My father

Family will always be part of our lives although we do not like it. It is something given to us when we were born and we must take care of it because it has a special value. This value consists on a hard emotional feeling we have due to human nature.

My most admired family member is my father. I appreciate him due to he gave life to me with my mother. Moreover, I feel very thankful because I am an only child and I am the most important person they have. For him, I will always be his tiny tot. He is the man of my life due to his personality and his empathy. My father is one of these people who you remember the rest of your life for his sense of humour and his multiple personality. I have learnt of him the importance of saving in these hard times or how to be a humble person. He has taught me everything I know.

On the whole, family is the most important issue we have in life and we must treat it with love. Without it, life would be more boring and we wouldn’t like it. I don’t know what I would do without my parents or my dog. Family is everything to me.

Merry Christmas!

See you soon  

How I met my little brother

Today I am going to speak about Nilo, my dog, I consider you do not know the complete happiness until you have a dog. It is very comforting to know that you have someone waiting for you when you come back home. In addition, it is nice that it asks you for strokes when you are sitting on the sofa. Having a pet is one of the greatest things that can happen to you in this life.

Seven years ago, I wanted to have a dog but my parents did not allow me to have it. I was desperate and  I did not know what to do and, suddenly, I had an idea. There was a school literary contest, in which you can write about anything you want, and I decided to take in it. I wrote a poem about my wish and, incridibly, I won! I finished school and a new boring summer started again. One day, my parents told me that we would take a day trip to Alcalá del Júcar in Albacete but I did not want to go because it was too hot. But, finally, I had to go. During the one-way trip,  we were talking about dog's names but I could not imagine that we were going to pick up my dog. We arrived at a kind of countryhouse because it was suppossed we were going to ask for information to a local guide. When the door was open, I saw a girl with a big beagle held in her arms and, in that moment, I understood everything.

I walked into a farmyard where were beagle puppies and I saw one of them which had dark fur. Since the first moment I saw it, I know it was going to be my dog. I called it 'Nilo' because I thought it was an original name and not so common. We arrived at my house and Nilo hid next to the  washing machine due to the fact that he was frightened. It only had two months!

It is like a little brother to me because I am a only child. It is part of my life and I wish it never passed away but one day it would have to. I will enjoy every minute I spend with it.

My year

2015 is almost finished and I want to share with you how has been this intense year. We start a year with lots of great intentions to achieve them during the year but, for one thing or another, we do not accomplish them. Moreover, we thought we are going to do the famous 'bikini operation' but finally we do not do it due to laziness.There has been a bit of all. I have had great moments but there have been others which have been bittersweet. I am going to focus on the good ones.

One of the best moments did not take place this year but it was very close. It was my trip to Seville last Christmas. I had never travel at Christmas and as a consequence it was a incredible experience. It was nice appreciating how many people went out despite the cold. Furthermore, Christmas lighting was very bright and amazing.  The second was finishing high school. I wanted to end but, at the same time, I did not want. I had lived so many moments there and it has become part of my life. There I have been taught how to be a professional person and how to face my fears in oral exams.

But life went on and  I went to an English course in Sutton this summer. I loved this experience because I could learn more about British and Sri Lankan culture. I learnt about the last one in gastronomic aspect because my host mother was from that country and she cooked me some typical meals, which were characterised by spices. And another great discovery I made in England was the figure of the pub. I did not know that in that wonderful places meals were served. I was at 'The moon on the hill' in Sutton.

One of the last best moments was my meeting with Pablo Alborán as I told in other post. The 4th of September has been  and will be one of the best days of my life. I enjoy the concert not due to the fact that I met him, I consuder it was special because I was very close to the stage. The last moment is my first year at university. This is completely different from I expected but I know it would not be easy. It is said that good things are not easy to achieve and university is one of those.

As far as I can remember this has been the best year of my whole life and I hope I could be as happy as I have been in 2015.

Christmas is almost here

That expected and sweet time is coming. Next Thursday is Christmas and it is difficult to believe that this year is almost finished. It seems like only yesterday when we were celebrating New Year's Eve and opening Santa's gifts. In the most important cities, streets are full of bright lights which give a Christmas aspect to the city. In fact, most of the shops start dressing its shop windows with garlands, balls, bells or Christmas items.

On the one hand, many people like Christmas because it is a time when family is gathered and you can see relatives who you cannot see during the year. Futhermore, it is said that you have to be more solidary with those who do not have enough to live. People also like Christmas because they get gifts from their couples or from friends.

On the other hand,  there are other people who do not like Christmas. These people consider that Christmas has become a part of consumerism. People seem obliged to buy something because it is Chirstmas and that would not been in that way. If you want to buy a gift for somebody, you can do it in any moment of the year. All depends on you.

Christmas has to be a special time full of happiness and not marked by hypocrisy.

Back to my girlhood

Last long weekend I returned to my childhood in a special way. I felt as a child watching some Disney films on Disney Channel. The first one was 'Pocahontas'. I love this film due to the fact that its songs tell us we have to take care of our enviroment and listen to our hearts. In my opinion, when I was a child I liked it because of the song 'Colors of the wind' and because of the love story between Pocahontas and John Smith. 

The second one was 'Pocahontas 2'. I had already seen it but I wanted to see it again because I do not remembre how it ends. I wish I had not seen it. I did not like the end due to the fact that I do not remember that Pocahontas turned down John Smith and she got married to John Rolfe, a man who accompanies her while she was in London.

The third one was 'Hercules'. This was one of my favourite Disney films. I like it because I love Greek mythology and it is very interesting realising how Disney can completely change a story to make it more childish. Moreover, I love one of phrases said by Zeus, Hercules' father: 'A true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength, but by the size of his heart'. 

I also saw these films because my classmates and I had to do the Culture project, which was about the sociological evolution of Disney and Pixar. With that project I felt connected to my childhood and my deepest memories. It is said that you are not a kid when you lose your innocence but you can be a kid as longer as you want.

Poverty- Problem and solution paragraph- Compulsory post

Poverty is one of these big issues which go on existing in our world. Beggars have to sleep rough and they have hardly any to eat. Most of these people have had children and due to poverty, they cannot support them and, for that reason, they have to give them up for adoption. Moreover, they are marginalised and they do not have representation in politics. The poor cannot access to education, public health or other public services. As a consequence, they are exposed to famines, malnutritions and diseases.

In order to solve these problems, we should propose some solutions. We should help them not to beg offering them social reintegration plans. In this way, they could do activities in order to be prepared to work and they could be closer to their children. Futhermore, there should be more shelters for homeless people and, in that way, they would not have to sleep rough and they would have a place to eat and get warm. In relation to politics, they should be represented world-wide scale to fight for their rights and make themselves heard. Finally, there should be created special plans in order to let them access to health service or education. They could get an education to stop being illiterate and accessing to health service they would not be exposed to diseases.

30 facts about me

This week I want to change a bit my way of writing and I am going to tell you a bit about myself.
1. I have pale skin.
2. I am ginger.
3. I have brown eyes.
4. I am an average person.
5. I am loyal and kind.
6. It is said I am tender.
7. My friends say I have sense of humour.
8. I am very stubborn.
9. I hate reggaeton music.
10. Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer is one of my favourite writers.
11. I cannot stand junk TV.
12. I love travelling and taking photos.
13. I like to wake up early if something is worth the effort.
14. I have a beagle called Nilo.
15. I like going to the cinema.
16. Quentin Tarantino, Tim Burton or Baz Luhrmann are some of my favourite directors.
17. In addition, Eddie Redmayne or Christoph Waltz are great actors.
18. Greek mythology inspires me.
19. I was going to study History but, finally, I am here.
20. I am fan of Disney.
21. I like writing in my spare time.
22. I love taking photographs.
23. I wish I could live in Italy.
24. I like learning as much as I can.
25. My favourite Spanish singer is Pablo Alborán and the English one is Ed Sheeran.
26. I enjoy playing badminton.
27. I am a bit lazy.
28. I like sleeping.
29. I love doing macrame when I have free time.
30. That is my life and that is all.

The best summer

Summer, that season so long-awaited for both children and adults. Everybody loves it due to the fact that you are on holiday, you can spend more time with your family or friends and you can do whatever you like because you have plenty of time to do it. In addition, you can sleep more hours. Days are longer and longer and can be enjoyed more than in other seasons such as winter or autumn. Many people wish next summer were better than past but, for me, this has been the best summer of all my life. I have passed excellent moments such as my trip to England or having met my favourite singer: Pablo Alborán.

In April, I decided to spend three weeks of July in England to improve my English. I was studying at Sutton High School for Girls, located in Sutton, London. I had four classes in the morning based on the preparation for Trinity Exam, which were grammar, interactive task, conversation and topic class. In the afternoon, along the week, I had different classes such as drama, making a film, sports and dacing. On Wednesdays and Saturdays we went to London by train and visited some parts of it. Moreover, we saw The Lion King Musical at Lyceum Theatre and we could see a little demonstration of Morris dancing next to the Thames. I am looking forward to come back there.

Telephon Box

Morris Dancing

Harrods

Big Ben

The other best moment of this summer has been my meeting with Pablo Alborán and his concert in Murcia. I bought my ticket in February but I did not know what was going to happen on the fourth of September. I was noticed that I was going to meet Pablo two days before the event. I went with a girl who I met two years before, in the last tour. There were other ten girls for the meet and greet who were more nervous than me. Security guards checked ours IDs and let us enter to the backstage. Then, while we were waiting for Pablo, we could talk a bit with some of his musicians such as Antonio de Haro or Porty. Finally, he appeared with his bodyguard  and he kissed everyone of us. Later, he sat on a blue sofa and he started talking to us if we had always been friends. Pablo is a nice guy who is characterised by his humbleness and his closeness. We were with him for twenty minutes and we could give him some presents. In my case, I could not give him something due to the fact that I was studying for an exam and I did have enough time to prepare it. Nevertheless, I had a good time during the record signing and when I was taken a photo with him. I hope many people have the same opportunity as me to meet Pablo Alborán because it will be one of the best moments they remember in their lifes.

Record signing

Meeting

Pablo Alborán with Lolo Álvarez (guitar), Antonio de Haro (bass) and Porty (guitar)

Pablo with our flag

These memories will be always in my heart. If I had not done that trip to Sutton, I would not have discovered other culture and other people. In addition, if I had not gone, my summer would have been boring as has always been. That concert was not special for the fact that I met Pablo, it was special because there was the best summer of my whole life and I could enjoy the event as a little girl opening her Christmas presents. Summer can be great with little things such as these that are big at the same time.

Description of a person- Compulsory post

I know my best friend since I was three years old. She has long blond hair. When she was a child, she used to say that her hair was like a horse's one. She was deeply obsessed with horses and now she practices horse-riding. She is an average person, she is slim and she has tanned skin. She is my best friend because we have lots of things in common. For example, she was born four days before me and our fathers are named in the same way. That moment I have just remembered is when she told me that she could have to go away from Murcia to study Medicine, which was what she wanted. It was a bad memory because I cannot live without her, I look on her as my sister. Fortunatelly, for me, not for her, she could not access to that degree, thus now she is studying veterinary science and she is still very close to me. I need her due to her loyalty and joyfulness. She looks like me. I am afraid of losing her and I do not want her to forget me. If someday we have to be apart from each other, I do not know what I am going to do.

Smartphones- A great invention?

Smartphones appeared in our lives not so long time ago and they play an important role in our world. New electronic gadgets are part of us nowadays but some people are against them because they consider intelligent mobile phones are destroying our society, There are some advantages and drawbacks about that.
One of the main advantages is they make our lives easier. Smartphones help us with our timetables, our social life or our entertaiment. In fact, they have other uses such as keeping in touch with family and friends or taking photographs.
They also have some cons that make us doubt about their advantages. A smartphone is like a little computer holding in our hands and, as a computer, it has a camera. Thus, we can be spied by hackers that can control what we do. We lose our privacy sharing everything we do.
Above all, smartphones are excellent for us for many reasons but they could damage ourselves. We can use them every time we want, but we have to know how to use them properly,

Essay- Most interesting artists in art

Art is known for all of us to being characterised by lots of paintings, sculptures or buildings. It is full of beautiful creations from all ages. Art represents everything in our lives. In addition, it reflects the different ways of life humanity has had throughout the history. In spite of all these excellent facts, there are people that do not like art due to it is boring. It depends on our point of view but some of us can be shocked if we see a masterpiece. Moreover, there is an illness called Stendhal syndrome caused because of having seeing much beauty. Above all, art can be interesting, specially in periods such as Renaissance, Baroque or Post-impressionism with its related artists like Michelangelo, Bernini and Van Gogh.

In my opinion,Michelangelo Buonarotti is one of the most important artists in the world due to being the sculptor of David and painter of many paintings such as the Sistine Chapel ceiling. It is incredible how he could sculpt David only with his hands and a chisel. Nowadays, we cannot find an explanation to facts like that. In addition, he was an immature genius. He sculpted Piety when he was twenty-three years old. A young person as me could not do something like that because of I do not know how to give shape to a marble block. He was and  he will be the best sculptor of all ages.

Many people may not know but  Gian Lorenzo Bernini inherited the sculptural strengh of Michelangelo.He reproduced drama and magnificence in his first works such as "The Kidnap of Persophone", which symbolise the myth called in the same way.He represented in his first works part of the Greek mythology like "Apolo and Dafne". Everybody wanted Bernini to turn blocks of marble into sculptures. Moreover, he worked for popes and private patrons. Bernini was ordered to design the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona in Rome. Futhermore, this is one of the most famous fountains in Rome for many things such as its appearance in "Angels and Demons", a film about Dan Brown's novel. 

Despite being schizophrenic, Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most interesting artists of the world. His works are appreciated by everybody because of they are different of all art; no one has painted as well as he did. One of his best paintings is "The starry night". Futhermore, he said a quotation which can be related to this work: " I don't know anything with certainty, but the sight of the stars made me dreaming." His painting technique, brush-stroke by brush-stroke is pretty strange and extravagant due to he used little stripes,spots and bright colours in works such as "Sunflowers".

Art is not tame. It has a wonderful world to discover characterised by wonderful masterpieces such as  the David by Michelangelo. Art has been changing continously as we can admire in different movements. In fact, Van Gogh was one of the most interesting artists of all times with his way of painting, brush-stroke by brush-stroke. Apart from contemporary periods, in Baroque, Bernini made sculptures more realistic due to he want to show the true mankind. Art does not have to be prejudged, has to be felt and respected.

Introduction and conclusion

Introduction

Art is known for all of us to being characterised by lots of paintings, sculptures or buildings. It is full of beautiful creations from all ages. Art represents everything in our lives. In addition, it reflects the different ways of life humanity has had throughout the history. In spite of all these excellent facts, there are people that do not like art due to it is boring. It depends on our point of view but some of us can be shocked if we see a masterpiece. Moreover, there is an illness called Stendhal syndrome caused because of having seeing much beauty. Above all, art can be interesting, specially in periods such as Renaissance, Baroque or Post-impressionism with its related artists like Michelangelo, Bernini and Van Gogh.

Conclusion

Art is not tame. It has a wonderful world to discover characterised by wonderful masterpieces such as  the David by Michelangelo. Art has been changing continously as we can admire in different movements. In fact, Van Gogh was one of the most interesting artists of all times with his way of painting, brush-stroke by brush-stroke. Apart from contemporary periods, in Baroque, Bernini made sculptures more realistic due to he want to show the true mankind. Art does not have to be prejudged, has to be felt and respected.

Effects of music on our lives

Music forms part of our lives every day and many people say they couldn't live without it. Music has many effects on us such as joy or sadness like the emotions in Disney's film "Inside Out".

It can inspire us joy when we want to have fun or we want just to listen to motivating music. Happiness is a special feeling which can be represented in many ways but, in my opinion, the best is music. Some people believe in music instead of God and, also, they turn up the radio instead of praying. In addition, it is said that classical music produces emotional feelings on babies. For example, when a baby listen to Mozart he can be smiling due to he likes that kind of music.

In spite of all these positive effects, there are other not as good as these.  It can also inspire us sadness or nostalgia. Some singer-songwriters write their songs inspired by facts that have happened to them although it can cause pain. Songs can represent our feelings and we can burst into tears listening to them. Many people, when they are sad, they listen to gloomy music to feel sadder. That can cause serious problems to their minds. If we are sad, we must listen to happy music to elevate our mood not to beat it.

Almost all kind of music help us in our life but we have to know what sort of music listening in the exact moment. We can't be sad when are supposed to be happy. Music is everything to us.

Beauty standards

Beauty has always been controversial especially in the last years. Anyone know exactly what beauty is. For many people can be beautiful a round body but for others can be smart a slim one. Beauty is not defined yet.

Beauty standards were characterized by large hips, big breasts and tight waist. Women were considered goddesses with their round bodies and painted by the most famous painters of that age such as Rubens. 

In spite of our aesthetic history, beauty does not exist nowadays because of the world of fashion. Fashion has destroyed the classical concept of beauty replacing it by skinny bodies without curves. In addition, the image of skinny models has developed some illnesses such as anorexia. Young girls want to be like that models and they think they don't have to eat to being pretty. 

Other problem with beauty is breast and bottom surgery. Women and men consider "beautiful" having big breasts and a huge bottom. I disagree due to it is unnatural. Everyone can be pretty or handsome with its own body, it isn't necessary to change it. Also advertising and famous people such as Nicki Minaj has influenced on this.

It does not matter the body you have because the simpler you are, the better you will look like.

Outline about art

I. For many people, art can be ugly and can be difficult to understand but it is very interesting due to it has great sculptors and painters that make it easier.

II. Michelangelo
     A.He created many wonders such as the David.
     B. Buonarotti was an immature genius.
   
III. Bernini
      A.He turned blocks of marble into amazing sculptures.
      B.Those sculptures represented part of the Greek mythology.

IV. Van Gogh
      A. Owing to being schizophrenic, he painted striking works as The Starry Night.
      B. He used bright colours.

V. Art can be beautiful for everyone if we know the proper way to admire it.



   

Technological addiction

Nowadays, technology forms part of our lives but it's more and more difficult to get rid of it. Many people, especially the youngest ones, can't live without the Internet and their mobile phones. In addition, it has appear a new illness called nomophobia,  which is the fear of being out without your mobile phone. The internet helps us with many items such as work, cooking or amusement but some people don't know how to live without it. From my point of view, technology makes our lives easier although it can make us antisocial. We can illustrate this by acts of children or teenagers due to they prefer staying at home instead of doing sport or going out for a walk. Modern items, such as these, have made our life better but one day they could destroy it.

University

It is said that at university you study whenever you want but it isn't the real truth. It is a fact that you can choose going or not to class but it depends on yourself. In my opinion, it's correct attending to classes because yo have the opportunity of pay attention and you can be in contact with your classmates. On the one hand, you have freedom at university, that you didn't have at high school. On the other hand, you have your exams schedule established since the first day you started university. Thus you have to manage your time correctly. In other words, if you want to succeed at university, you have to start studying since the first day. In conclusion, university is not as easy as people told us.

Comparative text- Series and films

Series and films are ways of entertaiment  but they aren't the same. When you decide to watch a serie, you don't know what about it is going to be. You have to watch the first chapter to discover it. In contrast, in a film you can watch its trailer and you can know if it is worth paying to watch it or not. However, it's better watching a serie due to it goes on every week though a film is available a few weeks. Futhermore, if you're looking forward to watch a special film you have to pay for it. To sum up, I consider films more enjoyable than series because of its term in our minds.

Traditional festivities

These two last weekends have been my town festivities. They are celebrated in honour of Our Lady of Rosary. Also, we have another religious symbol which is Pasico's virgin. It is said that a miner was coming home and he found a piece of stone where was drawing a virgin. Then, that stone was blessing and it was built a hermitage in its honour. As well as, we celebrate some masses. For example, we have one dedicated to Rocio’s virgin and another where people wear traditional costumes and sing regional songs. Finally, last Saturday the parade of floats and troupes take place in the main streets of the town. Clubs’ people do little flowers of tissue paper to create all those floats and troupes. To sum up, my town festivities are so enjoyable and I'm looking forward to next year.

Reggaeton music

Many people listen to this kind of music, but they don't realise its chauvinist lyrics. Reggaeton is used in parties and discos to having fun and dancing but songs' contents is insulting. Singers describe women as sexual objects and they haven't respect to them. In these songs, men are considered alpha men because they are supposed to control women. Generally, Reggaeton is a sexist music. There has been lots of  campaigns against chauvinism in reggaeton, defending specially by women. They don't want to be objects, they can't stand manners like those mentioned previously. Despite having bad lyrics, its music is awful and repetitive.It is always used the same rhythm. I considered this music so depraved and many people agree  it should change.

Driving classes

This week has been very stifling for many things such as my driving classes. All started when I failed my first driving test in September, so I have another opportunity to do it again. I have been waking up different days at seven o'clock to drive and make my practices in Cartagena. It's horrible driving all the mornings and then arriving home tired. I know how to drive but maybe, in some cases, I can get nervous and I don't know what to do. For that reason I failed my first exam.
My driving teacher has told me that my examiner is from Cartagena and it is said that Cartagena's examiners are the worst and many people failed with them. I didn't want to get my driving licence this year because I'm living in Murcia now and I don't need a car in a big city. But my parents insisted in that so I had to do it, under preassure.
This time,  I hope not to fail my exam and pass the exam at least.

The Giant's Causeway

This place is known as the Giant's Causeway, which is located in Antrim, Nothern Ireland. You can see hexagon shaped rocks like columns, and then you ask yourself how nature can create that. They look like a work of an abstract artist but they are sixty millions years old. In this picture, that place can look like small and not too wide, but perhaps it is bigger and not so narrower as you can expect. The atmosphere is cold because of the waves crashing into these rocks. It looks like an island but if you realise something, you can see an isthmus. For me, it can represent melancholy but at the same time, only looking at it, I can realise that is very ancient and unspoilt. In addition, it reminds me to a Romantic painting in which the main character is looking to the brave sea, representing the loneliness of Romantic writers. Also it is a bit similar to the cliffs which appear in Pride and Prejudice.
To sum up, I have to say that place inspired me to be relaxed and feel comfortable with myself.

Review of a book

I decided starting reading Pride and Prejudice after I had seen its film. The film looked quite good, even the personification of the characters was amazing. I chose that book because I liked the type of story. It was an heroic act on Jane Austen behalf writing about a woman who didn't want to get married with a man she didn't love. Elisabeth Bennet wanted to be in love to get married. I was very impacted because of its writing style, which had lots of words that I didn't know. Reading it was a bit boring because I was sixteen and my mind couldn't put up with that excellent masterpiece. I'm not saying that it was boring, I'm saying that, because of my short age, reading it was difficult for me. It was a great experience reading it, imagining all the landscapes of England and dreaming one day visiting Pemberly, on my dreams, of course.

Fear and Proud

Fear of not knowing somebody.
Fear of loving and not being loved.
Fear of missing a best friend.
Fear of hating what you love.
Fear of trusting in someone and then being betrayed.
Fear of not enjoying the best moments of my life.
Fear of not trusting somebody.
Fear of spiders.
Fear of not being myself.
Proud of having found myself.
Proud of the strengh of my parents.
Proud of having passed my more difficult  exams.
Proud of having abandoned that people who made me feel bad.
Proud of being brave.
Proud of having defeated my fears.

Practice 1

The most beautiful cities in my country.
I think one of the most beautiful cities is Granada, located in the South of Spain. I have fallen in love with it because of its culture, art and people. Especially I love all types of tea shops in the city because they remind me most of the fairytales in "One Thousand and One Nights". Another interesting city in this area is Seville. This city won my heart only with two simple things: visiting Royal Alcazar and going our for a walk in Spain Square. Also in the Northeast of my country there is a city which it isn't considered Spanish itself and it's called Barcelona. It is famous, overall, for its architecture and the architect Gaudí. I think is incredible how his mind could create that wonders. Spain has so many beautiful  and different landscapes for example the vegetation in Galicia or the desert in Almería. It is a great country to discover.