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Southern Spain’s Architectural Gems Vicki Mileson Tuesday, 15 February 2022 Southern Spain is home to some of the world’s most enchanting architecture so we offered up some places to add to your travel bucket list. Andalucía is home to some of the most beautiful examples of Moorish architecture across the Iberian Peninsula... Between the 8th and 15th centuries, the Moors controlled most of Spain and their Islamic heritage is evident today across the southern regions of Spain. The Moorish buildings in Spain are some of the last few examples of Islamic architecture in Europe and although Moorish rule didn’t last forever, the monuments now attract tourists to Spain from across the globe. Here are just a few of southern Spain’s architectural gems to add to your travel bucket list. Granada Home to one of the most visited sites in Spain, La Alhambra in Granada has preserved its Moorish heritage. Meaning “the red” in Arabic , La Alhambra was used as a palace and fortress during the 14th century and its beautiful architecture has inspired other buildings all around the world. When Granada was later conquered in 1492, it was converted into the Royal Court of the Catholic Monarchs , Ferdinand and Isabella. The city has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and La Alhambra is one of the best-preserved Moorish structures in the world. Its walls are covered in Islamic carvings and mosaics and it overlooks the Albaicín quarter of Granada’s Moorish old city , with a backdrop of the Sierra Nevada. Albaicín, the origin city of Granada, boasts a rich heritage of Moorish town planning and architecture . With narrow streets and small plazas, the area is marked by its unique and well-preserved Andalusian heritage. Sevilla La Real Alcázar de Sevilla is a massive walled fortress with mosaic domes, beautiful green gardens, ancient baths, and complex stonework. Some of the same artists who worked on La Alhambra contributed to the ornate interiors of the Alcázar. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is used by the Spanish royal family as their official residence, making it the oldest European palace still in use. Sevilla is also home to La Giralda – a Moorish bell tower that is part of the Sevilla Cathedral. You can climb up to the top for beautiful views of the city by walking up a series of ramps – installed instead of stairs so that animals could walk up to the top with food and water too. The Cathedral is the largest in Spain and uses a Gothic style, brought to Spain from France . The Gothic style cemented itself in Andalusian architecture thanks to the Reconquista. Córdoba Córdoba was once the capital of Islamic Spain. In fact, the Cathedral of Córdoba was so influenced by Moorish culture that it is better known as Mezquita (mosque). Complete with red and white horseshoe arches, it was originally a Mosque and the centre of Islamic life for the city’s citizens. It has been used as a Christian place of worship since 1236, when Christian rule took over the city. Like many other examples of Moorish architecture, the architecture carries a spiritual meaning. For example, there are 365 arches which are said to mimic the expansive world around us . Also in Córdoba is the Medina Azahara, the ruins of a medieval Muslim fortress . Originally named ‘The Shining City’, the ruins feature classic Moorish geometric architecture, terraced gardens and evidence of a Roman aqueduct. Spain’s rich history has gifted it some of the world’s most beautiful and complex pieces of architecture and Andalucía is home to some of our favourites. About the Author Vicki recently graduated her degree studying French and Spanish. She spent her year abroad in Grenoble and Bilbao, meeting people from across the world and sparking a desire to learn an unrealistic amount of languages. Vicki loves all things culture, but especially literature and film. Vicki was our 2022/23 Culture Editor. Barcelona’s Hidden Gems: Live like a local and escape the tourists Mhairi MacLeod 48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse Southern Spain’s Architectural Gems Vicki Mileson Copyright free images via Unsplash. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Architecture Spain Andalucia History Vicki Mileson Categories: Culture Cultural Guide Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! Barbara Dawson average rating is 3 out of 5 Lovely tasty dish. Try it you won’t be disappointed. Time Published Aunty Liz average rating is 3 out of 5 Very tasty and cheap. I often have this for tea! Time Published BETTS average rating is 3 out of 5 Being a bilingual family (French mother and British father,) living in France I thought your article was extremely interesting . Have you research on bilingualism ? It seems that when the mother is British and the father French and they both live in France their children seem to be more bilingual than when the mother is French and the father is British . This is what we called mother tongue , isn't it ? Time Published Niamh average rating is 3 out of 5 Such an interesting article! Time Published LOAD MORE

What’s On in Nottingham: February Vicki Mileson Wednesday, 1 February 2023 Lingo Magazine’s go-to guide for the top cultural events going on in Nottingham this month. Exam season is officially over and Lingo Magazine’s guide to what’s on in Nottingham is back. Exam season is officially over and Lingo Magazine’s guide to what’s on in Nottingham is back. This month, we’ve got ice hockey, Chinese New Year celebrations and Refresher Week lined up for you. Ice Hockey at the Motorpoint Arena Throughout the month you’ll be able to watch the Nottingham Panthers play other ice hockey champions at the Motorpoint Arena. The Notts Varsity Series 2023 is also about to kick off so make sure to get your tickets soon. Refresher Week – from 30 January The Student Union’s Refresher Week this year will provide poster sales, society socials and tasters, and day trips – perfect to see your society friends again or discover a new hobby. Check out the full list of events here . Chinese New Year: Brush Painting Workshop – 1 February While Chinese New Year may have been back in January, Lakeside Arts is putting on another one of their brush painting workshops for you to learn the art of brush painting with Feng-Ru Lee. You’ll focus on painting animals and all abilities are welcome. Tickets are £7.50 and available here . Chinese New Year: Tea Ceremony and Guzheng – 5 February Lakeside Arts is also putting on a tea ceremony to celebrate Chinese New Year so you can discover this beautiful tradition. Canalhouse Comedy Night – 8 February and 22 February Head down to the Canalhouse at 7pm on either of these Wednesdays for a night of comedy. These nights tend to sell out so book your tickets in advance here. Nottingham Vintage Kilo Sale – 18 February Following the success of their last kilo sale, Worth The Weight is returning to St Mary’s Church with tonnes for stock for you to wade through. Register for tickets here . Bisexual Men Exist, Veneet Mehta on being a bisexual man – 19 February Five Leaves Bookshop is hosting a talk on what it means to be a bisexual man. Vaneet Mehta will talk through his personal experience of coming out and how this inspired him to create the viral #BisexualMenExist campaign. Tickets are £3 for students and expected to sell out. Gig at Percy Picklebackers - 21 February Catch Lingo's very own Abigail Hannah performing in the city centre! With headliner Paris Paloma , it's sure to be a night filled with acoustic indie and pop tunes. So if you're a fan of this and supporting upcoming artists, get your tickets here . Let us know if you attend any of these events – maybe even write a review for us! About the Author Vicki recently graduated her degree studying French and Spanish. She spent her year abroad in Grenoble and Bilbao, meeting people from across the world and sparking a desire to learn an unrealistic amount of languages. Vicki loves all things culture, but especially literature and film. Vicki was our 2022/23 Culture Editor. Southern Spain’s Architectural Gems Vicki Mileson Valentine’s Day Traditions Around the World Vicki Mileson Holi on the Downs 2022 Beth Walker Copyright free images via Instagram. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Vicki Mileson Nottingham Events Categories: Culture What's On Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE

7 Reasons to visit Santo Domingo Millie Adams Tuesday, 15 February 2022 Millie shares with us some amazing reasons to visit the Dominican capital, a jewel of a city in the heart of the Caribbean! Santo Domingo is a Latin American metropolis brimming with historical sights, natural beauty, and a vibrant music scene. Located on the island of Hispaniola, east of Haiti, the Dominican Republic was the first settlement of the New World, and its capital city, Santo Domingo, was founded by the Spanish in 1496. It’s a beautiful blend of Latin and Caribbean culture and a fantastic city to explore. Wander colonial-era cobbled streets The best place to stay in Santo Domingo is the Zona Colonial (the Colonial Zone), which is a historical district of cobbled streets, colourful houses, and plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. Most tourists never leave the Zona Colonial! Here you can find the first cathedral of the Americas (Catedral Primada de América) and the first paved street of the Americas (Calle Las Damas). A stroll down Calle Las Damas will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage site Alcazar de Colon, a colonial palace with beautifully preserved interiors, Renaissance artwork, and quaint courtyards. Calle Hostos in the Zona Colonial [image description: the top of a street, with colourful houses and parked cars on either side of the cobbled road. The pavement descends steep steps and at the end of the street a white church is visible, photo credit: Millie Adams] Learn about indigenous culture Whilst exploring the charming streets of the Zona Colonial, it can be easy to forget about the indigenous people of the island and the significant conflict caused by colonialism. Before 1492, Hispaniola was populated by the Taíno people and many Dominicans today have indigenous ancestry. To learn more about pre-Colombian history, visit the Museo del Hombre Dominicano and Museo Prehispánico. Both museums offer insights into indigenous history and African heritage to better understand Dominican roots. Dance to bachata, salsa, and reggaeton Most Dominicans love to dance and every night, in the capital, bars are full of people enjoying Latin dance and music. In fact, at any time of the day, the streets are filled with music and you are never too far from a colmado (local corner shop) blasting Marc Anthony or Dominican-born El Alfa. The Zona Colonial is the safest area for bar-hopping and nightlife, I can recommend Bar Parada 77, Rox, Safe Zone Lounge, and Merengue Club. Drinks are cheap at 300 pesos for a cocktail (around £4) or try one of the local beers, Presidente and Bohemia. There is also a free music outdoor concert at the San Francisco ruins courtesy of Grupo Bonyé who perform merengue and jazz every Sunday from 6pm till late. The Sunday night concert at the San Francisco ruins [photo description: a large crowd is gathered to watch a music band performing in front of the ruins of an ancient monastery which has been illuminated by colourful lights, photo credit: Millie Adams] Relax on Caribbean sands In the Caribbean, you’re never too far from palm trees, white sand or crystal-clear water. Santo Domingo is no exception and it’s easy to escape the energetic city and relax at a nearby beach. Boca Chica is 15 miles east of the capital and is a crowded stretch of sand that has a reputation for becoming a party spot after dark. However, during the day, you can visit the bird-inhabited mangrove or give scuba diving a go. If you venture past Boca Chica, you’ll find a picturesque section of coast known as Juan Dolio, including beautiful beaches such as Playa Dorada and Guayacanes. Explore tropical caves On the east side of Parque Mirador del Este, you can find a series of large caves in the Los Tres Ojos (“The Three Eyes”) National Park. A winding staircase takes you to three iridescent blue lagoons that are fed by an underground river and surrounded by impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The caves had been used by indigenous people for religious ceremonies and have more recently been used as a set for films such as Tarzan, Jurassic Park III, and Oro Y Polvo, to name a few. Today, you can feel like an explorer by visiting the furthest lagoon, which can only be accessed by a small raft pulled across via rope for a small fee of 30 pesos. Ride the Caribbean’s 1st urban cable car For the best views of Santo Domingo, take a ride on the city’s recent addition to its transport network – the teleférico , Dominicans use it to avoid the heavy traffic at rush hour, but it has also become a unique attraction for tourists. Return tickets are available for as little as 50 pesos and you can visit all four stations that connect more than 23 districts. The gondolas pass directly over Los Tres Brazos, where the city’s two spectacular rivers converge into one estuary. View from the Santo Domingo’s cable car [photo description: bird’s-eye view of a residential area of the city with cable car line above, photo credit: Millie Adams] Taste local cuisine If you’re looking for a good local meal, there are plenty of options on Calle El Conde in the Zona Colonial, ranging from fine dining around Parque Colón to cheap family-run comedores and pica pollos. I can recommend Mix Empanadas for a cheap bite (must try their chocolate and ricotta empanada and fresh juices) and Restaurante Lucía which is a little more expensive (but worth it for the live music and cocktails). More nice restaurants can be found on the Plaza de España overlooking the Alcazar de Colon. If you’re looking for vegan food, Time Plant-Based Journey does amazing Latin-inspired dishes including nachos and quesadillas. Dominicans also have a sweet tooth, and the Zona Colonial is full of ice cream stalls and dessert shops, where you can try chinola (passion fruit) flan or dulce de tres leches. For a unique dining experience, El Meson de la Cava is a distinguished restaurant that is tucked underground in the natural limestone caves under the city. Historically, the cave was used for storage by US soldiers but was converted into a restaurant in 1967. Tables are surrounded by stalagmites and El Meson de la Cava is known for its excellent local cuisine with Spanish and French influences. Overall, Santo Domingo is a unique mix of Caribbean and Latin cultures. It’s an exciting city that is rich in historical architecture and delicious food and drink, as well as its tropical wonders of caves and beaches. You won’t want to leave until you’ve mastered bachata dancing! About the Author Millie is immersed in the world of travel. As part of her year abroad she spent spent a semester in Martinique and a study semester in Cuba. Whilst on that side of the world, Millie took the opportunity to travel around the Caribbean. Millie was our 2022/23 Travel Editor. 48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse 7 Reasons to visit Santo Domingo Millie Adams Hungry in St Petersburg? My Top 5 Restaurants for Visitors Jess Henrys Images provided by Millie Adams. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Caribbean Island Santo Domingo Food Culture Millie Adams Categories: Travel City Guide Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! Barbara Dawson average rating is 3 out of 5 Lovely tasty dish. Try it you won’t be disappointed. Time Published Aunty Liz average rating is 3 out of 5 Very tasty and cheap. I often have this for tea! Time Published BETTS average rating is 3 out of 5 Being a bilingual family (French mother and British father,) living in France I thought your article was extremely interesting . Have you research on bilingualism ? It seems that when the mother is British and the father French and they both live in France their children seem to be more bilingual than when the mother is French and the father is British . This is what we called mother tongue , isn't it ? Time Published Niamh average rating is 3 out of 5 Such an interesting article! Time Published LOAD MORE

Taiwan Diaries: Quarantine Rosie Loyd Wednesday, 27 April 2022 As part of her degree, Current Affairs Editor, Rosie Loyd, is spending several months in Taiwan attending National Cheng Kung University, Tainan. Having now arrived, she must complete her 10-day hotel quarantine followed by 7 days of ‘self-health management’ as part of Taiwan’s efforts to reduce the spread of Covid-19. In this article, she updates her readers on her experience so far. After my 24 hour journey from Gatwick to Taipei, exhausted was an understatement. Taiwan is 7 hours ahead of the UK, so it took me several days to get back on track with my sleep cycle. On my journey out here, I was subject to several full-body disinfectant sprays (even on the soles of my shoes!), as well as a very aggressive PCR on arrival at Taipei airport. At long last, I had made it! Today is day 9 of my hotel quarantine in New Taipei. I’m staying in a hot spring hotel in Jinshan District, renowned for, yes you guessed it, hot springs! As I write this, I’m currently listening to the hum of my fridge - a relentless background noise - together with the dodgy air conditioning. I keep telling myself it is good practice to get accustomed to the heat for when I get out! I am very much looking forward to some different noises after finishing here. By the time this article is out, I will have finished quarantine and be in Tainan. Hot spring bath in my hotel room When you’re stuck in the same room for 10 days (11 nights), time turns into a strange companion. At times, it whizzes by, and before you know it it’s the evening. On other occasions, it’s as if it doesn’t move at all. The worst feeling is when you’re lying awake at 2 am knowing your doorbell will be rung at 7 to let you know your breakfast is waiting outside. Together with my fellow Chinese language coursemates, I was supposed to arrive in Taiwan in February. Well, originally, I was meant to go to Fudan University in Shanghai. That got cancelled at the end of 2021. Reading the headlines now, however, I can’t help but feel relieved I’m not in Shanghai. Then February came around and we were told by Nottingham University and National Cheng Kung University that they were waiting on some final documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan (MOFA). Ok, we thought. I’m sure we can wait a couple more weeks. But little did we know it would be months, not weeks. We’re here now, at least. But the lack of communication and the delay in issuing the necessary documents so that we could then apply for a visa was incredibly frustrating. I’ll leave this ranting for another day – it’s quite an entertaining story involving direct emails with the British Representative to Taiwan and warrants some more attention, so stay tuned! Back to quarantine. I’m coping. At first, I was rather overwhelmed at the idea that I had to stay inside for 10 days. We are all so fortunate to be able to do what we want when we want. And if what we want to do isn’t an option, then we’ll find the next best thing. It’s quite tricky when you’re limited to a square room with harsh yellow lights and limited natural light - there is a window, but it’s in the bathroom. The best part without a doubt is the nightly hot spring bath. We each have a huge bath and the hot water tap apparently comes directly from the hot spring. I could think of worse ways to kill a few hours! During the daytime, I’m reading, watching Netflix, and doing our Chinese classes online until we can attend in person. Yoga and Joe Wicks have made a comeback – on some levels this feels like lockdown 3.0! I’m also so grateful for all the facetimes with my friends and family. Another highlight of the day is facetiming fellow Lingo member, Mhairi, who is in the room above me, to eat our bento boxes together. What would we do without technology! In the mornings and afternoons, we have to take our temperature and submit this to several bodies: the hotel we are staying in, National Cheng Kung University (the university in Tainan that we will be attending), and finally to the anti-epidemic contact on LINE, the Taiwanese version of Whatsapp. On specific days we also must submit rapid lateral flow results online as well. At first, there were a lot of things to remember, but I’m getting into the swing of things now. The food is something we just have to get used to. Breakfasts consist of either a sandwich with unidentifiable fillings or some sweet little fluffy buns. Lunch and supper are bento boxes with rice, vegetables, some mystery meat, and tofu or something similar. The best comment a coursemate has made so far was ‘I wish I could Shazam my food, then at least I’d know what I was eating’. I agree – it would be very useful. Hey ho. It’s all part of the fun of it, guessing what we’re eating tonight. Quarantine dinner! Nevertheless, time is seemingly moving. On Tuesday 26th I will be taking a high-speed train down south to Tainan, where I will be completing the final 7 days known as ‘self-health management’. After that, I will be free! I’ll be staying in an Airbnb for the 7 days during which I can’t mix with other people or go onto campus to have in-person classes, but I am allowed to go outside and finally go for a walk. I can’t wait for the feeling to be tired from ‘doing things’ and for my head to hit the pillow and instantly fall asleep. That day will come soon! Stay tuned for Rosie’s Taiwan Diaries… About the Author As a keen Spanish and Chinese linguist, I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to share contemporary and engaging stories with readers. I love discovering surprising news stories that don’t always reach the headlines and finding a way to present them in a digestible and relevant fashion. Rosie spent her year abroad in Barcelona and Taiwan. You can read about her incredible experiences here on Lingo Mag! Rosie was our 2022/23 Current Affairs Editor. Barcelona’s must-visit Cocktail Bars Rosie Loyd Taiwan Diaries: Quarantine Rosie Loyd Why you should visit Strasbourg Chloe Brewster Images provided by Rosie Loyd. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Rosie Loyd Year Abroad Taiwan Quarantine Studying Abroad Categories: Travel Year Abroad Tales Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE

Theology < Back Arabella Moore-Smith Arabella is a Theology student and the 25/26 Culture Editor. Latest Articles by this Author The Perfect Blend: Coffee, Church and Community 02/05/25

Physics < Back Scott Froggatt Scott is a Physics student and the 25/26 Language Editor. Latest Articles by this Author

A Rose By Any Other Name: ‘Cobs’ and ‘Jitties’, ‘Barms’ and ‘Ginnels’ Eleanor Curtis Tuesday, 5 December 2023 Why do we have so many words for so many things? Local words and accents are important for identity, and the strange little aspects of our language are all evidence of the development of language in a local area. Anyone who isn’t native to the East Midlands may receive a culture shock when arriving in Nottingham, due to the plethora of local terms in use here. You may be greeted as ‘ duck’ , offered a bacon ‘ cob’ , or directed down a ‘ jitty’ to your destination. As a lifelong resident of the Midlands, and someone influenced by language patterns from the Black Country (from my father), North Staffordshire and the Potteries (from my childhood), and the Derbyshire Dales (from my mother), I don’t find these words so strange. But, to someone coming from outside of the region, they may be somewhat unintelligible. Calling a person ‘ duck’ is a phenomenon seen across the Midlands, in counties that were a part of the ancient kingdom of Mercia. This is potentially a linguistic overhang from a term of respect used in the Anglo-Norse language of this area (‘ ducas’ ). Having moved further and further east over the course of my life, I’ve noticed that the word does not change across the region, only the inflection and accent accompanying it. It is genderless and forms a part of the cultural identity of the places in which it is used. However, having a specific word for a bread roll or an alleyway is not a localised phenomenon. Here, in the East Midlands, a bread roll is commonly called a cob. This is sometimes confusing for non-locals, as in other parts of the UK, this word refers to a large round loaf. Though, as you venture further north toward Manchester it will become a ‘ barm’ . In fact, there are at least seven different words for this around the UK. In a sense, these are mainstream usages of various dialects from days gone by that would have been in common use and would differ from town to town. Indeed, the small market town of Wirksworth in Derbyshire has an accent and set of words that are completely distinct; to residents of the Derbyshire dales, a Wirksworth resident would be easy to identify. While these words are similar to those used in the surrounding area, when used in combination with each other and with specific vowel sounds, they form a marker of an origin that belongs to a cultural identity or settlement. Equally, the six towns that were united to form the city of Stoke-on-Trent each have a specific set of words, vowel sounds, and accent markers that indicate a resident as coming from that specific part of the city. These types of linguistic intricacies exist across all forms of language. They are evidence of the development of local language, as well as showing that, populations settling and remaining in an area gives rise to dialects and accents attached to its location. Every time the population of the area shifts, language and dialects shift with it. Despite this, the enduring nature of these dialects indicate the presence of a permanent and unmoving population. Due to the transient nature of modern life and the way in which we move to and from these small communes, many of these small accents, dialects, and overhangs of the past are disappearing slowly. Therefore, using words such as ‘ cob ’ and ‘ jitty ’ becomes a badge of local identity and belonging. They become a commonality and a shared history that is maintained through speech; and they are culturally important in order to maintain societal links that are quickly becoming disparate. About the Author Eleanor was Lingo's Treasurer for 2023-24. She is very interested in cultures across the world, and how languages and history influence these. She loved being a part of Lingo Magazine, a collaborative community showcasing all the elements of language and culture that our world has to offer! Falling for Autumn: why are autumn traditions in the US so at odds with the weather? Eleanor Curtis A Rose By Any Other Name: ‘Cobs’ and ‘Jitties’, ‘Barms’ and ‘Ginnels’ Eleanor Curtis Copyright free images via Unsplash. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: cob dialect identity local England Eleanor Curtis Categories: Language and Linguistics Thought Piece Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE

Culture Spotlight: Hispanic Society Niamh Woodhouse Tuesday, 25 October 2022 For our first installment of Culture Spotlights, we spoke to Emily Brown, Hispanic Society's Publicity Sec, to find out more about Hispanic culture, what it means and how UoN students can experience it on campus and around Nottingham. Can you describe your culture in three words? Vibrant, community and fun. Tell us about your culture for someone that has little to no knowledge of it Hispanic culture has community, family and friends at the heart of it. Hispanic traditions are super important, and they are a great excuse to celebrate with good food and music. In Hispanic Society, we place really high importance on bringing people together, Hispanic or not, and show them why everyone should get involved! It is a vibrant culture that is welcoming to all, with a strong focus on spending time together and enjoying life! What would you say is the best thing about your culture? There are so many reasons why Hispanic culture is the best, it's difficult to just pick one! I would say that the variety within the culture is one of the things that makes it so amazing. From one Spanish speaking country to the next, the customs, accents, food and music vary. I think this is what makes the culture so vibrant and diverse- it's pretty difficult to get bored! Is there a way to experience your culture in Nottingham? Yes! We have a great range of weekly activities that allow everyone to immerse themselves in the Hispanic community. A personal favourite event of mine is Latin Thursday (in collaboration with Colombian and Mexican Society) which takes place on the first Thursday of each month in Mooch. The aim is to get everyone speaking in Spanish (native speakers and learners) and it's a great way of meeting new people too! Our weekly cultural and social events are also all aimed at bringing the Hispanic culture closer to all of us. The other week, we had an event focussed on learning new Spanish slang- we all came away with lots of new vocab that will definitely come in handy for travelling to different Spanish speaking countries. As a committee, we love the Vida by Lorentes restaurant near Lace Market, as they serve a great range of tapas and paella dishes that we can't get enough of! Our President Cesar is there most weeks! Do you have any events/socials coming up where students can have a taster of your culture? Yes! We have a special event happening on Thursday 27th October as part of the Black History Month celebrations with 3 guests speakers presenting about a specific element of Afro-Latino culture. It will also include some salsa dancing too! Latin Thursday happens on the first Thursday of every month, so the next one will be 3rd November. It's also the Hispanic Music Takeover at Mooch that night, so it's going to be a good one! Keep an eye on Hispanic Society's instagram so that you can keep up to date with all of the great events they have got coming up! About the Author Niamh was the founder of Lingo Magazine, was Editor-in-Chief for 2022/23, and is now a Lingo alumni. Speaking French and Spanish, she has a particular interest in articles about history, culture and travel! Whilst studying in Cadiz, Niamh met other language students from universities across the UK and soon discovered that many of them write for language magazines at their universities. Seeing this gap in the market for a language magazine, she set up the magazine alongside an amazing committee for her fellow and future language students at the University of Nottingham! 48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse European Music Festivals to Attend This Summer Niamh Woodhouse I Went to a Naked Orchestra: A Review of Carta by Monica Calle Niamh Woodhouse Header image provided by Hispanic Society via Instagram. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Niamh Woodhouse Hispanic Events Categories: Culture Cultural Spotlight Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE

Here's to you, spontaneity Isabelle Clark Wednesday, 5 October 2022 How a poster in Verona helped me ditch the planner and embrace the unknown. For me, travel planning is almost as fun as the trip itself and I love mapping out my journey. Just imagine comfy clothes, a cup of tea, some great tunes in the background and making your travel dreams become a reality. Bliss… Having a well-planned itinerary is likely to save you money, time and stress - all important things when you’re travelling. A detailed plan is perfect for when you only have a short time to explore or want a little extra sense of security when you’re away from home. But sometimes, and I mean just sometimes , it’s good to break the bounds of your itinerary in the name of being more free and spontaneous; it’s fun to be a bit more adventurous… If you’re confined by the need to have your movements mapped out to the minute, you’re likely to miss out on some wonderful moments - big and small. Like walking past a cool neighbourhood bar and stopping for a drink and a bite to eat, or the unexpected offer of a different activity or side trip - even if it means missing out on something else you’d planned. Going where the wind takes you, that’s the phrase. My favourite spontaneous moment of the summer, one that will live with me forever, is my visit to the opera at the Verona Arena. Smaller only than the Colosseum and the Amphitheatre of Capua, the arena was constructed in 30 AD and has played host to spectacles down the ages such as gladiator fights, duels, arts, and sport. As I was wending my way through the ancient, beautiful arches that surround the arena, I noticed a poster for the Arena di Verona Festival. For nearly 100 years this annual summer event, known for its world-class performances, has drawn opera fans from across the world. I’m not a die-hard opera fan, and wouldn’t usually have paid much attention, but I searched the calendar of shows and could see what looked like a truly awe-inspiring set under construction. And Turandot was on that evening. Aside: If, like me, you weren’t sure what Turandot is about, let me tell you. The opera is set in Beijing’s Forbidden City where a princess is trying to find a suitor. Let’s just say that her unique approach to dating might not work out so well these days: she asks all her suitors to solve a riddle, if correct she’s all theirs, but if wrong, they are brutally murdered. Tinder just seems so tame, doesn’t it? Back to my story… I was so drawn in by the history of the arena, the awesome-looking set, the story behind the opera and the fact that I had never been to anything like this before that I immediately booked a ticket and dragged one of my friends along with me. And I don’t say this lightly… it was the most stunning experience of the year. The opera itself was fantastic. The costumes, set design, and venue were out of this world and were (although clearly I wasn’t around in Roman times to compare) I understand, quite traditional. Despite a few rows of plush red chairs at the front, most of us were seated on the stone steps. I was sitting on the same stone that others had sat on in the first century AD. And not one of the performers used a microphone, their voices naturally reverberating through the arena reaching even me in my cheap seat at the back. I can’t see how this magical experience can be topped this year but here’s hoping… So, you know what? Go buy that ticket, go pop into that neighbourhood bar, take up the suggestion of a side trip. Isabelle and itineraries will forever go hand-in-hand but here’s to you, spontaneity, and all of the fun you bring. About the Author Isabelle is in her second year here at Nottingham and enjoys writing about her travel adventures, sustainability in travel and the outdoors over on her travel blog and Instagram account, Isabelle's Itinerary (under isabellesitinerary.com and @isabellesitinerary , respectively). We can't wait to hear more of her tales! 7 Reasons to visit Santo Domingo Millie Adams 24 hours in... Barcelona Grace Whitaker Why you should visit Strasbourg Chloe Brewster Images provided by Isabelle Clark. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Isabelle Clark Spontaneity Verona Italy Culture Categories: Travel Travel Stories Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE

48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse Tuesday, 15 February 2022 Join Niamh, a French and Spanish third year, for 48 hours in this beautiful, Andalusian city, full of life, culture and history! Seville has been an important city throughout Spanish history, from its Moorish routes to the country's Golden Age, when the city benefited from the hordes of riches brought from the New World. The result of this is that is has become a city rich with a beautiful culture and an extraordinary history. As well as being a cultural hotspot, the Andalusian capital has a bustling nightlife, making it the perfect destination for a city break. Full of hotels, Airbnbs and hostels, the city has plenty of places to stay – even on a student budget! Day 1 The best way to start your day in Andalusia is with an authentic breakfast! Pan con tomate, toasted bread served with salmorejo (tomatoes blended with bread), olive oil and occasionally cured Serrano ham, is something you have to try when visiting Seville. In the majority of cafes, you can order this alongside a coffee and fresh orange juice, amazingly for under €5. Walking through the cobbled streets of the city, you'll be able to find many places offering this deal. But I recommend Café Mamá Inés, with it serving a range of coffees and alterations on the classic pan con tomate. The second reason Mamá Inés is the ideal place to start you trip to Seville is the location. Situated on Plaza Zurbarán, it is just a 30 second walk from one of the city's most iconic (and controversial) landmarks - Las Setas. Las Setas de Sevilla Las Setas, or ‘The Mushrooms’ as it's known in English, is a relatively new addition to Seville’s landscape, with construction being completed in 2011. Although contrasting to the rest of the quarter’s architecture, it is still an impressive structure and with a short escalator ride up, you have access to viewpoint across the city – completely free! Top Tip! Remember to bring your student card for discounts and deals across the city! After a look over the city from the top of the Setas , wander along to one of the three UNESCO World Heritage sites that Seville has to offer, el Catedral de Sevilla . Said to be the third biggest Church in the world, this colossal building has been a central part of Seville for nearly a thousand years. Having watched over the city for all this time, you get an immense sense of the history held within the building, especially around the tomb of the renowned explorer Christopher Columbus. With beautiful architecture and decoration throughout, you can easily spend an afternoon walking through the Cathedral, its side chapels and gardens. Don't forget La Giralda Tower included in your ticket for another breath-taking view across the city! La Giralda Tower Moving into the evening, the city gets even busier. An integral part of Spanish culture is the nightlife and Sevilla is a great place to experience this! Begin your evening with a meal in one of the city's many restaurants - from a traditional tapas bar to cuisines from afar! We went for Asian tapas at Sibuya Sushi Bar and very much recommend! After dinner, visit a bar or chupitería. These won't be hard to find - squares across the city will be jampacked with enthusiastic locals and visitors alike enjoying a cerveza or glass of tinto. For more of an exclusive feel, there are also plenty of rooftop bars on offer to sip a cocktail and watch the sun go down! Day 2 Undoubtedly, one of the most popular breakfast spots in Seville is La Mala Brunch. Offering a range of dishes, such as traditional tostadas, classic eggs benedict and waffles & pancakes to satisfy those with a sweet tooth, there is something for everyone at La Mala Brunch. Although remember to book or arrive early as it can have around an hour waiting time! Pancakes at La Mala Brunch After desayuno , it's time to explore the Real Alcázar, a remnant of Arab rule over the city. This enchanting palace has been a royal residence since the eighth century and you can tell why the royals love it so much! With its Moorish facades, tiles and domes, it really transports you to another era and world. As well as, a walk around the extensive and tranquil gardens will certainly help you recover from the night before! Top Tip! As you may have heard, Seville is famous for its oranges - their trees line the streets and fill the gardens of its palace. However, don't be fooled by their vibrant colour! They are extremely sour and bitter and VERY unpleasant to eat. We learnt the hard way! Following the beautiful Alcázar, make your way to the Plaza de España in Parque de María Luisa. It is a little bit of a walk (20 minutes) from the city centre but definitely worth the trip! Or if the walk is a little too long, there electric scooters to rent dotted around the city. The plaza is bordered by colourful tiled alcoves, each representing the different provinces of Spain, and features a moat. Rowing boats are available to hire for €6, making it a very budget friendly sunset activity. For the final night in Sevilla, I recommend doing something quintessentially Spanish! So cross the River Guadalquivir in La Tirana, the old gitano neighbourhood of the city. La Tirana is rumoured to be the birthplace of flamenco, so there's no better place to watch a show! Small, intimate venues are scattered throughout this barrio, offering authentic and thrilling flamenco performances nightly. So grab some tapas and cerveza and enjoy the show! About the Author Niamh was the founder of Lingo Magazine, was Editor-in-Chief for 2022/23, and is now a Lingo alumni. Speaking French and Spanish, she has a particular interest in articles about history, culture and travel! Whilst studying in Cadiz, Niamh met other language students from universities across the UK and soon discovered that many of them write for language magazines at their universities. Seeing this gap in the market for a language magazine, she set up the magazine alongside an amazing committee for her fellow and future language students at the University of Nottingham! Barcelona’s Hidden Gems: Live like a local and escape the tourists Mhairi MacLeod 48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse Southern Spain’s Architectural Gems Vicki Mileson Images Provided by Niamh Woodhouse For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Tips Spain Seville Food History Niamh Woodhouse Categories: Travel City Guide Culture Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! LOAD MORE

Saving your centimes: How to do Paris on a Budget Francesca Wren Wednesday, 16 March 2022 Having lived in the French capital during her year abroad, Francesca gives us her best money-saving tips, whether you're just visiting Paris or staying for a while Paris is well-known as one of the most expensive cities in Europe and can easily rinse your bank account if you’re not careful. Whether you’re looking to spend your year abroad here, or just a flying visit, here are some tips to keep your wallet looking healthy when you get back. The Navigo Pass With a Navigo, you can purchase a year, a month, or even just a week or days’ worth of unlimited travel in the Île-de-France region. For travel in all 5 zones of Île-de-France, it costs around €22 for a week, €75 for a month and €800 for a full year. Many employers will also reimburse employees for their Navigo travel costs. This is one for the residents I’m afraid, as a Navigo can only be purchased and used by someone with an Île-de-France address. However, train tickets in Paris are reasonably priced, costing €1,90 for a single way metro ticket and around €4 for a single way ticket into the city from outside the ring-road. Happy Hour If you know where to look, Happy Hour can start as early as 4pm in the city and finish at 2am. Areas like Châtelet, right in the centre of Paris a short walk up from the Notre Dame, the Latin Quarter and the Bastille, are full of Happy Hour bars and restaurants. Typically, around €6 for a cocktail and €4 or €5 for a pint is reasonable for a Happy Hour bar in Paris. Drinking wine is also a great way to get to losing your dignity before losing your cash – costing as little as €3 a glass in some bars. Bring your Passport to the Louvre Everybody is gagging to see the Mona Lisa, but make sure you don’t pay €25+ for entry by bringing your passport along. If you are under 26 years old and have an EU passport or residency visa, most museums in Paris are free so long as you can prove you meet the requirements for free entry. On weekdays most museums are pretty quiet, but on a weekend it’s best to book in advance – you can still book your free tickets online too, just remember to bring the confirmation and proof of age to avoid being charged when you arrive. Walking Although metro tickets aren’t too costly, little expenses soon add up. Paris is not a huge city and walking from place to place is a good way to avoid the tourist traps and save a bit on travel fares. For instance, walking from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower takes less than 50 minutes and is the perfect chance to find a spot for dinner later. Cycling around is an option too – Vélib green bikes are set up in spots around the city and can be hired for €5 a day. There are many designated cycle lanes throughout the city, and I would strongly advise you stick to them; cycling on the road in the centre of Paris is a dangerous game and drivers here often don’t look or indicate before moving. Considering staying further out This is one for those looking to live in the French capital but considering living outside the ring road. It could end up costing you half as much as living in the city, and with the average room in a shared flat or 9m2 studio apartment going for around €800, it’s something worth thinking about. However, the commute is long and laborious, and many areas of suburban Paris leave much to be desired at the least, and at the most can feel very unsafe. As a resident of Paris, you can also look to apply for CAF ( Caisse Allocation Familiale ), a type of housing benefit that will reimburse you up to €200 a month of your rent if it exceeds 25% of your income. Like everything in France, the paperwork and processing will take some time, but you will be reimbursed for all except the first month spent in your residence. Food As a rule, restaurants in Paris are not very cheap – with some exceptions. If you are studying in Paris, you can go to CROUS restaurants, where a full cooked lunch can cost as little as €3 if you show your student card. Also, a lot of restaurants offer a ‘ formule’ (a set menu) that will often work out more cost effective than buying the dishes separately. In areas such as the aforementioned Happy Hour hotspots, you can quite easily find restaurants offering reasonably priced set menus (although this can prove more difficult for vegetarians). Takeaway creperies and kebab shops are also a great option if you don’t fancy a sit-down dinner and can be a decent alternative on a budget. Overall, Paris is an expensive city compared to others in Europe, but, if you know what to look out for and have the right savoir-faire , you can definitely do Paris on a budget. About the Author Fran is a final year French student, returning to campus after completing her year abroad in France. She spent her time working as an English language assistant in the suburbs of the Paris. She can't wait to share her tips of living in Paris and her anecdotes of a year abroad with the readers of Lingo! Barcelona’s Hidden Gems: Live like a local and escape the tourists Mhairi MacLeod 48 Hours in Seville: Spain's Sunny City Niamh Woodhouse Hungry in St Petersburg? My Top 5 Restaurants for Visitors Jess Henrys Images provided by Francesca Wren. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: France Tips Living Abroad Paris Budgeting Francesca Wren Categories: Travel Year Abroad Tales Feature Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! Barbara Dawson average rating is 3 out of 5 Lovely tasty dish. Try it you won’t be disappointed. Time Published Aunty Liz average rating is 3 out of 5 Very tasty and cheap. I often have this for tea! Time Published BETTS average rating is 3 out of 5 Being a bilingual family (French mother and British father,) living in France I thought your article was extremely interesting . Have you research on bilingualism ? It seems that when the mother is British and the father French and they both live in France their children seem to be more bilingual than when the mother is French and the father is British . This is what we called mother tongue , isn't it ? Time Published Niamh average rating is 3 out of 5 Such an interesting article! Time Published LOAD MORE

Just Stop Oil: Who are they, and why are they throwing soup on paintings? Caitlin Morrell Thursday, 14 November 2024 In the last few years, Just Stop Oil has consistently attacked art and culture to raise awareness of its concern about global warming and climate change. But why throw soup at paintings? This article investigates the protest group's origins and reasoning. A few days ago, Just Stop Oil supporters were spotted at Parliament Square dressing the Gandhi Statue with an orange high-vis and covering it in salt. A few days before that, supporters dressed a Nelson Mandela statue. And a few days before that, an Emmeline Pankhurst statue in Manchester. Even Demeter, the Greek goddess of harvest and agriculture, in the British Museum and the Beatles in Liverpool were dressed in the same orange high-vis. Just Stop Oil’s iconic orange is here, there and everywhere to say that, no matter what, they will be there to continue spreading their environmentalist message. Since the National Gallery banned liquids after three supporters threw soup at the famous Vincent Van Gogh painting Sunflowers in October, the environmental activist group has been taking more public advances in their plea for change in the lead-up to the London Palestine protest that took place on Saturday. But the string of protests did not start from there. Just Stop Oil organiser and face of the movement, Indigo Rumbelow , describes the group as non-hierarchical with the collaboration of organisers, scientists, lawyers and former workers in the oil industry, whose activists and associates spread awareness of their demands through numerous tactics. While Just Stop Oil went public in 2022, Rumbelow said that the group in fact originally formed in December 2021 as an attempt to take a new route in climate activism, with the intent “to engage new people.” Since its formation, more than 3,000 associated with Just Stop Oil have been arrested trying to spread their message: ” End fossil fuels before they end us.” Just Stop Oil is not the only environmental activist group to cause havoc. Extinction Rebellion, officially XR for short, made headlines in October 2019 for climbing on top of London trains during rush hour. Insulate Britain, blocked the M25 in 2021 , making themselves the headline’s subject as well. These incidents created further controversy and debate over freedom of speech and the right to protest in a manner that disturbs the public. Just Stop Oil has always been controversial to the public because of its illegal means of protesting. From vandalising paintings in museums to interrupting football matches. They have even gone so far as to vandalise Stonehenge in June , spraying paint onto three of its stones. But Just Stop Oil’s taste for targeting culture is a different tactic compared to the other groups. While their earlier protests did include traffic distribution, the disruption of their later tactics is much wider given that much of culture is reliant on art, music and sport. In the span of a few years, they have managed to disrupt all sorts of highly-covered events in culture, from the British Grand Prix in 2022 to a West End production of Les Misérables . But why attack the very thing that connects the community? Just Stop Oil justified their choice to attack culture: “ Yes – art is precious. We share that love deeply. What we want to do is salvage a future where human creativity is still possible. We’re terrifyingly close to losing that, so we have to break the rules.” The pressure group are more than aware of the implications of their tactics - “ Art is sacred in our culture” - but the need to spread awareness is more important to them, even if at the cost of art. Their plea for change is scrutinised because of public and government opinion, but the facts are in their favour. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 3.6 billion already live in areas highly susceptible to climate change. NASA identified that climate change can cause extreme weather changes - as seen recently with Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton that devastated Florida - with the potential of these becoming more extreme in the future. The figures are rising as the temperature of the Earth does. Just Stop Oil’s methods, while visually erratic, may seem sensical. “ It is upsetting to disrupt people but it’s far more upsetting to stay silent as we watch this horror unfold,” says Rumbelow in an article with the Guardian . If considered with the facts, there is some truth to this. After all, as some may say, desperate times call for desperate measures. About the Author Local to Nottingham, Caitlin is an International Media and Communications student and the 25/26 Publicity Officer. While she has yet to actually spend a year anywhere, she has an appreciation of travel/culture and would like to explore outside of her birthplace. Besides late night crash outs, she enjoys laughing at bad films, writing fiction and pacing her room with her music on full blast. Copyright free images via Unsplash. For more content, follow us on Instagram , and like our Facebook page for more articles and information on how to join the Lingo Team. Have an article ready to send in? Submit it here . Tags: Global Affairs Environment Categories: I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy. Share: Let us know what you think 3.0 150 Article ratings average rating is 3 out of 5, based on 150 votes, Article ratings WRITE A COMMENT Thanks for submitting a comment! Barbara Dawson average rating is 3 out of 5 Lovely tasty dish. Try it you won’t be disappointed. Time Published Aunty Liz average rating is 3 out of 5 Very tasty and cheap. I often have this for tea! Time Published BETTS average rating is 3 out of 5 Being a bilingual family (French mother and British father,) living in France I thought your article was extremely interesting . Have you research on bilingualism ? It seems that when the mother is British and the father French and they both live in France their children seem to be more bilingual than when the mother is French and the father is British . This is what we called mother tongue , isn't it ? Time Published Niamh average rating is 3 out of 5 Such an interesting article! Time Published LOAD MORE