I am from Iskenderun. Iskenderun is a district of Hatay. I’m studying İstiklal Makzume Anatolian High School.Anyway I like to swim , play football , play basketball , play billiards.I’m friendly.And i’m always smiling.This is my special power J.
By the way i like trekking. I love to read poetry.My favorite poet is Nazım Hikmet RAN.
And I think his best poem is Invite.My mother name is Sema she is lawyer and my father name is Müslüm(But he prefers Ozan)and he is lawyer too.I have a brother.His name is Arda Eren.He is six years old.
My favorite football team is Real Madrid.Everyone loves F.C. Barcelona but i don’t.Because Real Madrid is a great team. My favorite player is C.Ronaldo.
I think Mesut Özil is a great teammate for C.Ronaldo.
My horoscope is cancer. In my parents' opinion I am emotionally.I am 1 meter 79 cantimeters tall.I have black hairs and Brown eyes.I am generous and kind(I and my friends Think J ).I love travelling because to see new some places gives new something to me.I collecting toys for my toy collection.My favorite bands are Beatles , Metallica, SoaD Nirvana.But my favorite musician is Jimi Hendrix.And my favorite singer is Bob Marley.(P.S: I am not hippie J )I’m interested in Greekmythology.
I would like to be lawyer someday(like my parents)My favorite subjects are Literature and sport J
By the way i love books so much and I have more than a thousand books specially poetry books.
(den0s@hotmail.com)in the my Hotmail there isn’t o that is zero J beetwen the “n” and “s” J

2011-03-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

In Rome, the Vittoriano monument — also known as Altare della Patria, or Altar of the Fatherland, background right — and the surrounding buildings are lit with the colors of the national flag this week to mark the 150th anniversary of Italy's unification

2011-03-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hi J !

I am Dila Soyer.I’m 15.I am from Adana but I am living with my family in İskenderun now . Now I am studying at Istiklal Makzume Anatolia High School.I am at second class.My mother name is mercan.She is 39.She is an engineer.My father name is ogan.He is 45.he is a banking.I’m only one. I am sociable and friendly.I like listening music,reading book,playing voleyball,go shopping, watching films,going the cinema with my friends.I like watching harror,comedy films.I like maths and biologie. My favorite football team is Fenerbahçe.I want to be a doctor.I think comenious procejct is wonderful.Because We develop english,meet the new friens, learn the new culture.

dila_soyer@hotmail.com

2011-03-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

Hello!
I’m Tuğçe.I’m fifteen years old.I’m from Turkey,Hatay.I go to İstiklal Makzume Anotalia secondry scholl.Ihave got hazel eyes and light brown hair.
I love pop music .I like playing volleyball.I enjoy dancing .I like singing.I like decorating a place.I like traveling..I like discoverying a something.I’m friendly,honest and social.I have got a lot a of friends . I like to wachting TV and surfing in the NET.I would like to be a chemist. Because I love helping people . I want to be succesfull chemist.I want to travel Paris,Italia,Spain,Portugal and Polond.
I want to mention my family .My father’s name is Abdullah.He is a mechanic.He is fourty two years old.My mother ‘s name is Gülcan.She is a housewife.She is thirty seven years old and my sister’s name is Emine .She is a student.She is twelve years old.She goes to Dr.Gani Bahadırlı primary school.
My dreams are very different .Because I love action, different things ,studying and I am very ambitious .For example I want to travel a around the world.I want to do bungee-jumping.I would like to drink a coffee in the top of Eiffel Tower .So I am studying and I am a successful student.

I join in the Project.Because I think it will provise me an advantage in my further career. and I love
to travelling.I like to meeting new friends.I am hospitable so I would like to host you.

My e-mail: ela_gozlum1217@hotmail.com

TUĞÇE KORKMAZ

2011-03-13T00:49:00.000-08:00

My name is Meryem Sağır. I’m 17 years old. I have got one brother whose name is Armağan and a little sister whose name is Leydi. My father works abroad and my mother is a housewife. We live in İskenderun, in a small lovely town in the south of Turkey.

I’m a successful student of İstiklal Makzume High School :) I love Physics and Maths. Because it’s like a puzzle and you need to use your mind wisely. And it is the one of the best things that I do. I also like drawing pictures and doing oil painting. It rests my soul. Everytime I use the colours I invent a piece of my personality in the ways which I draw. And here you can have an idea about my horoscope’s specialities :P (Fish)

By the way I play tennis (not professionally) and my favorite tennis player is Rafael Nadal. I also love NBA, I enjoy watching basketball. My favorite basketball team and player are Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant. I’m a huge fan of Bradley James (Especially his role in Merlin). I think he’s very charismatic. Recently I always advise my friends to watch Abiding Citizen, I think it’s a masterpiece. Because of the exciting, unexpected scenes… and I wanna end this paragraph talking about my pleasure of listening music. Especially I love the style of Madonna, Mariah Carey, Avril Lavigne and Shakira.

I’m cheerful and lovely. I’m an honest person, I tell my thoughts without hurting anybody. I’m not very good at expressing my feelings but I’m not a closed box of course!!! Anyway you decide what a kind of person I am when we met :)

My height is 175 cm. I’m thin and people say that I’m a wellbuilt young girl :) My hair is wavy, its colour is the same as my eyes’. I mean brown.

I have some plans about my future like everyone has. I can’t say that I’m a determined person because other people can influence me with their ideas. But at the moment I wanna be an architect because as I said before I like drawing. I’m interested in decorating and creating new things. I believe I’ll be happy in this job in the future…

I attend this project, because I heard that’s a social project and people from all around the world are united by this project. And as I’m a social person I thought that I have to be a member of this project. I hope we’ll meet soon :)

Contact me: mery_sgr94@hotmail.com

2011-03-09T01:08:00.001-08:00

My name is Júlia Polo, I'm sixteen years old and I live in the port of Mahón. I live with my parents and my sister. They are Manel, Lourdes and Paula.

My mother's side of family is from Barcelona, but her parents are living here now. My father's side of the family are from Menorca, and they are living here too. We are not a big family but we are a very close family.

I have been to many schools throughout the years, when I was only 1 year old, I went to Cormar until I was 5 years old, then I moved to La Salle Mahón until I finished the 4th of compulsary secondary education. Now I am in Ramis I Ramis because in La Salle there isn't non.compulsary secondary education.

As I have said before, I live in Mahón, a little town of Menorca. In my opinion, in winter Menorca is very boring, because there is nothing to do and there's no place to go for us, youngsters, to go and have fun, but in summer is really good, because it has very nice beaches, hot weather and ''fiestas''.A lot of people come and visit Menorca in the summer.

I have long blond hair, almond-shaped blue eyes and thin lips. I'm tall. I think I am an extroverted and nice person to be around with. I hate people who are selfish and they think that they are the best. I love rowing and sport in general, I like listening to music and meeting my friends at the weekends.

Ultimately I think I am a sociable kind of girl but like everybody, I have my dislikes too.

2011-03-08T01:23:00.001-08:00

Helena Urbano Coll

My name is Helena. I live in a flat in the center of the city with my mother and my sister. My mother's name is Marga and my sister's, Maria. She is thirteen and we are very close. Everyone says we are very similar phisically, but I don't think so. My school is called IES Joan Ramis i Ramis. It is in Mahon, near to my house, which means that sometimes I go there walking. I've been in this school sice I was twelve, but next year is my last year there. Then I'll go to university. Mahon, the city where I live, is a quiet city. It is the capital of Menorca and it has one of the biggest natural harbour in the world.

Phisically, I am a medium-heighted teenager. I have long, straight and light brown hair, and sometimes I wear it in a ponytail. My face is a bit oval and a bit round. I am not very tanned, we could say I am a bit pale faced. My eyes are green, but it is a rare green, because sometimes it seems blue. My lips are normal, nor very thin neither very full.

About my personality, I am an optimistic person, I like seeing the positive face of life. I try to be generous and reliable, and I think I am. I am polite, good-tempered and open-minded, but sometimes I can be very stubborn. I am a bit lazy, specially when I have to tidy my room, which means I'm not very tidy.

I don't have any special hobby, but I love travelling. I spend my free time with my friends. We go to the cinema, go for a walk, go dinner... and thinks like that. I used to go to dance lessons, but now I prefer going to the gym. I like going to the beach, getting tanned and eating ice-creams. Summing up, I like summer. Finally, I can't stand nor ruthless neither narrow-minded people.

I hope your answer soon,

Helena.

2011-03-08T01:19:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody!

My name is Stephania, but some people call me Stephy or Nia, and I'm sixteen years old.
I was born in Bogota, the capital of Colombia, in December of 1994, but I've been living in Menorca, an Island of Spain, for six years.
I have two younger brothers whose names are Santi and Victor. My mum's name is Eli and I live with her, with my brothers and with my stepfather whose name's Victor, in Mahón, the capital of Menorca, near my High School which is called Joan Ramis i Ramis.
I'm average-height and I've got medium-length, layered, brown hair with almond-shaped, brown eyes and normal lips, and sometimes when I smile a dimple appears on my cheek.
It's so difficult for me to talk about myself and my personality but I will try it. I think I'm a cheerful, optimistic, reliable and open-minded girl, but when I get angry I don't want anybody to talk to me because I start being an arrogant and narrow-minded girl.
I love listening to loud music, meeting my friends and going out with them, going shopping, watching romantic American films and reading stories for teenagers. I hate disloyal and false friends because they are always lying, and I cannot stand lies.
In conclusion, I think I'm a normal teenager who is sometimes a little bit crazy but who is always with a smile on her face and who loves her family and all her friends.

I hope to hear from you soon,

Stephy

2011-03-04T05:03:00.000-08:00

Hey, my name is Ester and i'm 16 years old. I live in an island called Menorca with my family.
The school where I study is the Ies Joan Ramis i Ramis, there I have all my friends.
I like a lot my city because it's not very big so it's easy to know a lot of people.
At the weekends everybody goes for a walk to the center, the park, the cinema, etc. For the people who have my age there are not many things to do, but we always find something interesting that we can do with the friends.

Now, you know my city a little bit more so I'm going to talk a bit about me. I'm quite tall and I have got long wavy dark hair. My face is a little bit oval with blue eyes and many freckles.
I'm a socialbe and funny person but really sensible too. Something that I like above all is staying with my friends and doing different things with them.
I like so much the cinema and the music too. And I enjoy reading different types of books.
I don't like western films, the maths, peppers and other things in general.

Now you know more things about me and my city, I hope you enjoy it!

2011-03-04T05:00:00.001-08:00

My name is Ivan, I'm 17 years old and I was born on November 24th 1993 in Mahon (Menorca). I live with my parents and my brother. My father is 50 years old, my mother 41 years old and my brother is 9 years old. Now I am studying at the Joan Ramis I Ramis High school.

Physically, I'm not very tall and I have rather long brown hair. I like having fun, laughing. I'm thin and I have brown eyes.

I like playing soccer, but I also like other sports. I do not like mathematics amd philosophy. I play in a football team called CdMenorca.My favourite color is orange.

Hi!

2011-03-04T04:57:00.000-08:00

My name is Neus, I live in Sa Mesquida, which is a summer village in Menorca. Four days a week I live with my mother and her boyfriend and his two children and the other days I live with my father and his girlfriend and her son. I haven't got any brothers or sisters, but I have two step-brothers and one step-sister.

I studied my primary courses at Mare de Déu de Gràcia and my secondary in IES Joan Ramis i Ramis High School.

The place where I live isn't a city, it is a summer village because it is near the sea, during de winter there are very few people living there. It has got a lot of hills. There are many kinds of houses.

I`m quite tall, I have got long, straigh, brown hair and brown eyes. I have been wearing glsses since I was twelve.

I'm a quiet person, honest and I like helping people. I don't like getting in trouble, I am friendly and sociable. I like going out with friends.

To sum up my life is a typical one like any teenager.

2011-03-03T00:46:00.001-08:00

Hi! How are you?

My name is Paula, I'm sixteen years old and I live in Menorca, specifically in Cala Llonga, a housing estate near Maó. I live there with my parents and my two brothers. My father is a doctor and my mother works in a school. My brothers are twins and they are fourteen years old. I'm studying non-compulsary secundary education in “IES Joan Ramis i Ramis”. My optional subjects are history, economy, maths and German, but I am learning English, Spanish, Catalan, philosophy...too. When I finish the High School, I would like to study a university degree, maybe journalism. But I'm not sure yet.

I'm a tidy and responsible person, but I'm generous, nice and funny too, I guess. I really like laughing and enjoying. I'm a bit stubborn, impatient and sensitive too.

My hair is medium-lenght, straight and dark. I have a round face with a lot of freckles. My eyes are brown and I use glasses since I was four. But now, I usually use contact lenses. I'm a medium-height teenager.

Well, I think that's all about me.

Bye! Hugs!

2011-03-03T00:41:00.000-08:00

Hello! ;)

My name is Jansy Duabyakosky Pierola, I’m 16 years old, so I’m a teenager and I’m from Bolivia but I live in Menorca and specifically in Es Castell, It’s a good town. I live with four people, My father, my stepmother, my stepbrother and me. I’m studying non compulsory secondary education in Joan Ramis i Ramis High School. I’m tanned, my hair is short and lank, my eyes are piercing and my lips are thin, I’m medium-height and I’m slim because I love sport and I’m athletic but I’m shy when I meet a new person and I’m pessimistic, generous, sincere, sociable, sensible, loyal and very romantic.

I like studying , playing, doing exercises. I love Chinese and American food but I always prefer my mother’s food to other food. I like travelling an driving but I hate when the people lie.

OK thank you for reading my writing about me.

2011-03-03T00:40:00.001-08:00

Hello,

my name is Silvia Rovellada Andreu and I'm sixteen years old. I'm from Menorca, Spain, a very beatiful island with a lot of beaches. I'm living with my mum and dad. Before my sister lived with us, but now she is living with her boyfriend. I'm studying non complusory secundary education at the high school Joan Ramis i Ramis.

I'm a acerage-height, i wish i was thinner but everyone tells ne that i'm not realistic. My face is round. I'm tanned and i have some freckles(but bot so many). My hair is wavy, i wear it layered.. I like dancing, reading, going shopping and sleeping. My friends told me that i'm a person who alwys tries to help everyone that i can.

Finally, i hope that my description can help you to decide if you want to come to Menorca to meet me. I'm looking forward to your e-mail.

2011-03-03T00:37:00.001-08:00

Hello!

My name is Noelle and I'm17 years old. I live in Menorca,a small island in the Mediterrean sea, with my family. We live in a house in Punta Prima with our dog Sam. I go to Joan Ramis i Ramis High School, which is in the centre of the city. Mahón has got a beautiful natural harbour, which is a wonderful place to have a meal or a drink. What's more,the king of Spain sometimes comes to eat there.

I'm tall and slim with long, stright, blond hair and brown eyes. I think I am reliable, hardworking and sensible teenager,although I can be a bit stubborn and bad-tempered. In addition,I'm ambicious because I want to go to university and study.

I hope to hear from you soon,

Love

Noelle

2011-03-03T00:33:00.000-08:00

Hello,

my name is Álex. I live in Mahon,Menorca.I'm seventeen years old so I'm teenager. I have been living in a flat since 2001 with my family: my father, mother, my grandmother and my two little sisters.Igo to highschool Joan Ramis i Ramis, one year ago I studied in Cormar school.

I am medium-height and fat. I have brown eyes,and brown hair. Moreover I have big ears and a samll nose.Also I have spiky hair and I have sideburns. Futhermore, I have too many freckles and full lips. Besides I have an oval face. However I have never had long hair or dreadlocks. I'm kind and very afectionate. What's more I am very modest and I am very loyal but I 'm very patient and nervious

I like going to the cinema, but I don't like romantic films. I love meeting my friends.Also I go to the swiming-pool every week. Nevertheless, I haven't much time.

I would like to go to study in Madrid and I will get a lot of money

Bye, Álex

2011-03-03T00:20:00.001-08:00

Hello,

My name is Nacho Fernández Gomila and I am sixteen years old. I live in Mahon, a small town of Menorca which is an island of Spain. I live in a housing estate called Malbuger, that's so calm and quiet. I live with my parents, Jose Luis and Ani, and my little brother, Borja. Now I am studying the first course of non-compulsarysecundary education. Mahon is a very small town, that in winter is so boring. The best thing of Mahon and other villages, are the beaches, that are the best around Spain.

Now I'm going to talk about me. I'm a tall boy, I measure 1,84. I have short, wavy black hair. The shape of my face is oval, I have a big nose, two bright brown eyes, and no facial hair. In fact, I'm tanned around my body. I have a normal mouth, with lips that aren't thin, but not full at all. I'm a thin teenager, but a bit strong. Two things that describe me are: ambitious and kind. I always like do things better and be the best. But I am also a sociable person. I am a bit lazy, but hardworking when it's necessary. I am very cheerful and I love jokes. I like being optimistic and frank.

Well, to sum up, I can say that I'm a normal teenager, that the only idea that I have is being happy. To finish, I hope that you come to Menorca next summer.

See you soon.

2011-03-03T00:18:00.000-08:00

Hello,

My name is Cristina Ramírez. I am 16 years old and I live in Menorca with my mum and her boyfriend. I was born in Barcelona. My father lives there so, I visit him on holidays. I study in Joan Ramis, I'm studying othe first course of non-compulsany education. Menorca is a little island in Spain. In summer it is fantastic because there are alot of beaches and at the weekends people celebrate their popular festivities, but in winter, Menorca is very boing, there is nothing to do. There aren't shopping centers, good discoteques...but we are satisfed with cinemas, bowling, a disco and a little more.

Now I have to tell you about me. My hair is long and straight. My face is ovaland I am pale. I'm tall and I'm not fat, I'm wellbuilt. With my friends I am very excited,friendly and funny. But I also listen when one of them has a problem, I become serious. I like going shopping, meeting friends and having fun.

I hope your answer soon.Bye!

Cristina.

2011-03-03T00:15:00.001-08:00

Hello!

My name's Celia and I'm sixteen years old. I live in Menorca, an island in the Mediterranean sea that belongs to Spain. I'm Spanish. I live in a flat in Mahon with my parents and my brother, who is younger than me. I go to Ramis' high school, where I study non – compulsary secondary education, because those students who want to go to university, have to study two years at the age of sixteen and then go to university when they're eighteen. These two years are called “Bachillerato”.

I'm a normal teenager... or that's what I think! I wear glasses since I was twelve and now I'm very happy because I have my teeth straight because I've been wearing brackets for fifteen months and I had them taken off in August. I have long straight brown hair. I have an oval face and a very little scar on my forehead (just a souvenir of when I was a little girl). My skin is very pale and freckled. Now I have brown eyes, but when I was born I had them blue and when I was one year old I had green eyes and curly black hair. I have normal lips (not thin or full). I'm a medium – height girl and I'm also slim. When I study, I'm very hardworking, but I recognise that I'm a bit lazy doing my home task and I'm untidy too. I'm optimistic, polite, sociable and open – minded. The most negative part is that I'm insecure and impatient.

That's all about me! Now it's your turn. I hope you answer my e-mail as soon as possible. Have a nice day!

2011-03-03T00:08:00.000-08:00

Hello!

My name is Andrea Pons Thomas, I'm sixteen years old and I live in Mahón (Menorca, Spain), in a flat with my parents and my little sister who is eleven years old, her name is Marina. Menorca is small island with many beautiful beaches to visit. In fact, in summer I live in a house near the beach, Na Macaret.

I'm studying non compulsary secundary education at the high school Joan Ramis i Ramis. When I was from three to twelve years old I was in school Mateu Fontirroig.

I'm a friendly, negative and good tempered person. I'm a sensible person and care too much about what others people think. And also I like to laugh and have fun with my friends. I'm very untidy and my mother doesn't like that but my room is always tidy.

I'm a short person, I measure 1,57 cm and I have curly brown hair. I have green eyes and a round face.

My hobby are playing basketball, I started playing five years ago and now it is my first year as coach of the team of children, they are ten – eleven years old. I like to chat and connect to Facebook.

In the future, I would like to pass non compulsary secundary education to study to be a primary school teacher.

Finally I would like you to visit me and I'm looking forward to you reply!

Andrea

Questionnaire to the Introduction letters

2011-02-23T14:01:00.000-08:00

Browse through the information you’ll find in the blog http://letstravelinenglish.blogspot.com/ , go the students’ introductions section and answer the following questions:

SPANISH INTRODUCTIONS

1. Is Júlia usually sad?

2. What sport does Carol Melia like?

3. What does Ana Claudia like best about living in Es Canutells?

4. What does Paula Romero do at the weekend?

5. What did Lotti use to play?

6. What does Monica de Pablo do to keep fit?

7. How tall is Gemma Camiña?

8. What would Loren Goñalons like to study in the future?

9. Alberto Marquès mentions a book Joan Ramis wrote, which one?

10. How did Marc Pons break his knee?

11. What kind of music does Ana Carretero like?

12. Has Cristina Ulldemolins got any pets?

13. Why does Simon Abellán like running?

14. When did Francina start to play the piano?

15. Why is Aaron sometimes bossy?

16. What does Gaby prefer doing, rather than going out?

17. What is Rebeca quite good at?

18. Why is Cristina Picón interested in making friends from other countries?

19. What sort of books does Judit Martí like?

20. What languages does Judith speak?

FRENCH INTRODUCTIONS

21. Does Yasmine ever watch TV?

22. Where does Emilien live?

23. Has Lamia got any brothers or sisters?

24. How long does Charles stay in China every summer?

25. Does Lucas speak Italian well?

ITALIAN INTRODUCTIONS

26. Why is basketball a good sport for Sebastiano Peruzzi?

27. What is Valentina’s favourite animal?

28. Where was Nevrete born?

TURKISH INTRODUCTIONS

29. What does Görkem’s father do?

30. What are Büsra Gizem’s plans for the future?

31. What does Buse’s little sister like doing?

32. What are Gamze’s favourite subjects?

33. What is Melek’s mum’s job?

34. How long has Aybars been playing classical guitar?

35. What is Hande going to start?

36. How many brothers has Zeynep got?

37. How old is Yasenya?

38. What is Sarper mad about?

39. Where did Sarah live for nine years?

40. Who is Nil Hazal’s best friend?

41. Who are Natali’s favourite singers?

42. Has Gözde got any brother or sister?

43. Which team does Furkam support?

44. Why does Erol wear glasses?

45. What is important for Dilan?

46. What does Cansu want to improve?

47. What does Akasya keep?

Miquel Orfila

SON BOU

2011-02-14T09:24:00.000-08:00

Son Bou is located on the south coast of the island of Menorca, near Alaior. I have chosen Son Bou because it is one of the most popular places on the island and because it has one of the most fabulous beaches of the Balearic islands. In Son Bou, you can find everything: beach, bowling, water slides, restaurants, shops, discos and a former reservoir.

In general, Son Bou beach is 4 km long and has a campsite beside the pines which are about 20 m from the center of the beach. As you go down to the beach, you can see lots of shops and restaurants. The hotels are on your left and on your right you can see lots of villas and water slides.

The climate varies depending on whether it is summer or winter, in summer the sun shines during most days, and in winter, it is very cold with very strong winds. The most modern building is the bowling alley, located next to the shops, while the oldest thing is the prehistoric basilica which you can see at the eastern end of the beach.

In Son Bou, during the summer, you only hear the tourists speak or screams coming from the beach, but during the winter you don’t hear anything because there is absolutely peace and quiet. And if you're near the beach, you can smell the sea and the dead algae, which are called "posidonia". In summer, you can spend all day on the beach , in the water slides, in the bowling alley, eating at the buffets that offer the hotels or restaurants there, and then at night, visiting nightclubs or bars, which are always full (but only in summer).

In conclusion, Son Bou is one of the best beaches on the island, and that is why, and for all the activities offered in the summer, tourists and the inhabitants of Menorca love it. In my opinion, the best place on the beach and surrounding area is the beach itself and the bowling alley if you like bowling. In short, I would recommend this beach to everyone who comes to the island.

Sergio Toledo

THE HARBOUR OF MAÓ- Feeling a fresh atmosphere

2011-02-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

Menorca is the second biggest island in the Balearics. This peaceful and attractive bit of land can offer you a relaxing place to rest. I’d like to emphasize the picturesque Harbour of Maó, which is really successful due to its natural length. Moreover, our port is located in Maó, which makes it easier to be visited.

Firstly, when you look at your surroundings, you can feel a historical atmosphere, because Menorca was the perfect place for pirates to get power or to be the owners of the Mediterranean. Furthermore, during the summer holidays, our harbour is usually used so as to carry out some exciting activities like sailing small boats, which are called optimist.

Finally, if you walk along the seafront, on one side you will see the dark blue sea, where, frequently, quite big ships moor and on the other side, there is plenty of whatever you want to find, well-known restaurants, busy bars at nights, lively pubs, little businesses, etc. I should say that what I love most are the tasty ice-creams, which are made of several flavours by Italian experts.

For this reason, if you are looking for huge cities, this is not your suitable place; but, who wants big places if you can enjoy yourself in a place like this! you will not only fall in love with it, but you will also look forward to coming back. That’s for sure!

Salomé Mir Sánchez

Cova d'en Xoroi

2011-02-14T08:01:00.000-08:00

Menorca is the island where I live and, where you can find many delightful places, like the place which I am going to describe to you. This spectacular place is a cave called Cova de’n Xoroi situated in the municipality of Alayor on the south coast of Menorca in the middle of a cliff in Cala en Porter, which is a popular tourist resort. In my opinion, it is the best place on the island.

According to legend, there is an interesting story that I will summarize for you. One day a Moorish man appeared on the coasts of Menorca, but nobody knows how. Perhaps he was the only survivor from some shipwreck and took refuge in the cave. Xoroi, which is the Moorish man’s name, was in love with a girl who lived in the countryside. Xoroi kidnapped her when she was about to marry. Nothing was known about the missing girl. But one day it snowed on the island and some footprints appeared and betrayed him. Armed men followed the footprints which led to a cave and they found a man, a woman and three children, fruit of their love. Xoroi and his oldest son threw themselves into the sea, the sea which had brought him and then taken him away.

Cova de’n Xoroi is a place where you can find a chill atmosphere during the day and party atmosphere at night. It is open from early in the morning until dawn. During the summer, every afternoon, people can enjoy the ‘’ambient session’’ from 18.00 in the evening and then at eleven Cova d’en Xoroi becomes a disco with international DJs. There are many parties at night, Ambient live, Dolce Vita, Freestyle, Ibizabla, We love 80’s, Hippychic party and so on, but the most popular one is the foam party.

In this fascinating place in the middle of the cliff, just above the sea you can watch the sunset perfectly from the large terrace. At night you may have to wear a cardigan, as its privileged position by the sea means that when strong winds blow the cold is quite uncomfortable, particularly in the foam party.

This is a place which is different from the other places that you can visit because it adapts to the shape of the rocks along the cliff to make it a fabulous place where you can relax in the afternoon and you can dance like a mad person at night. Cova de’n Xoroi has some bars inside with comfortable chairs and tables. Sometimes it is like being in the Caribbean with the spectacular sunshades.

In conlusion, Cova de’n Xoroi is my favorite place in Menorca. And you shouldn’t forget the camera or you will miss the glorious views.

Carolina García Belmonte

Alcaufar, a place to visit

2011-02-14T07:58:00.000-08:00

In the southeast of Menorca we can find a small beach called Cala Alcaufar, which from my point of view, is the most beautiful place on the island .The small white houses, which are reflected in the blue sea, and a white sand beach just at the end of the cove, make it an ideal place where you can feel calm and relax.

At the entrance to the cove there is a tower, built during the eighteenth century, that rises to the top of a cliff, this is an ideal place to see the sunrise; on the right there is a small beach called Cala Roig with transparent waters where you can enjoy diving and see the seabed.

But the best of Alcaufar is its people. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming, there you feel like a big family. No doubt this little corner of the island of Menorca is a treasure.

Nuria Sintes Gomila

Illa de l'aire

2011-02-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

My favourite place on the island is Illa de l'Aire. It is a small uninhabited island situated in the most extreme south east point of the island of Menorca, just in front of Punta Prima beach, about a kilometre away.

I like to go there because it is a natural protected space and it is very quiet (not in peak season, July and August, of course, because then, there is a large number of visitors). The best time to go there is in spring. It is a paradisiacal place.

Illa de l'Aire is a very interesting place from an ecological point of view. For there, you can observe migration birds which rest to cross Sahara and others that live there all the year, for example an endemic species of the Balearics like the seagull. But the most important animal is the Podarcis lilfordi lilfordi. It's a lizard that is characterized by its large size and its black colour. It's a protected species and if you try to move it away from its habitat it changes its colour into green.

Illa the l'Aire is interesting too to practise scuba-diving and discover the bottom of the sea and to contemplate the sea life.

Of course you have to get there by boat, and you have to remember that it is a natural protected area so it's forbidden to take away animals or plants!

Kasandra Pons

FAVARITX

2011-02-14T07:45:00.000-08:00

My name is Cristina. I live in Menorca, a small island on the East coast of Spain. It has many wonderful landscapes, but my favourite one is called “Favàritx”. It’s located on the north coast of the island. You can go there by car, boat, bike or motorbike because there isn’t a bus which goes there, and it’s far away from all the villages. It’s on a diversion from the road Maó-Fornells. It’s a very well-known place.

There’s a narrow curved way which takes you to a parking area. From there you can see a natural lake and a tall striped lighthouse built in 1922, with lots of steep cliffs and slate rocks surrounding it. There’s hardly any vegetation and no animals (only seagulls flying and other kind of birds). In summer it’s normally hot and sunny like many other places and in winter it depends (it can be sunny, rainy, cloudy…) but the climate is colder than in other seasons, especially when “Tramuntana” (a typical strong north wind) blows. Then, the sea becomes rough and there are big waves.

Even though there are always lots of visitors, it’s a really relaxing and peaceful place. You can hear the noise of waves hitting the rocks and see the reliefs of other coastal places like “Es Grau”, the huge blue sea or the skyline. There, you can smell a marine atmosphere, pure air and swim in its natural pools. It’s also a good fishing area.

I would recommend everybody to visit it because it’s the most famous lighthouse in Menorca. You can’t go into the lighthouse or do anything special there, but it’s a nice place just for its sights.

Cris Melià

SANT CLIMENT

2011-02-12T01:03:00.000-08:00

Sant Climent is a small village in Menorca which is only five minutes from Maó. It's not as busy as Maó, therefore, it's extremely picturesque. I'm going to describe this town during the “fiestas”, which are celebrated in a different town every week in summer, but I think that the “fiesta de Sant Climent” is the best.

The town is small but very pretty, it has a yellow and white church. This is a building every tourist should see. The most attractive place for me is the square, near the church, where the “Jaleo” is celebrated.

The “Jaleo” is a typical meeting of black Minorcan horses and their riders. They jump around the square to the sound of specific music.

When you are there you can see people who are dancing, drinking “pomada” (an alcoholic drink, a mixture of Minorcan gin with lemonade) and you can also hear the music band playing the “Jaleo”. You can watch the Jaleo or, if you are brave enough, you can make the horses jump. It’s the perfect moment to meet many people and have fun.

In conclusion, I recommend a visit to this town in summer , especially during its “fiestas”, because it's amazing and it's an experience that you can't miss.

Natàlia Mercadal Llambias

Punta Prima

2011-02-11T09:47:00.000-08:00

Punta Prima - The best place in Menorca

Punta Prima is a small town with really nice people, It has a beautiful beach where you can swim and spend time with your friends, family or alone. Punta Prima has few inhabitants but they know each other. It is the perfect place if you want to have a good time.

When you arrive at Punta Prima, the first thing you see is the beach, with white sand and plenty of space to enjoy. When you go to the beach, you can swim, sunbathe, play tennis, volleyball, read or play with the sand. If you don’t like the beach, you can go the Hotel Pueblo or another hotel to swim in the swimming pool. If you like sports, you have two football fields, a basketball, a volleyball court and two tennis courts. You can hang out with your friends and when you walk away, you see all the children riding their bikes and going from one side to another. At nights you can have dinner at one of the many restaurants that are next to the beach and later you can go for a walk on the beach with the moonlight.

In Punta Prima, everything is perfect, the atmosphere is really nice because you feel like home. In summer it is full of tourists and many families that live there with many children who spend their time in the street. However, in winter, it is practically empty; there are just the people who live there all the year. At Christmas, it smells like fire and the houses are decorated.

I recommend this place because I used to spend my childhood summers there and I went to visit my grandparents in winter. At present I hardly ever go to Punta Prima, but I recognize I love this place.

Bea Dominguez

Es Grau

2011-02-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

Es Grau : A visit to paradise

Es Grau is a peaceful town in Maó by the Mediterranean Sea. It has a big and fascinating beach but, that’s not the only thing that Es Grau has, because there’re lots of other activities to do if you want to you have fun.

Obviously, a town with a beautiful beach is really attractive to everybody in summer as people can make the most of their free time sunbathing, swimming, playing, diving, spending time with friends…, so it's the perfect place for people of all ages. In Es Grau you can enjoy every moment to the max and apart from going to the beach you can play whenever you want in the football field and basketball court.

The town has a small lagoon near a little pine forest with a fascinating viewpoint where you can observe the whole lagoon. The pine forest also has a route where you can enjoy a really relaxing moment listening to the birds and different animals and which takes you to the end to the majestic beach.

In the middle of the beach you’ll find a stop where you can rent a canoe or different sea-objects. If you’re strong and motivated, you can try to arrive at the “Illa de’n Colom” canoeing which is not too far away. What I like about that little island is that I always feel I’m in paradise. There, the sand is absolutely soft and the water is extremely crystal clear.

Finally, there, people are really nice, there are two quality restaurants and you shouldn’t miss a visit to the “Illa de’n Colom”. I totally recommend a visit to Es Grau, however, be careful because I’m sure if you decide to go there, you won’t go back home.
Marta Seoane