Life is Healthy

I arrived in Madrid earlier this week, as I had to sort my passport out; it needs renewing.
So I went to the British Consulate to see what I had to do.
You get some VERY strange looks when you go into an embassy with a very large suitcase
(it was full of my weeks supplies for work).

The following day I went looking for a camera shop that Scott (Marisa’s son) told me about.
I found it and WOW! Now that is a photo shop!! Some much in there and so busy, it made me realise how little I still know.
Later on was the tapas, our old venue has closed down so we had to use a new one; it’s OK short term but sharing it with football supporters is not a good idea :S

This group was very big maybe the biggest I have had in VT, which on one hand is great on the other a challenge. The meeting room however was a little small for this amount of people; but we managed none the less.

The food started off well, but sadly as the week progressed the standards slipped from day to day - and I'm beginning to look and feel like an egg!

Lots of people meant lots of work and lots of fun. We had some great stories and presentations shared by some of the Anglo’s, it would have been nice to have more presentations from the Anglos though given the amount of them and their vast experiences.

The karaoke was enjoyed a lot and we had a great group of singers.

As for the Masters their challenge was debates, very difficult, but they did well, considering they have never done them before and it was in English. Joaquin shared an excellent story as his presentation; one I may well steal ;)

We had people from all over the world, which was great to see: South Africa, Philippines, Latvia, Ireland, America, Canada, USA, UK, Australia, so an enormous linguistic challenge/opportunity for the Spaniards to take advantage of.

Good luck with the baby Victoria, you will make a great mommy.

I do find it interesting that you give so much of yourself and there is a lot of ‘behind the scenes’ work yet some people still expect more?!

This week was made uncomfortable by the fact that the staff in the hotel told us we are no longer using the venue next year and asked why: as yet I have had nothing confirmed either way and couldn’t offer any comment or explanation.
However, it would be nice to be kept informed of changes for obvious reasons.

The photos of the weeks craziness can be found below

Vaughan Town - Salamanca - Program 194

El noche en blanco (white night) was happening in Madrid last weekend. Basically this is a festival where all the museums are open all night for FREE and concerts and performances take part in the street, it's a very interesting experience and typically very busy.

So at the start of this program when we had 6 Anglos not show at the tapas I presumed they were off enjoying one of Madrid's many parties. The following day however we were still one Anglo short; a simple no-show it seems.

Ricardo worked very hard to get the rooms ready (I'm pleased to say) - as again this was a looming issue for us and our guests.
A very mixed and diverse group, South Africa, Canada, USA, UK, Guana, New Zealand all represented; great for the ears of the Spaniards, and such a mix of personalities too; groups like this are fantastic, we had several veterans return too.
Folks seem to be getting a few tummy bugs lately, so perhaps think about bringing some medication for upset stomachs ;)

In the entertainment hour, we had lots of presentations offered by the Anglos; from one of them talking about his experience with adopting 6 children, another giving us virtual tours of stately homes to making pottery and more besides, so that was great. The sketches worked wonderfully and we have some great photos to prove it, check out the Yorkshiremen ;)

The Spaniards (including the masters) worked very hard on their presentations and storytelling too, with some wonderful performances from the likes of Alvaro and Jose C; Jose has a career in either comedy or stage work - his presentation had me in tears (in a good way you understand), again this reinforces my point of having them video recorded.

The quemada and karaoke went down very well too, which was good to see.
The party was interesting... ...lots of dancing, but also lots of sneaking off to bed early too, so before I knew I was left with maybe half a dozen dancers :S
I don't mind it has been a great week and EVERYONE worked hard and gave so much of themselves they were exhausted by the end.

One small hiccup threatened to dampen what was an otherwise great week, but it was dealt with accordingly and he was removed from the program without any further issues.

The flies this week have been 'a pain in the arse' (idiom), when I return some months from now they will all be gone thank goodness!

On a personal note: I have some tough choices ahead which will affect more than just myself, so I must tread carefully. With such wonderful people that I have the fortune of meeting and touching the lives of, it is making that choice so much harder.

Vaughan Town - Gredos - Program 182

The group I had this week was small; even more so due to 2 Anglos being missing in action.
The levels were average this week, but were all keen to learn and improve.

The theatre pieces went down very well and even though I said I wouldn't be writing anymore sketches one almost wrote itself, after watching two Anglo participants using a computer; so I wrote out the sketch and they performed it wonderfully (wearing their own wigs!)

Karaoke was great too as we combined it with a birthday celebration for Carol, I think the Cava helped get things going ;)

We were lucky with the weather, but that changed dramatically on Thursday, so we did a quiz and I think we had the highest quiz scores ever (smart group you see).
As for the party it rocked until the wee hours with people drifting off at points, David G being the last Anglo amongst 7 Spaniards - Well done!


All in all a great week was had by all, and it was a pleasure to have such wonderful people ;)

One word of warning: if you come onto MY programs be prepared to get involved, I don't like NO's or I CAN'T. These are barriers and obstacles from which you will never break free.
When here do anything and everything! I understand completely that we have lives outside, I understand that some things may make you uncomfortable, but it is no excuse to exclude yourself or not participate; Obama got it right... ...YES YOU CAN!!!

The photos as usual can be found by click the picture below

Vaughan Town - Gredos - Program 180

This week I had the same Masters from the first week I did in Salamanca; they were a wild bunch then and luckily there was no big city to distract them this time.
There was a lot of work to be done though: 3 missing anglos, rewriting scripts, being an Anglo, and of course dealing with all those issues that arise over the course of the week as well as doing my own job.

The weather was.... ....changeable at best! One day sun, then wind, then rain and always the threat of snow!

As this was the masters 3rd Vaughan Town I had to set them harder challenges. I tackled this through new theatre pieces, new activities and turning their presentations into debates, there was little time for them to relax.

Spanish was still being spoken during the week! This is SO frustrating for many reasons, mainly because their command of English is good enough that they have no real excuse to use Spanish and also they know the drill. Really after all this time you would think they wouldn't even consider doing it. (personally if I had only paid 1 euro, I would want my monies worth and stick to English!)

The first nights performances went down very well, and I worked hard to avoid anyone seeing anything they may have seen before (not an easy task). I was VERY lucky to have on the program Lane (wonderful name, and person) who was amazing at playing the violin which she kindly gave a demonstration of during the nights session.
Tuesdays we did Karaoke and left quemada alone (better!).
Wednesdays performance the big one was Carlos playing Dracula and a howling banshee we didn't expect ;)

The party of course was the party and I changed the music for a more up-to-date mix of music as the crowd were a younger group in general and really wanted to let their hair down (boy, we use so many idioms!!)

As usual the photos can be found by clicking the picture below
Enjoy and I'm sure I will see some of you again for your last Vaughan Town in July; better luck next time boys ;)

After finishing the last program and feeling SO ill, I was not sure about starting this one. I have no idea what happened my guess is food poisoning. Luckily, when I awoke the next day I felt considerably better, just a little “dodgy”.

This week’s program took place in Burgos. It’s a beautiful city in the north of Spain; and not too far from where I now live. However, like Salamanca the hotel is in the middle of the city and, in my opinion, far from suitable for the programs objective.
I believe the students learn more and quicker if they are really immersed in the sounds of the English language and not led astray by bars and other influences around them, all too tempting to drop back into Spanish!

Being in the middle of the city meant issues with people going out at night, everynight (however, to be fair, they were up the following morning to do the program), but it is a potential problem.
Also being a city people have friends and family who come to visit, when they are in the middle of nowhere that doesn’t happen.

The hotel as expected had lots of silly problems for us; no suitable music system, changing rooms frequently, changing of bedrooms, 500+ guests for a congress conference, extortionate internet access, not to mention the fact the food was awful (at least for the first few days).

At one point I thought we were going to have a mutiny on our hands, due to the bad food and service in the hotel. Really, I don’t understand how a hotel cannot get the simple things right?
You inform said hotel what our requirements are, advise them of any possible changes that may take place and you agree on the details ahead of time. This doesn’t seem to be happening which in itself, is creating further problems.

The program itself works, it really does; but the external issues are having a bigger and bigger affect on the program and it is being noticed by everyone, staff, anglo’s and of course the Spaniards. Someone needs to address this, BEFORE it’s too late.

This week’s level of English for the Spaniards was low and to me that came across very clear (especially after last weeks group) – the way it manifested itself was in frustration, confusion, tiredness, lack of involvement in the different activities and little socialising outside of their classmates. Really this is a wonderful opportunity that is to be savoured, where else in the world would you meet 15 English speakers who wanted to help you, speak to you, and about you (apart from an A.A. meeting).

The party (if you could call it that) took place in a bar close to the hotel, due to the congress conference, which again was just another issue, the hotel should have never agreed to take the group if they had prior engagements.

Several participants complained about being moved from venue to venue at the last minute, and of course the service and hotels location. I feel for them, they give up their time, travel here under their own steam and invest themselves in a product they may know very little about, I don’t want to start a week with problems as they carried throughout the week.
I want both Anglo’s and Spaniards to have the best time they can have and leave with only happy memories, not complaints and lingering issues. Can this be addressed of course, it takes some planning and communication; which is what our business is all about, afterall, so lets get it right: FIRST TIME, EVERY TIME!

The photos can be found here

Vaughan Town - Burgos - Program 145

I have now been with Vaughan Systems for 2 years. When I first joined them, I could see so much room for growth and opportunity. Sadly I must say this has depleted over the years. The opportunities have not been seized and office politics are getting in the way of work and the good staff.

I have worked for MANY companies and held MANY positions, usually supervisory and managerial levels and typically it’s the B.S. in a company that ruins it for the people on the ground (who are the people that matter and who are also far more attuned to whats going on than anyone else).

The latest ideas and changes are pushing my buttons a little too much. I'm find myself now bitching and whining every week about some new stupid idea that someone in the office has implemented that inhibits us doing our jobs properly - what's worse is it is unfounded, there is NO problem, they're simply looking to create something that doesn’t exist, why?? The million dollar question.

Given the economy I understand savings need to be made and costs cut, but it IS possible to cut corners without affecting the program, sadly the corners that are being cut ARE.

Enough ranting, Spring has clearly sprung here in Spain. With it comes sunshine and pickpockets! Yeah that's right. After meeting the Anglo's last week, I caught the Metro back and two guys walked on, one of them trying sneakily to pick the other guys pocket by hiding his actions under his jacket. Luckily (for the victim) I saw what was happening and grabbed the thief's arm, squeezing his bicep hard and asking him what does he think he's doing, to which he simply replied "que pasa" (what happen), of course this annoyed me and we exchanged glances until the next stop where I ejected him from the Metro.
So be warned! Perhaps as the economic crisis continues in Spain the problem will escalate?

As for the week: It was good we had all Masters, good levels, good personalities and eager to work on their English.
Again a few issues with the hotel, they have decided now to offer a buffet for every meal. Not sure I like that option and due to the fact that the food was almost the same daily it didn't work as well as it could of. Even worse (for me) is the wonderful desserts they used to serve were taken away!
Everyone got to see Salamanca about 50 times due to the weather being so nice, I barely got out of my office.

I was surprised by what some people thought was acceptable to do within the program, perhaps they didn't read what their roles were clearly enough? Needless to say when things go awry, is when new rules get implemented; so expect changes.

It was St Patricks day this week, so we managed to involve a little of the Irish festivities into the program, it was also Marisa Birthday, so we all shared her cake ;)

Emma is here in Spain now starting the Vaughan Teachers program, so good luck with that!
UPDATE: I just heard she has decided to move on from the teaching, hopefully she can find something rather than returning to the UK?

The photos can be found below ;)

Vaughan Town - Salamanca - Program 143

So after a long break from Gredos (for me anyway) I returned. Hoping that a new year would bring a fresh start, and knowing that changes were in place I was prepared for them.
Sadly the changes are in no-ones best interest.
The spa facility cost now needs to be met by the clients - which given the current situation I think is crazy. It's typical that when it was free and available hardly anyone used it, but now you have to pay people are upset and complain about not having access to it.
In my opinion the hotel have made a mistake with this change.

Sadly the food has not improved at all and several dishes were below par - it amazes me that given Spain's gastronomic claims that a hotel cannot get good chefs. The problem with most of the hotels we have used is the food?!? Sort it out people.
If you a dessert fan my suggestion would be opt for Salamanca ;)

The Spaniards in general did an excellent job in trying to learn such a difficult language as English - and this point was raised through some wonderful presentations throughout the week.
Personally I felt the Masters didn't push themselves too hard, which was a shame; you only get out what you put in.

All in all it was a usually fun, varied and interesting group and activities which of course you can see for yourself by clicking the photo album below.

Vaughan Town - Gredos - Program 140

The start of three continuous weeks so a lot of hard work coming my way.
Sounds funny because in England I would work for weeks without a break but now two weeks and I want a break, hehe.

Anyhoo, the week has been a lot of fun, I wrote a few new sketches which were OK, adapted a Tommy Cooper sketch; a little more needed on that one I think.
I also did a painting which turned out very well considering how I did it ;)
although it did take me longer than I expected.

The summer is really hot and nights are getting longer not only because the sun but the participants are not wanting to go to bed - what do you do!?!
This of course causes extra problems at night with parties in rooms and no energy next morning; and for some reason people really do think rules are made to be broken!?

Whilst we are here Lucy the new MC is with the Young Adults program, having done last year I don't envy her at all, but I'm sure she will do just fine.

As for the dreaded party night, well as the village was having it's fiesta this week we thought it a good idea to join them, only the people then decided not to; which was a shame because it would have been very good to experience (I think the walk back put them off), so the party happened in the hotel; without all the trimmings, which I think helps make it but hey!

The new hotel staff have a few issues to work out I think, but all in all the hotel was much better this week than it has been in a LONG time.

Good luck to the MASTERS for the future!! (you know where I am ;) )

Click below for the photos

Vaughan Town - Gredos - Program 88

What a great week! I just love it when it all works as it should.
People sharing and caring and partaking in the week. Some weeks are harder than others but the energy that people bring with them is enough to motivate you to really push yourself and each other and thankfully this group had energy.

This was the first time I (and perhaps Vaughan Systems) had twins in their program. At first it was confusing (especially when they changed their clothes), but I soon got to work out who was who, and then I mess it up when speaking to them, sorry Coral !?!?
miss you both and thanks for a staying on ;)

I must say though the MASTERS on this program have been awesome! no complaints, simply did what was required of them and they did it well, it was my pleasure to have helped you on your journey guys ;)

Lots of activities as you can see from the pictures, and this week was made even more special by having MAYTE as the Director (and what a great job she did, but dont tell her).
Also Eddie (the Wizard) gave alot of himself this week (in fact was happily offering more of himself around, hehe) - ROCK LEGEND!

Anyway I have a home to go to so signing off for now ;)

Just click the folder below to see the photos of our experience

Vaughan Town - Monfrague - Program 118

So another week of Masters on a program! How did it go, I hear you ask...... ......well of course ;)

It took the group a long to warm up I thought, and they all seemed to come with their business heads on which was good I guess.
As for the theatre, they seemed to really enjoy it, but didn't relish the idea of performing in it and again I spent my free time putting together sketches and scripts - (Rowan Atkinson is a genius, and has some wonderful material) for their amusement.

As for quiz night it simply never happened - all too tired!!??!?! Oh well once in a while an earlier night is a good thing, although I was very surprised considering this was the second VT for some and as the presentations didn't need to be prepared.

The weather this week has been awful - great for Spain as it is REALLY needed, but it did mean we were stuck in the hotel for the whole week, pity, its nice to get out once in a while, I felt cabin fever starting to set in!

I have a feeling some may have taken this week more as a holiday; Anglos and Spaniards!
The group dynamics always interest and amaze me, no two weeks are ever the same or have the same feel; maybe this is a reason I enjoy this type of work!?
Movie night was a quiet affair as predicted with a handful of people watching.

Ron did an EXCELLENT job at his improv part (helping hands) a guaranteed crowd pleaser!!!
As for the rest it went over OK. Luckily as time evaded us I didn't do my dance! Phew!
The excursion became the quiz as the weather was so unpredictable and bad; and we hadn't done it already ;)

Moving onto the party - well again all I can say is; strange very strange. I waited for 30 minutes to get ALL the group together for the photo - however some thought football was a priority and others the bar?!?! I think this highlighted the fragmented group (at least for me).
Then at anyone one time about half the group were missing, when they finally came together was at 12:30, when I'm getting ready to wind down the party.
But as a gesture - I know we have all been cooped up in the hotel for the week, I gave them more time.

When the party really did have to finish - tempers frayed (alcohol induced?): its a factor for sure! After speaking to the group and stating the rules as were clearly laid out in Sundays Orientation, I spoke to several people individually about their issues - it was mainly the fact that they felt this week didn't give them the best week they hoped for! (sad but true)

No matter how much I or Carmen tried the group simply wouldn't bond, and as a result frustrations were vented after the party.
Sad way to end the week on a bad memory - however, I will say, this was the strangest group I have had in ALL my weeks at Vaughan Town.

Anyone wishing to do VT for future reference - give 100% you WILL get 100%!

But guys we did share some great moments and to prove it click the folder below ;)

Vaughan Town - Monfrague - Program 108

I knew this week would be interesting when I found out we had ALL master students (15 of them). If you don't know "masters" are Spaniards who do the intensive English classes: 5 hours in class and 5 hours of homework per day for 10 months!!
Generally they are well behaved but on occasion have been known to speak SPANISH!! (shock horror), we normally only have 4 in a Vaughan town, but this week we put them all together.

Sadly we started the week off on a bad note as on the way to the facility we witnessed a car skid, flip and veer off the road right in front of our coach. Fortunately the driver was not badly hurt, but his passenger was unconscious but eventually came round - no obvious damage apart from some superficial cuts and bruises; amazingly and thankfully as the car was a write off.
Our thoughts go out to you, and we all hope you recover quickly.
Then only about 1 mile further down the road another head on crash had taken place!

That aside the week was allot of fun!! We did theatre, presentations, monologues, stories, games, stand up comedy and of course magic! Luckily my new material went down very well so I was very happy about that! What only existed in my mind came to life this week as four wonderful Spaniards went right out of their comfort zones to entertain the audience; and what a remarkable job they did too!! (they got a standing ovation!!!).

In all I was more than happy with the week, Eva did a wonderful job of keeping control and organising everyone and everything (even for her first time). It never ceases to amaze me the job I have and how people come together so well.

as usual the photos of the week can be found HERE

There was a bit of talk about Little Britain - but Catherine Tate is more mainstream and I think funnier as she parodies situations not milks catchphrases. So, when I saw this I thought it was worth sharing, enjoy light relief comedy ;)