TIME FLIES

I can’t believe it, I’m writing the last post on this blog which was created two years ago. Time flies! 
I have to accept when I knew I had to create a blog to write about anything for the English subject, I think “wow, I don’t want to do it”. But then I’ve to admit you get used to do it and you realize you can learn a lot of things doing it. To be in front of a white paper and to begin to think which topic you want to write about it’s really interesting. 
Sometimes you can feel you’re wasting your time working on the blog, but now I don’t think so. 
From my point of view, writing in the blog has helped me a lot to improve my writing skills and moreover, I feel more insecure with my compositions. 
Thank you for the ones who have spent some minutes reading some the posts I’ve written here. I suppose next year I will miss to write on this blog!
Best wishes and good luck!

LÍDIA TARRATS COSTA

CAN LOVE LAST FOR EVER?

Yesterday I read an article which talked about love, and I found this sentence that it made me think a lot: “Romantic love, which they defined as love with intensity, engagement, and sexual interest, can exist in long-term relationships”. 

Do you think love can last forever? 

Well, I know this topic is not easy to talk about but I found it really interesting. I’m only 18 years old and I haven’t so much experience about love, even though I think love can make you feel incredible things in life.

“Blue Valentine” is one of my favorite films and it talks about story of a couple; they have been for a long time loved each other but at the end, they realized their love is finished and we can see the dissolution of their marriage. When I watched this film my idea about love changed a little bit, I know it will be difficult to find a person that I can fall in love for the rest of my life and I’m not those who think love can last forever. 

  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pm6PfBsXHjs&feature=kp

Special day

Last Saturday I spent a fantastic day with my friends, and I have to say I enjoyed more than I expected. 

We wanted to do something different from all the things we normally do, and we decided to spend the day go walking from Roses to Cadaqués.  

Well, this road is named “El camí de Ronda” and people use to do it in 6 or 7 hours. Firstly we proposed to finish it, but then we saw it wasn’t easy to get. That day the sun was shining like on July, and after walk for 3 or 4 we prefered to spend the rest of the day in a beach in “Cap de Creus”.

After a hike like this I have to say I feel more proud to live where I live. The landscape of “Cap de Creus” is just amazing, I’m really in love with it.   

I have to say that this day I also did my first swim in crystal clear sea water. At the bottom of this sentences there is a photo taken by Tura, one of my friends.  

A nightmare

A lot of people said to me that second of batxillerat is the worst year. We’re finishing the course and I can say I totally agree with them. This year I’ve been doing second of batxillerat I cried and live some disgruntled situations. 

In  my case, it’s been really stressfull because I’m an strict student and I want to get all I propose to myself. I don’t know yet exactly the degree I will do the next year, but more or less the mark I have to get to access it’s quite high. So, it means I have to work as far as I can to get good marks and say I’m proud of me to get what I wanted. 

Since the first day we began we’ve heard “Selectivitat” more than a thousand times (I’m not joking). I think one of the things make this year so stressful and horrible is Selectivitat. For me, it’s a pressure we have and something we have to fight for really hard. 

Easter

Two weeks before Easter I was asked to go to a camp as a cooker and taking care of a group of children with other monitors. It’s not the first time I do this type of things and I have to say I love do it once in two or three months at least. 

During the week I’m in the camp I’m disconnected from the world and I have time to relax myself as much as I want. When I they asked me to go I didn’t spent more than a second to accept the proposal. 

Those days were exactly what I was looking for; sleep, live in the middle of the forest, to have time to enjoy with children and to thinking of nothing, and to do whatever I wanted. 

I took advantage of it and I have to say it was really useful because now, after those days different form the routine, I feel like studying and working to get the marks I’m looking for. 

Ireland as next destination

Since I was 15, every summer I’ve travelled to Ireland or England in order to learn English, meet with new people and live new experiences. Every time I’ve gone I’ve spent three weeks in a family and I have to say I’ve felt at home, they are really adorable and friendly. 

This year I want to repeat the experience, and I probably chose to stay another time in a family in Ireland for 3 weeks and 24 hours with them every day. The last time I stayed in Cork, and now I want to change and looking for a family in north of Ireland. 

From my point of view, having the opportunity to travel and spend some weeks abroad learning English is really interesting. Not everyone can do it and I’m really proud and happy to have this opportunity and I’m sure I will take advantage of this experience. 

Selfies

Since last ceremony of “The Oscars”, Selfies have become more and more popular. A selfie is a self-photography often taken with a camera phone and shared in some social networking such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat… 

From my point of view, I like Selfies and I think they are an original way to take a photo, even there are lot of people who say “Selfies” have became typical. Personally I prefer collective Selfies because most of them are funny and really grateful. 

Last Monday I listened on the news a girl died in a traffic accident mean she was trying to take her a selfie. This news made me think a lot and I found it really worrying and dangerous. I say it because I want to make us aware of how far this stile named Selfie can arrive. 

At the bottom of this text we could see this selfie I talked about before. The selfie of the Last ceremony of The Oscars, where we can see some famous actors like Julia Roberts, Brad Pit, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep

Menorca

It was on summer when I was with my group of friends and we were spending the night chatting and having fun (like every day) and when it comes to us a brilliant idea. 

We’re students of second of batxillerat and we’re really anxious to finish this nightmare in the high school. For this reason, this last summer we were planning our holidays in order to celebrate the end of batxillerat. We’re 20 and we’ve got to be agreed to travel to Menorca for “Sant Joan”. We have rented 3 apartments with a swimming pool which are situated near Mahó.

Personally, I really feel like to go there with them and spend 7 days away from work, exams, and classes and only think to enjoy the summer. I hope we will live unforgettable experiences and these holidays will become exceptional. 

A new life

We’re finishing batxillerat and I can say next year something will change my life radically. Even I’m not totally sure which degree I will do, I know I want to go to live in Barcelona and if I can, study in the University named “Pompeu Fabra”. 

To start a new type of “life” far from home it’s something that makes me feel really anxious. New routine, new friends, new goals to get and a new life really different from that I have, for me it sounds really great. 

Even though, I have to admit that sometimes I’m scared and I think that everything will be too much for me. But then I talk with some friends of mine, who are living and studying in Barcelona, and they said to me that there everything is easier than I could think.   

Sweet 18

It sounds strange but I can say I’m eighteen years old! Well… I can anything has changed, but I hope in time I could see some changes in my life.

Even it was on Wednesday and I had to go to the high school, it was a really special day. I was with all the people that I love and I have to say that it makes me the happiest person in the world. 

My family gave me a really special gift that I didn’t expect it; it was a Parachute jump!! Since I was a child I’ve always wanted to do it and now they have given me the opportunity to  I have been thinking and I’ve decided I will do it in June, after “Selectivitat”.

On Saturday we celebrated Eloi’s birthday and mine with all our friends. We did a dinner and after it we went to a party, it was a fantastic night and we enjoyed a lot. I want to say they made me a video with some photos since I was a child until now, and it was really nice and it made me cry a lot. 

Tough EU smoking rules approved

One of the most important and dangerous problem we have in our society is the smoking.  Yesterday, the European Union approved a legislation in order to decrease the number of the people who smock in United Kingdom, concretely. 

An alarming number of deaths which are caused by the smoking have to make us think about the really negative effects it could cause. The European Union estimated that 700.000 is the number which shows us how many deaths are caused across the EU by smoking. 

This legislation includes some rules like: put some pictures covering the packets of cigarettes, a ban on a mental, fruit or vanilla cigarettes, or a ban on promotion elements which aren’t saying the truth. 

Especially, the European Union wants to reduce the number of teenagers which begin to smoke really early and this is an alarming and so prejudicial thing we have to consider.  It’s really important because it an issue that concerns the whole world and we have to pay attention with people’s health. 

On the news, it is said that this legislation will be introduced in two years. 

- MY OPINION

On one hand and as all we know, smoking is a really dangerous addiction that a lot of people are affected by. Nowadays, I think that people begins to smoke so early, most of them being influenced by their friends or another people around them, and for example I want to add that I know people who are under 15 and they smoke every day.

On the other hand, I want to say that I think to smoke sometimes (not every day and for example in some moments you want to be relaxed) it’s not a really bad thing, and also everybody can try it once. But even though, there are some people who after trying it one day, then they can’t help to stop smoking in their live, and this is the main problem.

ban = prohibició 

trade= comerç

flavoured= gust

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-26355419

Influences

Choosing one person who has had a major influence on my life is really difficult. Since I was born I have met thousands of people and I have lived a lot of periods of my life where I have had really different type of person next to me. 

However, if I have to mention one (except my family), it would have to be my teacher at primary school. She’s Marta, is from Tenerife and I met her when I was six. Since the first time I saw her I knew she would be a fantastic teacher, and I wasn’t wrong. Even I was only six years ago, I noticed she loved her work, we could see her passion and enthusiasm for what she did. She was my math’s teacher and I have to say that she rubbed off on me her passions of mathematics, and now I love this subject. 

Also, I remember one day that I fell in the corridor and I broke my leg. That day I had to go to the hospital and my parents were at work and they couldn’t come to the school. I remember it was Marta who stayed next to me all day in the hospital and she gave all the support that I need. Now, she is working in another town, but we keep meeting us from time to time and I’m really proud of it. 

An experience in Myanmar

Yesterday I met Laura, she was one of my best friends when I was 5 years old, and she explained me a lot of things she have done and lived since we get separated. 

One of these stories she explained was about a trip she did three years ago, Laura lived an experience that she will remember all her life. It took place in Myanmar (concretely in the middle of the jungle). As a good traveler, she was there with her parents for two weeks enjoying and spending their holidays. 

One afternoon, while she was in the toilet making her up , she didn’t notice that she had a huge, big and horrible spider near her. Even though it was her father who warned her shouting “Look! A spider on the wall”. Without thinking twice she shouted: “Kill it”. 

At first, they didn’t know what to do because it could be poisonous and they were really afraid of being hurt. All we know that it’s not strange to see such a huge and big spider in the jungle, but it took them by surprise. 

After thinking about what to do, they decided to call the receptionist and ask for some help. Luckily, the receptionist was so kind and he didn’t doubt to come and help them. 

The moment when Laura opened the door was really funny because she didn’t expect to find out five men. As they were used to doing these types of things, they caught a ladder and without any problem they made the spider fall off. While these men were working of it, Laura and her father were standing right there watching the situation really surprised. 

Anyway, now after knowing all about the story, it’s time to think about what it could have happened if Laura’s father didn’t see the enormous and horrible spider. 

Just different from the others

In this post I want to talk about one of the most special person I have meet in my life. He’s a difficult kind of person to be described, but I want to have a go and I will try to talk a little bit about him.

I have met him three years ago and since then we have remained firm friends. There is no one around me who would be such a nice person like him. Everybody who has met him for the fist time says he’s a cold persona and doesn’t have so many words to say. Well, he’s so shy and he has the difficulty to talk to unknown people, but it’s only for the first time. Then I can say he becomes a warm friendly person to whom you can keep talking for a long time. 

He doesn’t know how to hurt a person (I’m not kidding), he always tries to find the best side of his friend and that’s why I love him. Since I met him, he has always remained next to me when I have had a problem, trying to make me happy and help me to carry on with my life, and that’s been very tactful of him. 

He’s an amount of generosity and tolerance and I’m sure I won’t find another friend like him. 

Don't be afraid to say it

The other day in the English class we saw a video that it made me think a lot, it’s named “20 Things We Should Say More Often”.

Well, first of all I have to say I really agree with all the things the kid says on the video, and of course I love how he says them, it’s really funny!
When I started watching the video, and when I thought about one thing that we have to say more often, I thought about one word that it isn’t on the video. I’m talking about one of the most beautiful words we can hear; even it’s something most of us don’t say a lot, I’m talking about the word “I love you”. 

How many times we have wanted to say such a nice thing, even though we haven’t said it? Why? Is it shame? It could be… Even though, I want to say we have to be brave enough to say it to the people we really love (friends, members of the family or that special person that you are thinking about). Sometimes, we don’t care about that but then, when we really want to say it, it’s too late. 

All in all, “I love you” it’s a word I think we should say more often. (Well, I’m talking about real feelings, and I’m not saying that you have to say it to the first person that comes to you, that I think it’s one of the mistakes a lot of people make).

Castelló, a special town

Do you want to spend your holidays near the beach? Or do you want to go somewhere near the mountain?

Since I was born I have lived all my life in Castelló d’Empúries, and I have to say I’m so proud of it. Well, Castelló d’Empúries can give you the opportunity to live near the beach and the mountain at the same time. It’s situated in a recognized zone" La Costa Brava", and here you can find a lot of activities and chances in order to live new and incredible experiences.

It’s between Roses, a fantastic worn that offers a multitude of beautiful beaches, and Figueres which is the biggest commercial city of the zone. Here you can practice great variety of water sports, as well as walking around the mountains, the “Aiguamolls de l’Empordà” or the Natural Park of “Cap de Creus”. Even this multitude of activities, there is also where you can take your time and be a part of the world, relaxed, as long as you want; in a forest without any noise or in the middle of the beach with the breeze.

All in all, I recommend you a lot to come and visit this amazing zone of Catalonia. Personally, have to say next year I will miss living here a lot, because I will have to move to Barcelona in order to study and start a new life. 

Exercise in class

Last day in class I write some writings for the exam, and this is one of the letters I did in one exercise:

Hi Lauren,

Nice to hear from you. About the arrival, it doesn’t matter, because I have thought I can take the train or the bus. Also, it’s better for you, because I will probably be late and you would have to wait alone at the airport.

As you have said, we can meet in the center, but you have to tell me where, because I haven’t been here before and I will get lost... (You know I’m not good at looking for anything around your city). I will probably arrive at 12 o’clock (more or less), so when can we meet?

About going to a café I want to say I would prefer to go at home first, I will be so tired because I will not have slept so much. You know it, travelling is so tired for everybody...

In the evening it’d be a good idea to go out because I will have had a shower and I will have had a rest for a while too. Perhaps we could go to a musical bar where we could chat and listen to music.

Best wishes,

Lídia Tarrats Costa

The intouchables

The intouchables is a French comedy-drama which has become a hit in France. His release date was on 2011 and it’s a story based on real facts. This film is directed by Oliver Nackache and its stars were François Cluzet and Omar Sy, both are the main characters of the story.

It’s one of my favorite films, when I saw it I was really surprised and it made me think about life. I love it because it’s incredible to see how a person con change, and specially see that it’s sometimes appearances can be deceptive.

The story is about a quadriplegic middle-aged man, Philippe, who needs someone to take care of him. He’s quite special and the choice becomes so difficult because he doesn’t find anyone who he really likes. Nevertheless, everything changes when he meets Driss, a young poor man who needs to work for a living and has a lot of problems with his family. Finally Philippe decides to contract him.

At the beginning, taking care of another person is so embarrassing to Driss, but as time goes by they become closer. Philippe learns how to live in a different way and he’s happier. Dress has changed his life.

Even though they are so happy together, Driss has to bear in mind he has a poor family with a lot of problems, especially his little cousin, who is becoming a trouble-maker.

In the end, Philippe says to Driss that he has to return with his family because he can’t live all his life taking care of him. 

Environmental effect

Nowadays, the environmental effect is increasing more and more, even though we haven’t taken conscience about it. Or well, in another words, that everybody says they’re worried about this negative effect even they don’t do anything to solve it.

I think the Public Transport is a good example, because if we use it we are helping the planet not to increase that green house effect. Even though everybody is available to use it, there is only few people do it. Why?

In my case, I use it from time to time for one reason, it’s so expensive. How do they want us to use this transport if it costs a lot?

Another important point to talk about is the timetable. If you don’t live in an important city, you will have problems with it. In my case, I live in a small town where buses pass not so many times during the day, and I have to say some times I have had problems with it. 

All in all,  I think public transport has to be more organized and cheaper, because it’s an important way to reduce the environment.  

The sun people

Last week in class we did an interesting activity, and I want to do a post talking about it.

First of all, we had to think and choose which kind of people we think we are (I have to say I didn’t spent a lot of time thinking about it). I know myself and I also know what my personality is, what I want in life and what I really like of me. We could choose between the sun, the tree, the air or the earth people, four important elements of our lives.

I chose to be the sun people and now I want to explain you why. As a lot of people who know me says I’m a cheerful person and someone who always draws a smile face, and that’s something I really like to hear of me. It’s true, I like to share good moments with my friends, who I can laugh for a long time with and never get tired of.

A legend says “Life’s too short to be serious”, so I follow the instructions very carefully and I try to never get upset in vain, and always be in a good mood. The sun it’s something we think means happiness, life, joy, humor… it’s one of the reasons I chose it for.

Another trait of sun people is one I really like. We are this type of friend who is the only one who always is one time, and then he or she has to wait for the rest of the group. It’s obvious the sun is really timely; I don’t like to be late and make the others have to wait for me, so I always try to be already on time.

These are some of the characteristics of the sun people, even though I have to say I’m a person and sometimes I make mistakes. It’s true I’m not always happy and in a good mood and sometimes I get angry about silly things, and also it’s true I’m not ALWAYS on time. But I try to do it as well as possible. I hope if someday I fall sleep and I’m not on time, someone wouldn’t want to take me off of the group of sun people.