Sunday

Recovery & Reflection

Relájate con una tranquila caminata en la Ciclovía, un brunch en Manila y una noche en la azotea. Reflexiona sobre tu viaje de español y el encanto inolvidable de Medellín.

Morning Activity

Today we're going to put everything you learned from your Medellin Spanish course into practice. Start your final day in Medellin by embracing the city's healthy lifestyle with a walk along the Ciclovia.

Every Sunday from 7am to 1pm, a network of main roads are closed to traffic, allowing pedestrians, cyclists, and rollerbladers to reclaim the roads for recreational activities.

If you love dogs, expect to see loads huffing and puffing as they get their daily exercise with their devoted owners. Colombians love their dogs and if you greet all the passing dogs you might even get the chance to meet and speak with the locals!

Ciclovía - open streets for pedestrians/cyclists
Peatón - pedestrian
Ciclista - cyclist
Caminata - walk
Ejercicio - exercise
Descanso - rest
Carril - lane
Parqueadero de bicicletas - bike parking
Señalización - signage
Casco - helmet
Patineta - skateboard
Patines - rollerblades
Recreación - recreation
Ruta - route
Ambiente - atmosphere
Parque - park
Actividad física - physical activity
Transporte público - public transportation
Punto de encuentro - meeting point
Circuito - circuit

Quiero caminar por el carril de la Ciclovía.
I want to walk along the Ciclovía lane.
¿Dónde está el parqueadero de bicicletas más cercano?
Where is the nearest bike parking?
Es muy divertido ver a los ciclistas y peatones compartiendo el espacio.
It’s fun to see cyclists and pedestrians sharing the space.
Hoy, la Ciclovía tiene un ambiente muy relajado y perfecto para el ejercicio.
Today, the Ciclovía has a very relaxed atmosphere, perfect for exercise.
La señalización en la Ciclovía hace que sea fácil encontrar los diferentes puntos de encuentro.
The signage on the Ciclovía makes it easy to find the different meeting points.

Explore the Route:

Exercise: Walk or ride along the Ciclovía and describe your surroundings. Use phrases like “Hay muchas personas en bicicleta” or “El ambiente es muy animado.”

Goal: Practice observational language, connecting vocabulary to real-world experiences in the open street setting.

Ask for Directions:

Exercise: Approach a fellow participant or a guide to ask for directions to specific points, such as the bike parking area or a rest stop. Use questions like “¿Dónde puedo dejar mi bicicleta?”

Goal: Improve directional vocabulary and interact with others in a casual outdoor environment.

Participate in a Group Stretch or Activity:

Exercise: Join a group stretch or exercise session if available, and try to follow instructions in Spanish. Ask questions like “¿Cuánto dura la actividad?”

Goal: Build listening comprehension in a physical activity setting, practicing real-time language response.

Interview a Local:

Exercise: Ask a local participant about their experience with Ciclovía. Use questions like “¿Viene aquí todos los domingos?” or “¿Qué le gusta hacer en la Ciclovía?”

Goal: Engage in conversation, practicing question-asking and active listening.

Afternoon Activity

After your morning exercise, head to the charming cafes of the bohemian El Poblado neighborhood district of Manila, for a leisurely brunch.

Manila is known for its cozy, neighbourhood-focused cafes that serve up delectable midday treats, we recommend Cambria, Hija Mia and Ohlala.

Enjoy delicious treats while reflecting on your week - share stories with your friends, fellow students or maybe newly met locals about what you’ve learned this week!

Brunch - brunch
Cafetería - café
Mesero - waiter
Carta - menu
Opciones veganas - vegan options
Té chai - chai tea
Batido - smoothie
Avena - oatmeal
Bagel - bagel
Croissant - croissant
Huevos benedictinos - eggs benedict
Jugo fresco - fresh juice
Decoración - decor
Bohemio - bohemian
Especialidad - specialty
Panadería - bakery
Estilo - style
Local - local
Amistoso - friendly
Silla cómoda - comfortable chair

Me gustaría probar un batido y un croissant, por favor.
I’d like to try a smoothie and a croissant, please.
Este lugar tiene una decoración bohemia muy acogedora.
This place has a very cozy bohemian decor.
¿Qué especialidades tienen para el brunch hoy?
What specialties do you have for brunch today?
La carta ofrece muchas opciones veganas, lo cual me encanta.
The menu offers many vegan options, which I love.
Este café local tiene un estilo único y una atmósfera muy amistosa.
This local café has a unique style and a very friendly atmosphere.

Order and Describe Your Food:

Exercise: Order your brunch in Spanish, and once it arrives, describe its taste, texture, and appearance to a friend. Use phrases like “Este batido es refrescante” or “El croissant es crujiente.”

Goal: Practice ordering food and expand vocabulary related to taste and texture.

Ask for Recommendations:

Exercise: Ask the waiter for their recommendations on popular brunch items. Use questions like “¿Qué recomienda para el brunch?”

Goal: Build conversational skills in a dining setting, practicing polite question-asking and learning about local food preferences.

Describe the Café’s Atmosphere:

Exercise: Describe the café’s style, decor, and ambiance. Use phrases like “La decoración es bohemia” or “El ambiente es muy tranquilo.”

Goal: Develop vocabulary related to surroundings, practicing expressive language in a café setting.

Engage in Small Talk with a Local:

Exercise: Strike up a conversation with a nearby diner about the café or the neighborhood. Use phrases like “¿Ha venido aquí antes?” or “¿Qué otros lugares recomienda en esta zona?”

Goal: Engage in social conversation, enhancing language skills through casual interaction.

Evening Activity

To wrap up your time in the city, you can’t leave without a visit to one of Medellin's rooftop bars. Enjoy a selection of Colombian cocktails with some of the best views in town of the city's skyline and the surrounding Andes Mountains. Some of the most popular choices are Envy Rooftop, La Deriva (Click Clack hotel), Mosquito Social Club and DND. Or if you’re looking for something a little more casual the rooftops at Los Patios, Masaya and Rango hostels all have great atmosphere and views. If you’re running solo, sit at the bar and strike up a conversation with the barmen and locals.

Rooftop - rooftop
Vista panorámica - panoramic view
Atardecer - sunset
Cóctel - cocktail
Música ambiental - ambient music
Iluminación - lighting
Copa - glass
Brindis - toast (cheers)
Reserva - reservation
Terraza - terrace
Piso alto - high floor
Ambiente relajado - relaxed atmosphere
Sombrilla - umbrella
Carta de bebidas - drink menu
Paisaje urbano - cityscape
Elegante - elegant
Zona exclusiva - exclusive area
Viento - breeze
Camarero - bartender
Espectacular - spectacular

¿Podemos sentarnos en la terraza para ver el atardecer?
Can we sit on the terrace to watch the sunset?
Quiero probar un cóctel especial del bar.
I want to try a special cocktail from the bar.
La vista panorámica de la ciudad desde el rooftop es espectacular.
The panoramic view of the city from the rooftop is spectacular.
Este lugar tiene una iluminación muy elegante, ideal para relajarse.
This place has very elegant lighting, ideal for relaxing.
Con esta música ambiental y la brisa suave, el ambiente aquí es perfecto para despedir la semana.
With this ambient music and the soft breeze, the atmosphere here is perfect for ending the week.

Order a Drink and Make a Toast:

Exercise: Order a cocktail or other drink, and make a toast with friends or new acquaintances using “¡Salud!”

Goal: Practice ordering and build confidence in casual social interactions.

Describe the View:

Exercise: Describe the view from the rooftop, including the cityscape, sunset, or lights. Use phrases like “La vista es espectacular” or “Se ven todas las luces de la ciudad.”

Goal: Strengthen descriptive language skills, connecting vocabulary to real visuals.

Ask About the Drink Menu:

Exercise: Ask the bartender or a server about the menu, such as recommendations for local cocktails or specialties. Use questions like “¿Cuál es el cóctel más popular aquí?”

Goal: Engage in a longer exchange, building vocabulary related to drinks and practicing polite conversational phrases.

Reflect on the Week:

Exercise: With friends, reflect on your week in Medellín. Share what you enjoyed most using “Mi actividad favorita fue…” and “Lo que más disfruté fue…”

Goal: Practice summarizing experiences and expressing personal reflections, building fluency in sharing opinions.

Sunday

Morning Activity

Afternoon Activity

Evening Activity

MONDAY: Embracing the Urban Canvas

TUESDAY: Art, Nature & Science

WEDNESDAY: Market, Salsa & Language

THURSDAY: Artistic & Culinary Experiences

FRIDAY: Local & International Influences

SATURDAY: Nature’s Wonders & Nightlife

SUNDAY: Recovery & Reflection