Comments on: Volunteering at Vaughan Town in Spain: A Cultural Experience http://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/2010/07/volunteering-at-vaughan-town-in-spain-a-cultural-experience/ Adventures of a Girl with No Fixed Address Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:04:50 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Gaby http://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/2010/07/volunteering-at-vaughan-town-in-spain-a-cultural-experience/comment-page-2/#comment-168977 Gaby Wed, 09 Nov 2011 03:37:46 +0000 http://theprofessionalhobo.com/?p=1842#comment-168977 I hadn't thought much about my experience in Spain, nor Vaughtown lately but have just received a few of your "Hobo" blogs and felt a need to reply. I went to Valdelavilla in Oct 2010 and had a wonderful time. I am 54 years old and met wonderful people from various english speaking countries, in addition to the fun spaniards that were attending. I had a trajedy in my life shortly afterwards and received some very supportive and heartwarming e-mails from some of the attendies.. Just like most traveling that one does, sometimes you enjoy some aspects more than others, but this was a great experience and some day would do it again. By the way, I was able to spend some time before and afterwards in different parts of Spain, which I think is definitely a must if you have the time/money. I hadn’t thought much about my experience in Spain, nor Vaughtown lately but have just received a few of your “Hobo” blogs and felt a need to reply. I went to Valdelavilla in Oct 2010 and had a wonderful time. I am 54 years old and met wonderful people from various english speaking countries, in addition to the fun spaniards that were attending. I had a trajedy in my life shortly afterwards and received some very supportive and heartwarming e-mails from some of the attendies.. Just like most traveling that one does, sometimes you enjoy some aspects more than others, but this was a great experience and some day would do it again. By the way, I was able to spend some time before and afterwards in different parts of Spain, which I think is definitely a must if you have the time/money.

]]> By: Jan http://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/2010/07/volunteering-at-vaughan-town-in-spain-a-cultural-experience/comment-page-2/#comment-165313 Jan Sat, 29 Oct 2011 01:35:36 +0000 http://theprofessionalhobo.com/?p=1842#comment-165313 Thanks P.Hobo and Karl! It's nice to know I now have someone to whom I can address other questions. I love to travel, but sometimes, especially when you are traveling with someone else, it's hard to actually meet people and have a genuine window into the culture. I welcome the opportunity to meet other 'anglos' as well! The whole program really sounds like a lovely experience. Thanks P.Hobo and Karl! It’s nice to know I now have someone to whom I can address other questions. I love to travel, but sometimes, especially when you are traveling with someone else, it’s hard to actually meet people and have a genuine window into the culture. I welcome the opportunity to meet other ‘anglos’ as well! The whole program really sounds like a lovely experience.

]]> By: Karl Gorman http://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/2010/07/volunteering-at-vaughan-town-in-spain-a-cultural-experience/comment-page-2/#comment-165299 Karl Gorman Sat, 29 Oct 2011 00:30:24 +0000 http://theprofessionalhobo.com/?p=1842#comment-165299 Hi Jan. Trust me, they will not force you into doing a production if you don't want to. In fact, in one of the "anglo only" meetings, the director is likely to say "Do not force any of the Spaniards into doing a production they don't want to." You will be required to be very active, and avoid speaking Spanish 100%, but you will not be required to act (on the last night IF YOU STAY UP LATE, you are likley to be required to get up and dance - though... by the other Spaniards, not the Vaughantown crew). You will reminisce about this experience. I am, deeply, and I already look forward to doing it again some time. -- Karl Hi Jan. Trust me, they will not force you into doing a production if you don’t want to. In fact, in one of the “anglo only” meetings, the director is likely to say “Do not force any of the Spaniards into doing a production they don’t want to.” You will be required to be very active, and avoid speaking Spanish 100%, but you will not be required to act (on the last night IF YOU STAY UP LATE, you are likley to be required to get up and dance – though… by the other Spaniards, not the Vaughantown crew).

You will reminisce about this experience. I am, deeply, and I already look forward to doing it again some time.

– Karl

]]> By: theprofessionalhobo http://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/2010/07/volunteering-at-vaughan-town-in-spain-a-cultural-experience/comment-page-2/#comment-165285 theprofessionalhobo Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:28:18 +0000 http://theprofessionalhobo.com/?p=1842#comment-165285 @Kristin - Thanks for weighing in! How are you and your puppies anyway? :-) I didn't have quite the same experience about the Spaniards being high-ranking men; and in the 2nd week there were even University students as Spaniards, and always a good mix of men and women. But I DO agree that if you come to Spain, it's good to tack on a few extra days for some Spanish sight-seeing, since the schedule is very full and a little bit top-heavy. @Jan - Don't concern yourself at all about keeping conversations going for hours on end....you're never talking to one person for more than 40 minutes before you get a break and are matched up with a new partner, so there's no time for things to drone on. And if you're really stuck for topics, they have tools for that as well. You're not the first person to be concerned about this! As for the evening performances, don't worry about having a talent or having to entertain. Again, it's all very well organized and coordinated, and you don't even have to get up in front of anybody at all if you don't want to. It's all voluntary! Enjoy. I know you will! :-) @Kristin – Thanks for weighing in! How are you and your puppies anyway? :-) I didn’t have quite the same experience about the Spaniards being high-ranking men; and in the 2nd week there were even University students as Spaniards, and always a good mix of men and women.

But I DO agree that if you come to Spain, it’s good to tack on a few extra days for some Spanish sight-seeing, since the schedule is very full and a little bit top-heavy.

@Jan – Don’t concern yourself at all about keeping conversations going for hours on end….you’re never talking to one person for more than 40 minutes before you get a break and are matched up with a new partner, so there’s no time for things to drone on. And if you’re really stuck for topics, they have tools for that as well. You’re not the first person to be concerned about this!

As for the evening performances, don’t worry about having a talent or having to entertain. Again, it’s all very well organized and coordinated, and you don’t even have to get up in front of anybody at all if you don’t want to. It’s all voluntary!

Enjoy. I know you will! :-)

]]> By: Jan http://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/2010/07/volunteering-at-vaughan-town-in-spain-a-cultural-experience/comment-page-2/#comment-165271 Jan Fri, 28 Oct 2011 22:10:10 +0000 http://theprofessionalhobo.com/?p=1842#comment-165271 I learned about Vaughan Town while listening to a Rick Steves' podcast. Intrigued, I applyed and was accepted. I will be attending the program in either December or January. While I certainly am not shy and have no trouble talking to people, I am a little trepidatious about keeping the conversation stimulating for hours on end. And about these evening performances...I'm afraid I haven't the talent to entertain a group. Those are really the only two things I am reticent about. Can you allay my fears? I learned about Vaughan Town while listening to a Rick Steves’ podcast. Intrigued, I applyed and was accepted. I will be attending the program in either December or January. While I certainly am not shy and have no trouble talking to people, I am a little trepidatious about keeping the conversation stimulating for hours on end. And about these evening performances…I’m afraid I haven’t the talent to entertain a group. Those are really the only two things I am reticent about. Can you allay my fears?

]]> By: Kristin Ellstrom http://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/2010/07/volunteering-at-vaughan-town-in-spain-a-cultural-experience/comment-page-2/#comment-164886 Kristin Ellstrom Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:15:43 +0000 http://theprofessionalhobo.com/?p=1842#comment-164886 I am in Spain and have volunteered, so I'll fill in my experience. I live in Madrid, also winters... it's COLD because houses are built to keep cool in summer... I volunteered same week in Valdelavilla as Nora, her first encounter. I lent out clothes to freezing inadequate dressed anglos. I got a deep cold... old, humid stone houses. Not that that should stop anyone, the weather was untypical for the time. I am not anglo, but Norwegian. I learned English for everyday use while living in Australia for nearly six years. I was impressed by the total experience of the anglo group. Some I would have loved spending long night listening to and talking with. Some I actually keep in touch with, and lend a room when they do repeat volunteering... Pity is, one does not get much time to get to know, as the spaniards are the priority. They in turn are not average spaniards, but alfa-males used to be heard. With some exceptions maybe, but their education and social rang is high. I do not mean this wrong, just that these (men) are used to speak -and tell how things should be (done), so it's a challenge to them in addition to a language they don't master. A person with a "peculiarly high culture level" might find a lot to learn if her/his intellect matches the piled up knowledge of culture... Spanish culture and history is amazing! Spanish food is also excellent, but spoiled by living here (Madrid) three years I can not prize the Valdelavilla Kitchen as gourmet; it's good, and more than plenty, but not SPANISH gourmet. The wine was ok, but substantially better can be found at 4e/bottle. Well I am spoiled haha. And where was the CAVA? I absolutely recommend volunteering if it excites you, but add days to your trip to get a Spanish experience. Vaughantown is not a Spanish experience, it's an unique experience... it's hard work in one sense as all day is scheduled, it's good training for aspiring teachers, it's not teaching but conversations. I gave a flying lesson in one of my sessions, as I had a pilot licence, in another session the spaniard gave me a fitness instruction, original and passionate. An the entertainment on the nights were great fun, the talent on stage impressed!!! I am in Spain and have volunteered, so I’ll fill in my experience. I live in Madrid, also winters… it’s COLD because houses are built to keep cool in summer… I volunteered same week in Valdelavilla as Nora, her first encounter. I lent out clothes to freezing inadequate dressed anglos. I got a deep cold… old, humid stone houses. Not that that should stop anyone, the weather was untypical for the time. I am not anglo, but Norwegian. I learned English for everyday use while living in Australia for nearly six years. I was impressed by the total experience of the anglo group. Some I would have loved spending long night listening to and talking with. Some I actually keep in touch with, and lend a room when they do repeat volunteering… Pity is, one does not get much time to get to know, as the spaniards are the priority. They in turn are not average spaniards, but alfa-males used to be heard. With some exceptions maybe, but their education and social rang is high. I do not mean this wrong, just that these (men) are used to speak -and tell how things should be (done), so it’s a challenge to them in addition to a language they don’t master. A person with a “peculiarly high culture level” might find a lot to learn if her/his intellect matches the piled up knowledge of culture… Spanish culture and history is amazing! Spanish food is also excellent, but spoiled by living here (Madrid) three years I can not prize the Valdelavilla Kitchen as gourmet; it’s good, and more than plenty, but not SPANISH gourmet. The wine was ok, but substantially better can be found at 4e/bottle. Well I am spoiled haha. And where was the CAVA? I absolutely recommend volunteering if it excites you, but add days to your trip to get a Spanish experience. Vaughantown is not a Spanish experience, it’s an unique experience… it’s hard work in one sense as all day is scheduled, it’s good training for aspiring teachers, it’s not teaching but conversations. I gave a flying lesson in one of my sessions, as I had a pilot licence, in another session the spaniard gave me a fitness instruction, original and passionate. An the entertainment on the nights were great fun, the talent on stage impressed!!!

]]> By: theprofessionalhobo http://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/2010/07/volunteering-at-vaughan-town-in-spain-a-cultural-experience/comment-page-2/#comment-150050 theprofessionalhobo Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:28:14 +0000 http://theprofessionalhobo.com/?p=1842#comment-150050 @Chaser - I've never been to Spain in winter, but I think it depends on where you go as to what the weather is like. In the Valdelavilla area - bundle up! They do get a little snow. Even in the south in Granada - the city doesn't, but the nearby mountains do (and are popular for skiing). I think Spring would be an excellent time, especially if you want to avoid chilly weather. @Chaser – I’ve never been to Spain in winter, but I think it depends on where you go as to what the weather is like. In the Valdelavilla area – bundle up! They do get a little snow. Even in the south in Granada – the city doesn’t, but the nearby mountains do (and are popular for skiing).
I think Spring would be an excellent time, especially if you want to avoid chilly weather.

]]> By: Chaser http://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/2010/07/volunteering-at-vaughan-town-in-spain-a-cultural-experience/comment-page-1/#comment-149853 Chaser Wed, 14 Sep 2011 23:28:29 +0000 http://theprofessionalhobo.com/?p=1842#comment-149853 Great posts everyone! I see that most of the comming months are filled and was wondering what winter is like in Spain? The earliest availability is in Janurary and I'm thinking walks on a trail or any outside adventures might be limited due to weather. At any rate - very intrigued P.Hobo. Been a solo traveler in Europe and have Spain on my list - looks promising - maybe for Spring? Great posts everyone! I see that most of the comming months are filled and was wondering what winter is like in Spain? The earliest availability is in Janurary and I’m thinking walks on a trail or any outside adventures might be limited due to weather.
At any rate – very intrigued P.Hobo. Been a solo traveler in Europe and have Spain on my list – looks promising – maybe for Spring?

]]> By: Karl Gorman http://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/2010/07/volunteering-at-vaughan-town-in-spain-a-cultural-experience/comment-page-1/#comment-146730 Karl Gorman Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:28:36 +0000 http://theprofessionalhobo.com/?p=1842#comment-146730 Well I - for one - have LOVED Vaughantown. I did it four times this year (this season, to be precise). Three in the gorgeous Valdelavilla, and one in Puert De Gredos. It's been great! The atmosphere, the people, the cuisine (especially in Valdelavilla... the squid in its own ink was amazing!) and the system. And the self-awareness you get at the end of each 6-day course. Yeah, I'm being cliche: and I'm telling the truth. If there's a small part of you that thinks you will like doing this, then you will enjoy doing this at least once. At least. -- Karl. Well I – for one – have LOVED Vaughantown. I did it four times this year (this season, to be precise). Three in the gorgeous Valdelavilla, and one in Puert De Gredos.

It’s been great! The atmosphere, the people, the cuisine (especially in Valdelavilla… the squid in its own ink was amazing!) and the system.

And the self-awareness you get at the end of each 6-day course.

Yeah, I’m being cliche: and I’m telling the truth.

If there’s a small part of you that thinks you will like doing this, then you will enjoy doing this at least once.

At least.

– Karl.

]]> By: theprofessionalhobo http://www.theprofessionalhobo.com/2010/07/volunteering-at-vaughan-town-in-spain-a-cultural-experience/comment-page-1/#comment-146729 theprofessionalhobo Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:27:29 +0000 http://theprofessionalhobo.com/?p=1842#comment-146729 @desert voice - On the contrary, amigo. There were anglos well into their 60s and 70s on both of my weeks of volunteering there. However if you aren't interested in meeting a lot of new people from all over Spain and the world and engaging in a variety of different conversations with them - some of which might add to your extensive knowledge and others which might not - then I agree; this gig's not for you. It's not for everybody, that's for sure! PS - Did I say people on the program are "young, rich, and kinky-minded?" I don't remember saying that. Maybe it was inadvertently implied. Sorry! :-) @desert voice – On the contrary, amigo. There were anglos well into their 60s and 70s on both of my weeks of volunteering there. However if you aren’t interested in meeting a lot of new people from all over Spain and the world and engaging in a variety of different conversations with them – some of which might add to your extensive knowledge and others which might not – then I agree; this gig’s not for you. It’s not for everybody, that’s for sure!
PS – Did I say people on the program are “young, rich, and kinky-minded?” I don’t remember saying that. Maybe it was inadvertently implied. Sorry! :-)

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