SPAIN, English Village of Valdelavilla

WELCOME to VALDELAVILLA where MAGIC HAPPENS. Several hours north of Madrid, Spain in a lush valley near the Iberian Range is a beautifully restored pueblo village. Here, Spanish professionals, students, and retirees improve their English communications with the assistance of volunteer Anglos from all over the world. Transportation to and from Madrid, cozy accommodations, and delicious meals are free for the Anglos. Through one to one conversations, hikes, and hilarious skits, Spaniards are immersed in English. They say this form of listening and speaking is more effective and less intimidating than a structured grammar class. Additionally, everyone cultivates new friendships. This Madrid-based program is called Pueblo Ingles ( http://www.puebloingles.com)

As a participant and photojournalist, it was my privilege to attend this unusual activity. With these images, I attempted to tell a story from arrival to the magic villa to our heartfelt good-bye. Master of Ceremonies (Jez Beckett) and Program Director (Sabela Castro Jimenez) did an excellent job herding all of us sometimes errant sheep. Valdelavilla is a memory which, I think, all will treasure as one of life's rare rewards. I hope you enjoy this collection of serendipitous moments. Emily M. Grey, Photojournalist