9th Mini Saga Contest: Voting Now Open

The time has come for us to announce the semifinalists of the 9th edition of our Mini Saga Contest! 

We've had dozens of submissions and have carefully read and marked them all until we shortlisted 15 stories. Thank you to everyone who entered; we have really enjoyed reading your stories!

Help us choose the 7 finalists by reading the 15 mini sagas below and voting for your favourite story here. Public voting will be enabled until March 24th.The jury, who will be composed of members from the teaching staff of the English department, will judge the 7 stories that receive the highest number of votes and award 3 prizes based on their originality and linguistic quality. Winners will be announced on March 31st.

A Flying Bee On A Girl’s Arm

Once there was a bee enjoying a warm summer day. She flew over a terrace, and landed gently on a 12-year- old girl’s arm. She was sunbathing with her eyes closed, unaware of her visitor. Mistaking it for a fly, the girl swatted at it but missed. Thank God! 

A Surprised Husband

Her mind spun around the last conversation she had

had with her husband. As usual , they had sat

drinking wine talking about nothing to avoid the

issue that lately kept them awake.

Have you got the letter? -asked Clara.

What letter? What the f..k are you talking about?

A Transition For The Better

A subtle perception of dissatisfaction has been trickling in her mind since adolescence.

Why wait more? The appalling sense of a prisoner in her own body was the turning point. It will encompass a challenging long process starting with family, friends, doctors, bureaucracy and body changes. Joyfully she became he!

I Will Never Leave You Alone

 You believed you could finally get over this. I know you've been trying to forget me but I'm not going to let you escape from me. I’ve been watching you and can see your anxiety. See? I'm back again.I've just said it to you: No prozac will defeat me.

Is this my car?

Fifty words! This has been my mantra for days. The submission deadline is tonight, I need an idea right now! I was thinking about this when I got into my car after shopping in the mall. It smelled of tobacco but I don't smoke. This wasn't my car. Goodness me!

Last Minute Thought of an Addict

In my last breath, I watch the curtains sway to the rhythm of the bustling market. With my nose against the floor for one final hit, only one thought lingers: Fuck, love consumes more than cocaine. Then, I close my eyes, surrendering to the void, losing myself and my dignity.

Please Don't Wear Yellow

In Spain they'll wish you loads of shit, in England they'll hope you break a leg, in Italy they'll try to shove you up a whale's ass.

Very mindful, very demure.

But nothing, believe me, NOTHING boosts your career like pushing the leading actress down the stairs when nobody's looking.

Sound of Duality

I don't know what to say to my mother, I'm so confused, without sleep, all this seems like a dream. My grandmother has just passed away after an impossible fight against dementia. Sixteen years with a feeling of total helplessness. Now, sadness and happiness, now, all finishesand all begins

The Awakening

It is almost over. The time is coming, and I can do nothing about it.

Well, maybe I can pretend not to hear it.

I can completely ignore it.

I keep telling myself: "Keep your eyes closed, the key is to pretend".

Sure, but it is time to wake up.

The Fall of a Dictatorship

 “We’ll attack them! They’re weak!” the leader bellowed, relishing the fear and admiration in his followers’ eyes. He flashed a gap-toothed grin, drunk on power. Without warning, a woman seized his arm and dragged him away from the playground. “Mum!” was his final cry as his dictatorship crumbled to dust.

The Madwoman On The Rooftop

- What if I try?

- (LOL) Haven't you seen the talent level? What's the point? You don’t measure up!

- Perhaps comparing myself to others is the failure while trying is the prize... What if for once I...?

- C'mom! That's the relief of losers!

- Ok. You're right! I’d better not write it.

The Last Time

Don’t worry, love!

I know, I understand

It was all my fault

I forced you to raise your hand

You’re gonna change

‘Twas the last time

Gotta pull yourself together

Everything will be fine.

Last time, for sure!

Tomorrow I’ll be free

The beer you’re having

Has poison in it

The Unexpected Winner

I was standing in front of the picture that had been awarded the first prize. I wondered who on Earth could have portrayed a woman with a cat on her head to participate in an International Photography contest. Thank you so much, Frank! I had never dreamt of being famous!

The Vast Absence of War Could Not Break the Passion of Eternal Love.

She was sent to the battlefront. Their joy shattered. Endless wait at home. Nearly losing hope, his soulmate finally arrives on horseback. Time hasn’t dimmed their love. They ride together. At their journey’s end, still in uniform, he shows her the grave he claimed—one they will share for eternity.

True Crime

‘What do we have?’

‘Woman, fortyish, Caucasian, ...’

‘Time of death?’

‘Around midnight, I reckon.’

‘Cause?’

‘Trauma from a blunt object. Probably a hammer.’

Not a hammer; it had been a bludgeon. I’d tried to explain myself, but then the undertakers put me on a stretcher and took my body away

Library Quiz Winner

We are delighted to announce the winner of our Library Quiz, who was awarded with a graded reader: 

Naira González Comesaña (B1)

Thanks to all the participants!

Naira stands proudly with her teacher, Raquel

Library Quiz

Answer a questionnaire about our library and win a book!

Click on the images below to enlarge them.

8th Mini Saga Contest: Voting now open

The time has come for us to announce the finalists of the 8th edition of our Mini Saga Contest! We've had dozens of submissions and have carefully read and marked them all until we reached 15 semi-finalists. Thank you to everyone who entered; we have really enjoyed reading your stories!

Help us choose the 7 finalists by reading the 15 mini sagas below and voting for your favourite story here. Public voting will be enabled until April 15th.The jury, who will be composed of members from the teaching staff of the English department, will judge the 7 stories that receive the highest number of votes and award 3 prizes based on their originality and linguistic quality. Winners will be announced on April 23rd.

Asking for Help to Write a Mini Saga

This time, you must write a dialogue.

“Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?”

“Her whose foot the glass slipper would fit”.

“Goodness, what a big mouth you have!”

“Off with their heads!” said the Queen.

Who the fuck said that Chat GPT was intelligent?

A Scene of War

The helicopters, vigilant, circle the area time and again. On the ground, the blasts follow one after the other, faster and faster. The earth trembles with the explosions. Relentlessly, the noise intensifies; the people’s shouts can no longer be heard. Smoke fills the place. It’s the mascletà in the Fallas.

Carroll’s Playing Card

They should have listened; they never listen. Alice was everybody’s favourite. The pleasant, well mannered and sensible blonde girl. The unbearable girl, I’d say! This time my husband will not be able to prevent it, this time they will have no option but to indulge me. Off with their heads! 

Case Closed

The mystery was almost solved. The bait was set up. The cameras were hidden, ready to film. “Tomorrow, we will reveal the identity of that elusive criminal mastermind”. I went to bed with a huge smile, which vanished when I started watching the tapes and saw myself committing the crime.

Get off on the wrong foot

A famous chiropodist. Happy at work. All the morning up and down the hospital with a cracking noise at every step. His feet started hurting, then his legs and eventually his hips. Worried, he wondered “what can this be?”. When he got home he got off shoes that were mismatched!

Just my luck!

I’d gotten her number at last! I couldn’t stop looking at her, so gorgeous she was…After a couple of gins, I approached immediately. Before we said bye, she’d written it on my hand. I didn’t know whether to call her or wait. I dialed and heard: “sorry, wrong number”

How to Write a Mini Saga in Less than Three Minutes

She’d been encouraged to participate in a mini saga contest. Remaining time for submissions: three minutes. No stories came to her. No inspiration. Only two minutes left. Nerves. Her reputation was at stake. Panic! Suddenly, she found her way. Indeed, just two words were enough. Just an acronym: AI. Done!

Long-term relationship

I used to be obsessed with you

Dreamt about us all time

Now, you’re not my kind

Gotta get rid of you

First ‘twas happiness, delight

But after few years of joy

Your demands rose too high

I’m nothing but a toy

Stuck in this mortgage

That only bankers enjoy.

May the fog be with you

Like a snake through the city it crawls,

Scales entangled in the corners

Conquering every inch of the walls.

Misty people wandering like mourners,

Foggy ghosts returning home

Walking as robotic performers.

Under the shadows of the stone,

Wrapped in sherds of fog,

A bell rings: “You are not alone”.

Pain over pain

All alone in the woods, before dawn. A sudden sharp pain announced that her baby was about to be born. Paloma could smell in the air that something was going wrong. Feverishly, she tried to gore a lurking shadow behind her but she failed to do so. The wolf won.

Run like clockwork

Desperate, she opened that website to check the date once again. The clock was only a few seconds from striking midnight. She waited, terrified of her own predetermined destiny. Midnight. She felt relieved: she was still alive, safe and sound. Suddenly, she realized she wasn’t alone in her bedroom anymore.

The Cohesion Family

-‘I hate when Reference uses Anaphora and Cataphora for the fun of it!’ said Substitution.

-‘How dare you! It’s you who’s always replacing nouns!’ replied Ellipsis.

-‘At least, I don’t make them disappear altogether!’ Substitution shouted.

-‘Help me, guys! They want to delete me ‘cause I don’t collocate!’ yelled Lexicon.

The Silence Conspiracy

The time had come when the poison of collective silence started killing me. I could find no antidote or vaccine; I could not move forward and avoid responsibility. Each attempt was like a huge burden on my back, impossible to shuffle off… May anything be felt more acutely than injustice?

The Worst Nightmare

When the plague began, just some species were infected and withered. Pests, they concluded, and so assumed, as they always did, that pesticides would solve it. But after only a very few years, all kinds of trees were dying. Forests succumbed, jungles disappeared. And they didn’t have a planet B.

Waiting for My Beloved

Every morning it's same old, same old. A promising smile, a door that closes and my heart starting to ache. Another gloomy day without her. Time goes by sleeping on the sofa and standing up just to drink. Suddenly, my beloved’s voice wakes me up: “Time for a walk, Toby!”.

8th Mini Saga Contest

 Can you imagine a story in 50 words?
Participate in the 8th edition of the Mini Saga Contest of the EOI de Santiago de Compostela!

Participation terms (Bases do concurso)

Deadline for submissions: April 5, 2024.

Library questionnaire

Answer a questionnaire about our library and win a book!

Click on the images below to enlarge them.

 

7th Mini Saga Contest Results

 We are delighted to announce the winners of the 7th Mini Saga Contest of the EOI de Santiago de Compostela.

A panel of teachers from the English department has chosen 3 stories from the 7 finalists and has awarded 3 prizes:

"A Second Chance" by Elena Rodríguez

"Mutual Surveillance" by Julia García

"Only a Breath Away" by Ramiro Cascallana

Thanks to all the participants for their amazing stories and special thanks to all the students and teachers who have voted for the favourite!

Looking forward to the 8th edition next year! Happy holidays!!

7th Mini Saga Contest: Voting now open

 The time has come for us to announce the finalists of the 7th edition of our Mini Saga Contest! We've had dozens of submissions and have carefully read and marked them all until we reached 15 semi-finalists. Thank you to everyone who entered; we have really enjoyed reading your stories!

Help us choose the 7 finalists by reading the 15 mini sagas below and voting for your favourite story here. Public voting will be enabled until December 9th.The jury, who will be composed of members from the teaching staff of the English department, will judge the 7 stories that receive the highest number of votes and award 3 prizes based on their originality and linguistic quality. Winners will be announced on December 16th.

 A second chance

Mildred and Ruppert had been married for thirty years. Their passion didn’t last long. At first they cared for each other but over the time they avoided spending time together. Big little lies started; they eventually joined Tinder. A blind date. Ruppert was so excited.

- What the heck! It's Mildred!!!

A sorry ending

It’s finally over. And it had been intense, oh dear! Intense, indeed! He would never forget it even when it had lasted just for a few days. But what an experience! Every word, every feeling. Oh yes, every page!, he thought as he closed the book for the last time.

Bus to nowhere

He wanted to escape. He packed his suitcase, slammed the door, and took the first bus to nowhere. The destination didn´t matter. He would never go back. Never! But an hour later he was again in front of his house. Without realizing it, he had taken the circle route bus.

Fireworks?

People in the street and lights in the sky. The little girl was looking through the window. She didn't like the deafening noises she could hear. Her father appeared: ''Are you afraid? Don't worry honey, they are just fireworks. Come on, it's time to go to bed''. Ukraine, February 2022

Love Actually

Ana spent her life loving a man who loved another woman that didn’t love him back, but fancied some other to whom she never professed her feelings, thank goodness, because he was enamoured of a green-eyed man who liked to roll in the hay with Ana every now and then.

Mutual surveillance

I’m peeping out through the hole. It looks like she’s sleeping, but I truly know she never lowers her guard. She’s always on alert. If only it would stop raining, I could have a chance to seek food. Oh no, she’s doing it again… I can’t stand her dreary purr.

Only a breath away

Only a breath, that's all I need to take your will down.

Like I did many times before.

To make you lay with me in bed.

A couple of days, or even more.

We’ll feel the heat,

We’ll lose the sense of time.

Because I’m the FLU and you’re mine.

Only once a year

I can´t fall asleep. I’m too nervous. I keep tossing and turning. My dog Otto’s by my side. He can´t sleep either. Tomorrow is the day. Only once a year. Such a big smile on my face…Otto’s smiling too.

8:00am. Beeeeeeeep. “The Three Kings have been here”, mum yells excitedly.

Perfectly Alone

Cameron is the type of guy that exudes confidence effortlessly, as if he was born with

it. He’s extremely handsome, very popular online, with piercing green eyes and a ripped body that he’s proud to show off. Cameron lives with his blind dog and never had a relationship. Bless Cameron.

Someone pulled the trigger

I remained motionless on a cold morning. It was too early and still dark. There was no escape. I found myself surrounded by men with eager eyes. I could just hear a low voice far away. After that, only silence. Suddenly, a shot was fired! The marathon had just started.

Stop!

I get up early,

commute quickly

and work hard.

I have lunch on the go,

look after my kids,

and run some errands.

I do the housework,

answer the emails

and study a lot.

Utterly exhausted,

I end up the day,

closing my eyes and

making new and backbreaking plans.

Strategic move

Beads of sweat trickled down the rider's forehead: one false step and all the effort would be wasted. Many had fallen and hardly anyone was left in the rear, but just as he was about to give up, the white knight moved to d6 and the victorious player shouted: checkmate!

Too late to wake me up

It’s really nice to see family and friends altogether again. My graduation ceremony was the very last time we met and since then, cousin Luna has grown a lot. They all look so close right now. What a shame that I’m inside a coffin and I cannot kiss them all.

Ulterior motives

With death ever-present, she embarked on an ocean-crossing expedition with the sole purpose of keeping the lethal virus alive and managing to inoculate most of mankind. Her vials, some little orphans.

The human chain that carried the life-saving fluid was vital to spreading the smallpox vaccination. Isabel Zendal's priceless legacy.

When Weather meets Time

Somewhere by the ocean.

9 am, 14ºC, soft rain.

Perfect conditions for them to meet: medium, moderate and calm.

Weather was changeable, temperamental, lively, 4 months pregnant.

Time was apparently monotonous, trustable, experienced, wise.

They were meant for each other. …

When the baby was born, they named him Sea-son.

7th Mini Saga Contest

 Can you imagine a story in 50 words?

Participate in the 7th edition of the Mini Saga Contest of the EOI de Santiago de Compostela!

Participation terms:

• To enter, you must be a B2.2. or a C-level student enrolled in the EOI of Santiago de Compostela (Vite) or its satellite schools.
• Write your mini saga in exactly 50 words (plus a title up to 15 words).
• Send your text to biblioteca.sar@eoisantiago.org no later than November 18th, 2022. Make sure you include your full name and the name of your group.
• A maximum of 15 stories will be shorlisted and published here so that anyone can vote on their favourite mini saga. Public voting will be enabled until December 9th.
• The 7 stories that receive the highest number of votes will be considered by a jury of teachers from the English department, who will choose the 3 winners based on the originality and linguistic quality of the stories.
• Winners will be announced on December 16th, 2022.
• EOI SANTIAGO retains the rights to publish your text online or in a printed compilation.

 Participation in this contest necessarily requires the unconditional acceptance of its terms.

6th Mini Saga Contest Results

 We are delighted to announce the winners of the 6th Mini Saga Contest of the EOI de Santiago de Compostela.

A panel of teachers from the English department has selected 3 mini sagas from the 7 finalists and awarded 3 prizes:

"A Natural Death" by Olalla Manteiga

"Harriet's Regret" by Óscar Villan

"It's Too Late To Apologize" by Francisco Javier Noya

Thanks to all the participants for their amazing stories and special thanks to all the students and teachers who have voted for helping make this contest a success!

Looking forward to its 7th edition next year!

6th Mini Saga Contest: Voting Now Open

The semi-finalists of the 6th Mini Saga Contest have already been chosen. Thanks to all the participants for their great stories!

 Please, read the 15 mini sagas below and vote for your favourite story here. Public voting will be enabled until February 4th.The 7 stories that receive the highest number of votes will be considered by a jury of teachers from the English department, who will choose the 3 winners based on the originality and linguistic quality of the stories. Winners will be announced on February 11th, 2022.

A Natural Death

There she was, standing at her grave on a cold, winter night, shivering above her corpse. She had tried to keep her alive, but now she was grieving her loss in silence. Alone, in the gloomy backyard, she muttered: Oh dear, if only I could water you one last time! 

As Simple as That!

And there she was, sitting silently on a rickety armchair, waiting for a convincing explanation. Unfortunately, there was none. Just excuses. As I started to mumble some nonsense about feeling lost, she looked me in the eye and said: “Mum, you'd better shape up because we need an adult here”.

Better Than Ever

Being a teenager, I had me time and I felt healthy. However, I was hard up. In my forties, I was healthy and wealthy, but short of time. Now, as an elderly gentleman, I have money and time on my hands. And with LIVEFOREVER™ pills I feel healthier than ever!

 Coffee break

We were having a coffee, as always, speaking about our lives. Suddenly, a window was broken. My partner ran to the adjoining room with a knife and I caught the phone to call the police. As he opened the door, a pigeon flew inside the corridor with an injured wing.

Countdown

On Tuesday at midnight the telephone rang. Unknown number. "Hello?" "4, 3, 2, 1." Weird.

On Wednesday, once again, "Hello?" "3, 2, 1." Bit creepy.

On Thursday, "Hello?" "2, 1." Very creepy.

On Friday, "Hello?" "1." Maybe call the police?

On Saturday, with shaking hands and voice, "Hello?" "Happy birthday!!"

Harriet's Regret

- Harriet.

- Mh?

- Can I ask you something?

- Yes.

- Would... would you marry me?

- [Sigh]

- What?

- C'mon, Otto...

- What!?

- Please, don't start again.

- Why? What's the matter?

- Stop it. I'm trying to read.

- Harriet. Can I ask you...?

- Oh, such an annoying cockatoo you are! I should have adopted a budgerigar!

It’s Too Late to Apologize

Being late was part of his nature. What a great pleasure it was to picture others awaiting his arrival, as if he were a conqueror, a king, the hero of the day. On his wedding day, it was him who had to wait for a bride that never turned up.

“Positive” Mood

I was there, but nobody could see me. They were partying, everybody was having a great time. So was I, even if they didn´t notice... He kissed a girl on the cheek... great! Tomorrow I will meet her family! “Come On, Vaccine, tame me If you Dare! Lots of kisses!”

Renaissance of Freedom

Dressed in black, with sunglasses covering her blows, Veronica went out to smoke a cigarette. She was not weeping with the grief of losing her husband, but with the impetus of a newborn baby. The bastard who had wronged her was dead and she had finally risen from her ashes.

The Arrival of the Saviour

The knight was young and handsome. He arrived in town and people explained to him the horror and fear they felt. The village must give a child tomorrow to the dragon. The courageous knight went to the cave where the dragon was, and died burned before he raised his sword.

The Final Countdown

Tick, tock... The deadline is about to arrive. The countdown has started. My brain’s about to explode, my hands are sweating, my heart is beating stronger. Too many requirements, too little time, no ideas at all. Come on, a mini-saga contest? I won’t get to write one. I give up.

 Time Is Going By

Yesterday, I turned fifty. I recognize that a week ago I was worried. Many people say that this age is a turning point in life. Today, I looked through the window; the sun was shining in the blue sky and tomorrow again. Don ́t worry, you are simply a day older.

Two Hours, Twice a week

Fearful, confident, tired,  fresh, lost, proud...So many feelings in such a short time! Is it really neccesary? You always say the same when things are WORTHWHILE, don’t give up. True, I'm on the right track.

- The class is over, bye guys!

- Bye, teacher! See you next day!

What a Coincidence!

Yesterday I went to the bank to withdraw money. A large sum. Suddenly, a masked man pointed a gun at me and shouted “Give me the money!” I put it inside his muddied bag. It’s the same bag my neighbour was carrying when he gave me some flowers this morning!!

Why Am I a Feminist Today?

Fifty years ago my mother was a teacher, housewife and mother of two children, no checking account, car care or paperwork. Today I am a teacher, housewife, mother of two children, financial home adviser, car keeper and bureaucracy expert. Life has improved for women. And so it has for men.

6th Mini Saga Contest

 Can you imagine a story in exactly 50 words?

Participate in the 6th edition of the Mini Saga Contest of the EOI de Santiago de Compostela!

Participation terms:

• To enter, you must be a B2.2. or a C-level student enrolled in the EOI of Santiago de Compostela (Vite) or its satellite schools.
• Write your mini saga in exactly 50 words (plus a title up to 15 words).
• Send your text to biblioteca.sar@eoisantiago.org no later than January 14th, 2022. Make sure you include your full name and the name of your group.
• A maximum of 15 stories will be shorlisted and published here so that anyone can vote on their favourite mini saga. Public voting will be enabled until February 4th.
• The 7 stories that receive the highest number of votes will be considered by a jury of teachers from the English department, who will choose the 3 winners based on the originality and artistic quality of the stories.
• Winners will be announced on February 11th, 2022.
• EOI SANTIAGO retains the rights to publish your text online or in a printed compilation.

 Participation in this contest necessarily requires the unconditional acceptance of its terms.

5th Mini Saga Contest Results

Now that the voting poll is closed, here are the winners of the 5th Mini Saga Contest!

"An Unexpected Request" by Laura Lima

"The Story of My Beagle" by Alejandra Franjo

"Leaving Paradise" by Elvira Rodríguez 

Special thanks to the other finalists for their great stories and thanks as well to all you who have voted for your favourite mini saga, thus helping us to choose the winners.

 

5th Mini Saga Contest: Voting now open

The finalists of the 5th Mini Saga Contest have already been chosen. Thanks to all the participants for their great stories!

Please, read the mini sagas below and vote for your favourite story here. There will be three prizes and winners will be announced on February, 5.

 A Blind Date

She fell for that man on Tinder. They both used secret usernames and he seemed so enigmatic, mysterious, exciting, adventurous… everything she lacked in her life. They would meet in Cafe Iacobus that Saturday night, he would take a red rose. She wanted to die when she saw her husband.

 An Unexpected Request

The little girl hadn´t hardly slept. Suddenly, she jumped out of bed and ran downstairs quickly. When she reached the Christmas tree in the hall, there he was, delivering packets. Santa smiled and said: Precious, what do you want for Christmas? She stared at him seriously and answered: “Equal pay”.

It’s Happening!

I open my eyes. The sun’s shining. “Thank you for the sun”, I think. I go outside. “Thank you for the fresh air”, I mutter. I see your face. “Thank you for your smile”, I mumble. Today is the very first day without a face mask. The pandemic is over.

Leaving Paradise

Floating in warm water. No light, faint sounds. A distant echo of your voice. Eyes wide shut, feeling cosy. Suddenly, a bump! A tsunami pushes me upside down. Not feeling good. Your screams freak me out. A light at the end. Please keep me inside. Not ready for my birth!

 Making Up Her mind

She was meant to change her life drastically and enjoy the time she had left. That morning she quitted her wretched job. Then, she spent most of her savings booking that amazing trip. The next morning, she received a call. A terrible mistake had happened. Her biopsy results were ok.

 Nature’s Rebellion

Fruit no longer tasted the same. A slightly earthy metallic flavour gave way to a worse phenomenon: tiny red drops appeared on their surface; the bleeding was unstoppable once you bit them. Nobody dared to do it after the first attempt. Nature had decided not to feed humans any more.

Oddly enough, you popped by and I only had eyes for you

Aware that it might get out of hand, not only my shrewdness but also my shamefully admitted loneliness drove me on. “This candle will resuscitate your dead wife tonight”, said the scrawny and unkempt wizard. I am afraid I have always been single but who wouldn’t crave a blind date?

Planned Obsolescence

Just a few hours before he had been the center of attention. Cheerful children flitting around; adults capturing the moment with their smartphones. A pleasant smell was coming from the kitchen and everybody but him ran inside. The taste of a rotten carrot in his mouth. The sun on top.

So insane

They keep telling me that this relationship is unhealthy, that you are hurting me. This is insane. They urge me to leave you. But I am willing to pay the price in exchange for such great company, and above all, for the support you give me.

-"Here! Your tobacco"

-"Thanks!"

Stella Maris (IMO 7253021)

Since they got married, she had always packed his suitcase when he left for his job as a ship captain. Now, he was retired and very ill. “Please, pack my luggage. Tomorrow, I must go away” he said. She sat by him on the bed, held his hand and waited.

The Ballad of a Love-Hate Relationship

My smartphone is buzzing, there must be something going on. Is that my wife? Is that my boss? Is that my mother using hers wrong? I’ve got my degree and also my master and I’ve always paid my taxes. Why on earth is my life controlled by such small devices?

 The C2 exam

It´s gonna be alright. It´s gonna be OK. We are well trained, team. One course working hard on this. One year waiting for this moment. Now it’s the time to demonstrate your skills. Take a breath, relax, and go for it! Reading, writing, listening, speaking! Oh, and a mediation task!

The King of the Underworld

Hades could see the whole of the underworld. Faithful Cerberus by his side. He looked pensive, his eyes tinged with sadness. He always felt like that at this time of the day. He looked down and thought to himself: WI really wish they put more cheese in my cheese sandwich.

 The Story of My Beagle.

Born in a cage, I was predestined to hunt as my siblings. We are freed to train for that in a freezing winter. I am lost. Terrified. I hopelessly run. Noise, almost darkness. Iam hurt, bleeding. I see lights. A voice calls me. I stop; she hugs me. Thanks.

You Are My Sunshine

Winter, same old, same old. I wake up hoping to see you at the crack of dawn. I walk over the sea staring at the horizon, thinking of those warm drawn-out summery days with you. Emerged as if from a dream, you show up bashfully. Hiya! Here comes the sun!

Participate in our 5th Mini Saga Contest

Can you imagine a story in 50 words?

Participate in the 5th Mini Saga Contest of the EOI de Santiago de Compostela!!

Participation terms:

• To enter, you must be a student at EOI Santiago de Compostela.
• Write your mini saga in exactly 50 words in English (plus a title up to 15 words).
• Send your text to the following email address: biblioteca.sar@eoisantiago.org no later than January 15th, 2021. Make sure you include your full name and the name of your group.
• A maximum of 15 stories will be shorlisted and published here so that you can vote for your favourite.
• Voting will be enabled until February 3rd and the winners will be announced on February 5th.
• In the case of a tie, a panel of teachers will take the final decision.
• EOI SANTIAGO retains the rights to publish your text online or in a printed compilation.
•  Participation in this contest implies the acceptance of these terms.

Looking forward to reading your contributions!!

Mini sagas "Amigas": A creative writing project with students from EOI Pamplona

Good news!

We are taking part in "Escuelas Amigas" a very inspiring initiative of Laura Escribano, the head of studies of EOI Pamplona, aiming at fostering collaboration among Escuelas de Idiomas.

Our school is collaborating with an English teacher from EOI Pamplona, Carol Sáez,  and her C2 students in a creative writing project titled MINI SAGAS AMIGAS, whose end product can be found on this Padlet.

 Thanks for your amazing mini sagas!

The next step is to read the mini sagas written by Carol's students and vote for your favourite here. 

CORRUPTED PRINCIPLES

The road was slippy with rain. From his window he had a good view of the down hill road. He saw the rearless child on a bycicle approaching at higher speed than needed for such a steep downhill. His mouth watering in anticipation... his camera was ready!!

THE IMPORTANCE OF WEARING GLASSES

Overcrowded underground

-Keep away from me, please!

-What's the matter?

-You are a giant coronavirus, bad times for you!

-No, I'm not. I'm Li Kequiang... Your glasses are under your chin.

Sorry, I'll put them on... Nice to meet you, Mr Li Kequiang

- Likewise, Mr Trump.

CHANGES IN VISION

Schoolgrounds, cold and dangerous.

Pestie has arrived.

He looked specially green and yellowish. HE TOUCHED ME!!! I was scared, so I insulted him. Everybody laughed. He took my dad's tie from me - I could breath- Then, he gave me his glasses, I could finally see!

I WAS THE SICK ONE!

WILL YOU?

That day I felt really anxious because I was waiting for it and started thinking it was never going to happen.

My boyfriend got extrimely nervous. Suddenly, he reached out his hand holding a small box.

I opened it and was astonished by what I saw.!

VAT is not included!!!

BONDS OF INNOCENCE

Different cultures, separate ethnic groups. However, best friends at school.

No sooner did they grow than prejudices were meekly assumed. Years of distrust and misconceptions followed.

Then S has a pram.

Now, jump off the barriers.

Go, M, go!

An accomplice smile over the innocence stirred their lost friendship.

SPANISH PICARESQUE

During the Barcelona Olympics, next to the "Sagrada Familia", an Italian car had been fined for improper parking.

The Italian never understood why he had two identical fines at home when back from vacation.

A Spanish driver also parked imprperly and simply put the first Italian fine on his windshield.

SILENCE

He woke up surrounded by darkness.

Silence.

He had some battery left on the phone but no signal at all.

Midnight.

His chest was burning, his clothes were stained.

Blood.

He felt anxious and trapped.

"Let me out!"

A scream was heard from six feet under the ground.

Then, silence.

HOW "YOU CAN NEVER TELL A BOOK BY ITS COVER" HAS STILL THINGS TO SAY

The phone was almost running out of battery yet I wasn't able to find out what I was seeking. Amongst the photo philters something was missing, they didn't reflect what my heart was singing.

For though I close my eyes, all I see is la vie en rose.

GAME OF CROWNS

Everyone in the Seven Kingdoms witnessed the death of every single one of the candidates to sit on the Iron Throne.

But in the end, Queen Daenerys Targaryen was able to reach her goal, only to end up dead.

It was a pity that Coronavirus also got to her.

THE DENTIST

I needed to see a dentist. I saw her name and I remembered her. We were schoolmates.

With this physical appearence, she could not be the same appealing girl I remembered. When she finished, I told her she was in my classroom.

She asked me: What did you teach me?

PRIORITATION

The virus has been finally cornered. It has been an intense fight and even though it was not a landslide win, after 2 billion deaths this fatal disease has been completely eradicated.

The victims are mainly concentrated in Afruca and South America where the population was more vulnerable.

RIP Famine

WE ARE ALL NOISE ANIMALS. OR ARE WE?

First, the screeching tyres, then the breathtaking scream and finally the thump.

We heard the bones cracking and the body hitting the asphalt. And then again the engine roaring, the raging multitude dragging the driver through the window, the lynching...

And the end: the rope creaoking over the dog's corpse.

Voting will be enabled until March 22nd and the winners will be announced on March 24th. Thanks in advance!

Enjoy!