Last week, from October 28 to November 1, we had the pleasure of spending quality time with the wonderful girls and teachers from St. Paul’s Girls’ School in London. Their immersive Spanish experience began with their arrival at Malaga Airport, where our chaperone greeted them. They had the chance to spend some time in central Málaga, where they went shopping, explored the vibrant Andalusian culture, and enjoyed lunch together on a sunny day.
After their arrival at Spark (El Puerto de Santa María), they enjoyed a delicious BBQ prepared by our chef before heading to bed for some much-needed rest after a long day of travel.
The following morning, we started with breakfast on the rooftop, after which the students attended their first Spanish lessons using their new Spark booklets. After class, they headed out on a tour of El Puerto! Guided by our chaperone, they explored beautiful sites like the bullring, the Prioral Church, and the local market—where they purchased ingredients for a homemade paella! They finished the tour with a visit to the Castle of San Marcos. Due to some rain that afternoon, they stayed in the residence and enjoyed a few fun activities, including a lively Spanish quiz that tested their knowledge of Spain. The evening passed quickly, and after dinner, they gathered in the living room to relax and chat together.
The next day, after breakfast and another Spanish lesson, they visited Cádiz, the capital city. Our chaperone introduced them to Cádiz’s main cultural and tourist sites, such as San Juan de Dios Square and the Cathedral. They also visited the Phoenician Archaeological Site, where they learned about the rich, ancient culture of this historic city. With rain returning in the afternoon, the group relaxed at a cozy café on one of Cádiz’s most beautiful streets, enjoying hot chocolate and pastries. They also had time to shop for souvenirs before heading back to El Puerto.
On Thursday, October 31, they started Halloween Day with churros and chocolate for breakfast! Back at Spark, they attended their last Spanish lesson before beginning an activity rotation. They split into two groups, alternating between making paella with our chef Iris and attending a flamenco dance class led by our talented teacher and dancer, Lucía. After working up an appetite, they enjoyed a fantastic paella lunch on the rooftop, which everyone agreed was delicious. Since the sun had finally come out, they headed to the beach to play games and take a nice walk along the shore. They loved it! Later, they enjoyed a special dinner at a local tapas restaurant, savoring a variety of Spanish dishes and eagerly trying new flavors. Since it was Halloween, they also visited a haunted house before wrapping up the evening with a farewell ceremony led by their chaperone.
On their final day with the chaperone, they spent a few hours in Seville before heading to the airport. They toured iconic sites such as Plaza de España, María Luisa Park, the University of Philology, the Cathedral, and the Torre del Oro. There was also time for a bit of shopping and a last chance to appreciate the beauty of Andalusia’s capital. Before departing, they enjoyed a last hot chocolate together in Seville. Their coach picked them up at Torre del Oro for the journey to Seville Airport. The farewell was emotional for teachers, students, and the chaperone alike, as they had created unforgettable memories and strong friendships during their journey together.
We enjoyed our time with St. Paul’s Girls’ School here and hope it was a memorable experience for everyone.
Wish to do a similar tour to this?