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George Orwell Documentary |
culTOURa took Andy Fedak from Los Angeles on a private tour from Barcelona into the Monegro Mountains in Aragon, to follow in the footsteps of novelist George Orwell during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Andy was filming footage for a short film about Orwell and anarchism. Despite crazy weather conditions (hail and torrential rain), everything went smoothly. Filming included anarchist graffiti, war trenches, interview with Victor Pardo – local expert on the Spanish Civil War, and ruined ghost town of Belchite. If you would like to contact Andy Fedak directly about his experiences with culTOURa, send us an
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and we will forward it on to Andy, who will contact you directly.
"This trip was fantastic. It is a definite 10 out of 10. The trenches were really atmospheric and Belchite was devastating. My film is going to work out great thanks to you..."
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culTOURa accompanied Shana Pita on a private tour from Barcelona to the much awaited festival of Vilafranca on the 31st of August, held in celebration of Saint Felix. Human Castles stand out as the defining feature of this festival, and the 40.000 inhabitants of this town pride themselves on creating the largest and most spectacular human castles in history, often reaching heights of up to 10 storeys. The devils of Vilafranca are also star protagonists of the festival, and this year the town mayor was not quite able to give as good as he got from the demons' satirical verses, slating local politics in a “good natured” way! Send culTOURa an
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requesting a trip review from Shana Pita, who will reply directly.
"I was in Spain for one week. This trip was the highlight of my visit..."
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culTOURa celebrated this epic Mediterranean festival with the Brain family at Vilanova IiLa Geltru on August 5th. At this small fishing town south of Barcelona, the summer festival brings together just about every one of the 62,000 inhabitants during some an intense week of processions and dancing. At Vilanova i La Geltrú, a special group called the Falcons perform. Similar to Human Castles, Falcons make huge pyramid structures. The Dragon, Mule, Big heads, Giants...
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On the 20th of July, culTOURa accompanied students from KEI to Madrid and Segovia: two Spanish capitals. After checking into the hotel, students sampled the different types of Tapas that Madrid has to offer, from the pinchos of rustic bars in the famous Calle Cuchilleros to the exploded eggs of the mythic Almendro. Pablo, our fantastic guide, showed students the literary footsteps of important writers such as Cervantes before ending in the Royal palace. The following day, students wondered through the winding passageways of Segovia before visiting the Disney style royal palace. A traditional lunch of suckling pig and butter beans in tomato sauce was eaten in a local restaurant, and enjoyed by all!
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culTOURa took Anthony Jones to follow the River Llobregat on July the 14th from where it springs forth from the rocky crags of the Pyrenees before plunging down valley in the direction of Barcelona. Perched on the edge of the river bank sit the Artiga gardens, inspired by Gaudi’s plans for the cement factory workers next door. The day’s highlights included the big heads of Manresa and a typical Catalan Mountain lunch.
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Students from KEI travelled with culTOURa on the 7th of July to the third biggest city in Spain: the city of Arts and Sciences, Valencia. Known for its long history as exporter of oranges, leader of the fallas tradition, founder of Paella and creator of Horchata, Valencia is now also the proud owner of some of Spain’s most cutting edge architecture. Calatrava, Valencian born architect, is the mastermind behind the futuristic Arts and Sciences complex built next to the old river bed.
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Lava dust and ancient volcanoes were the highlight of this private tour with the Lucos family on the 30th of June. Living life as a local in order to sample local traditions, cuisine and culture was the main aim of the day. Picturesque towns hidden in the heart of the lush volcanic pastures volcanic gastronomy and exploration into a medieval Jewish purification baths were some of the day’s highlights.
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ESEI students visited one of the most important cities in Spain, the first settlement of Roman invaders: Tarragona. Gladiatorial battles were relived in the sea side amphitheatre, while chariot races were imagined in the circus. Students learnt about the Roman influence on Spanish and Catalan culture before sampling a Mediterranean lunch on the 22nd of June…
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culTOURa celebrated the advent of summer in true Catalan pagan fashion at the mountain top village of Duro, in the Vall de Boi on the 16th of June. Originally an ancient ritual employed to ward off evil spirits that affected bad harvests, villagers carry burning wooden staffs down the mountain side. From the village a massive bonfire can be seen flickering on the mountain summit above, as zig zagging flaming fire lines wend their way slowly to the bottom. On reaching the village, accordion players fill the streets as the fire bearers run three times round the village centre …
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culTOURa took Study Abroad students from KEI round Barcelona centre on June 15th. The cobbled walkways of ancient Barcino took students on a time trail through local life. Starting with the roman columns of Emperor Augustus’ palace, students followed the old city walls, ending in the gothic quarter and the bombed out square of Philip Neri.
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culTOURa accompanied Nancy Smith to the festa major of Lleida on May 13th, celebrated in honour of Saint Anastasi. The streets shook into life during acts that were celebrated simultaneously in different parts of the centre. Giants danced through the streets to the rhythm of the “gralles” (a Catalan instrument like an oboe), while just round the corner the first parades of Moors and Christians progressed through the city. Outside City Hall, Human Castles put the finishing touch to the first half of a spectacular day full of Catalan culture. As night fell, the representation of the battle between the Moors and the Christians came to an end with a Muslim victory, giving them control of the city until the next year’s festival.
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Students from the ESEI experienced life as a local person from Madrid on May 4th. Monica, our local guide, took us on a whiz stop walking tour of the most emblematic spots in Madrid centre before sampling a traditional Madrid “cocido”, a special stew made from chickpeas and meat. The past glory of Spain was relived the following day in the ex capital of the country, Toledo. Garlic Soup and roasted starling, followed by Marzipan, were eaten in homage to the traditional gastronomy of Toledo.
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Students from KEI visited the capital city of Girona with culTOURa before heading northwards to Figueres, the home town of surrealist painter Salvador Dali. The strange and stunning artwork is displayed in the old theatre of Figueres, given to Dali by the local mayor in order to present his life work collection. The artist is also buried in the crypt of the museum.
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culTOURa took Telefonica workers to indulge in mountain trekking on the 17th of March. Rope ladders provided support up the sheer rock faces during a spectacular climb to what seemed like the top of the world. A traditional Catalan Calcotada awaited hungry trekkers on reaching the village below.
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The Muslim conquest of Spain in the 8th century has left its mark in the capital of Aragon, Zragaoza, as Study Abroad students from Barcelona Center discovered on the 2nd of March. The immaculately preserved Muslim palace currently houses the Aragon government. As well as sampling local cuisine, Students visited the ruined ghost town of Belchite – a devastating testimony to the Spanish Civil War.
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The Horned Man festival was celebrated in style on Easter Monday by a family from London accompanied by culTOURa. The horns, tree lifting and red costumes were worlds away from the black garbed religious processions of Barcelona center.
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Catalan Omelette Festival |
At one of the most unusual Catalan festivals in the Priorat rsgion of Catalonia, culTOURa accompanied David and Alice Tring to taste the juicy spinach omelets eaten by the Carthusian monks of the Monastery of Escaladei. This dish was invented in the Priorat region by the monks of Escaladei, as a meat substitute during Lent. Several hundred omelets were arranged on a long table in the main square, and everyone participated in the judging ceremony. Prizes were awarded for the three best decorated omelets and the three tastiest omelettes. The monks from this priory gave the region its name - the Priorat (Priory) and transformed this area into a very important wine cultivating centre in the 12th century.
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Study Abroad Students at the Barcelona Centre discovered with culTOURa on the 17th of February how Catalans do it their way at a traditional Catalan lunch, known as a “Calcotada”. Long vegetables, that are a cross between an onion and a leek, are cooked in the open air over vine wood fires. The dirty skins are removed by pulling from one end, and then the soft glistening centre is lowered slowly into an open mouth. Eaten as a starter with a nutty sauce, this meal is completed with char grilled meats and orange deserts.
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culTOURa explored Mont Rebei with Dario Layseka on the 27th of February, an astounding walk through the Catalan Pyrenees, on the border with Aragon. The narrow (and frankly terrifying) pathway follows the mountain wall as it is gorged out by the river. A beautiful and spectacular journey into the heart of the mountains.
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culTOURa took ESEI students to one of the most important cities in Spain, the first settlement of Roman invaders: Tarragona. Ruins that are thousands of years old dot the streets, forming picturesque backdrops to street side cafes. The Roman aqueduct where Gladitorial battles took place between men and beasts contrasted impressively with the sea scape background. Students learnt about the Roman influence on Spanish and Catalan culture before sampling a Mediterranean lunch on the 9th of February…
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culTOURa took Study Abroad students from KEI round Barcelona centre on January 12th. Angel, our official guide, opened up the city’s secrets to our American visitors. The Chocolate trade, Picasso’s footprints and Modernism were some of the day’s highlights…
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