Coffee Break Spanish — Bonus Episode: Clues Explained
Episode: La fantástica caza del tesoro
Air Date: November 4, 2025
Host: Marc (Coffee Break Languages)
Length: ~12 minutes
Episode Overview
In this bonus episode, Marc provides a detailed explanation of all the poetic clues from Coffee Break’s 2025 “Treasure Hunt” series. Recorded on location in Strasbourg, the final city of the hunt, Marc breaks down each riddle, connecting it to famous European landmarks, and highlights the language-learning journey through culture and history. Spanish translations of each clue are also shared for learners.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
[01:32] Introduction from Strasbourg
- Marc sets the scene in Strasbourg, apologizing for the less-than-studio audio quality and explains the purpose: to walk listeners through the four clues that made up the treasure hunt.
- “I hope that this explanation of all the clues is helpful to you. Let’s get started.” (Marc, 01:32)
[02:12] Clue 1: Berlin
- Clue Review (English):
- A wall that was once a boundary, now a canvas (refers to the Berlin Wall and its East Side Gallery).
- Linden trees stop where a gate with a chariot stands (Unter den Linden avenue leading to the Brandenburg Gate).
- Red and green lights and little marching figures (Ampelmännchen, the iconic Berlin pedestrian signals).
- The tower that watches over all (Fernsehturm, the Berlin TV Tower).
- Spanish Clue Read-out:
- “Un muro antes marcaba frontera hoy luce arte que la alma libera…” (C, 03:33)
- Marc’s Insight:
- “All of these clues, of course, refer to Berlin, the capital city of Germany.” (Marc, 03:26)
Key Quote:
“A wall which once traced a borderline, a living canvas where colors shine...” (Marc reciting, 02:17)
[03:58] Clue 2: Verona
- Clue Review (English):
- Lovers whisper beneath a stone balcony (Romeo & Juliet’s balcony).
- Ancient arena glowing at twilight (Verona’s open-air opera arena).
- A river gently embracing the city (the Adige river).
- An allusion to “Two Gentlemen of Verona”; spritz in hand (aperol spritz, iconic in Verona).
- Spanish Clue Read-out:
- “Don diamantes susurran con dulce emoción un balcón resguarda su bien amor…” (C, 05:21)
- Marc’s Insight:
- “Our second clue is pointing to the beautiful city in the north of Italy, Verona.” (Marc, 05:18)
Key Quote:
“Spritz in hand, as the evening turns gold, two gentlemen toast to a city of old...” (Marc reciting, 05:08)
[05:50] Clue 3: Barcelona
- Clue Review (English):
- Spires still under construction in the Mediterranean sun (Sagrada Familia).
- Mosaic dragon in Park Güell (El drac/dragon sculpture), representing Gaudí’s work.
- Reference to the song “Barcelona” by Montserrat Caballé & Freddie Mercury.
- City by the sea with echoes of Olympic glory.
- Spanish Clue Read-out:
- “Mientras torres aún sueñan supervenir, la piedra respira su lento construir…” (C, 07:03)
- Marc’s Insight:
- “All of the clues are leading to this one place by the waves where the night feels free...” (Marc, 06:48)
Key Quote:
“Dragon rests where the colors gleam, mosaics shimmer like a restless dream.” (Marc reciting, 06:06)
[07:33] Clue 4: Strasbourg (Final Destination)
- Clue Review (English):
- A single cathedral spire in the winter sky (Strasbourg Cathedral’s unique single spire; only one was built due to unstable ground).
- Storks watching from rooftops (les cigognes, Alsace symbol).
- Winter brings festive lights (Strasbourg’s famous Christmas markets).
- Halls where nations meet (European Parliament, Council of Europe, European Court of Human Rights).
- Covered bridges and the Vauban Dam; the treasure’s hiding place.
- Spanish Clue Read-out:
- “Allí el pináculo corona el cielo invernal, ande desde un tejado ancestral…” (C, 09:51)
- Marc’s Insight:
- “And, of course, our treasure was found in the house opposite the dam… our golden coffee cup, which inspired Coffee Break.” (Marc, 09:30)
Key Quote:
“Find covered bridges by waters calm. Your treasure awaits in the house by the dam.” (Marc reciting, 09:44)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Marc emphasizes the value of cultural context in language learning:
- “All of these institutions are places where countries from across the EU come together to discuss, plan, and create the future.” (Marc, 08:54)
- Friendly farewell and encouragement:
- “Merci beaucoup, grazie mille, moza, gracias, and happy Coffee breaking.” (Marc, 10:29)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 01:32 – Introduction from Strasbourg and episode purpose
- 02:12 – Clue 1 explained (Berlin)
- 03:33 – Spanish version of Clue 1
- 03:58 – Clue 2 explained (Verona)
- 05:21 – Spanish version of Clue 2
- 05:50 – Clue 3 explained (Barcelona)
- 07:03 – Spanish version of Clue 3
- 07:33 – Clue 4 explained (Strasbourg, plus treasure reveal)
- 09:51 – Spanish version of Clue 4
- 10:23 – Farewell and end of main content
Tone and Language
Marc maintains his typical welcoming, enthusiastic, and clear teaching style, focusing on both cultural depth and accessible Spanish for learners. He switches between English explanations and reading out the poetic clues in Spanish, highlighting how language connects us to the wider world.
Summary
This special episode masterfully weaves together language, history, and travel, engaging learners by breaking down poetic clues that guided the 2025 Coffee Break treasure hunt across Europe. Marc’s warm narration and insightful explanations make the journey accessible for all learners, whether you participated in the hunt or are just exploring new ways to connect language with real-world culture.