Archive for October, 2007

Traveler’s Spanish an Easy to Follow Course

Monday, October 22nd, 2007

Traveling to Spain, or Mexico and want to speak Spanish You can.

The flight is booked. The room looks like a slice of heaven. Only 5 pounds

to go until that itsy-bitsy swimming suit fits like a dream. Things are all

set, except for one minor hang-up that’s rattling around and creating a host

of disturbing thoughts. Finally the dream vacation to Spain is a reality and

the reality is you don’t speak Spanish. There is still time. Learning a

second language is always a valuable skill, but when the main goal is to use

converse while on vacation you need to learn a specific lingo and pay close

attention to certain skills.Why not start to learn Spanish today.

Help is a click away

First head to your computer and click away. Find a good site that offers

basic Spanish lessons. Try to find audio lessons if possible to train your

ears as well as build vocabulary and grammar skills. Many sites even offer

free Spanish lessons. Use the free trials. There is nothing to loose and

many words to gain.

Firmly founded in vocabulary

Learning a set of basic phrases will not be enough. It will do you no good

to simply memorize a set of basic questions unless the solicited response

happens to be on the list you memorized also. Learning proper grammar is

ideal, but not as important as building a large base of Spanish vocabulary.

Learn as many words as possible. Begin building vocabulary before leaving

for vacation by repeating the Spanish word for commons objects and daily

activities. If unable translate an English word into its Spanish counterpart,

look it up and use it repeatedly the following day. This simple exercise

will yield a vast vocabulary in a short time.

Pardon me, but do you have the time?

Travelers need to pay special attention to learning numbers and time. Numbers

have countless application in travel. The ability to solicit the time from a

stranger or ask a shop keeper an item’s cost is a not taken for granted when

in a foreign country. Number skills are used often when shopping,

calculating tips or riding the metro. Count money in Spanish to practice.

Place labels on the clock indicating Spanish terms for ‘half past the hour’, ‘

quarter ’till’ and so forth.

In addition to vocabulary it is also wise to study the basic layout of the

towns on the vacation itinerary. Is there a Roman ruin or cathedral? Does

the city center upon a town square. These places are more common in Spanish

cities than in American towns. Learning the Spanish terms for these landmarks

will make asking or following directions much simpler. Don’t forget to learn

basic directional terms like right, left, straight ahead and the compass

points.

Talk is cheap

Above all speak Spanish. Enlist traveling companions to learn. Speak

Spanish to each other. Learning a language is easier if you can speak it

regularly.

Relax, have fun and learn to speak Spanish. It can be done, and you can do

it. Enjoy your trip.

http://www.spanishbankaccount.com/basicspanvocab

Cadiz on the Costa de la Luz

Sunday, October 21st, 2007

Down the coast to Cadiz.  The Costa de la Luz stretches a long way.  I thought I’d better explore all of it.  Jerez is located in the province of Cadiz and I liked what it had to offer.  So why not check out the beaches in Cadiz too. This would be a great place to try out  what you have learned during your Spanish language lessons.

At first I was a bit concerned.  The beaches in Huelva didn’t mention much wind, but there is more wind on the beached in Cadiz. I was not deterred and read more and more.  I am really glad I did.  I do like to sunbathe, but I would get really tired of it after a day or two if there was not other activity to hold my interest.  Fortunately there is.

The wind at the Costa de la Luz in Cadiz is responsible for the European capitol of windsurfing being located here!  Along with that come great kite flying opportunities.  My kids will love that.  (OK, so I admit that like to fly a kite, too.)

In addition to sandy beaches I found rocky coastlines. I love to tide pool.  I could lose myself for hours poking about a tide land area with lots of life. There are several natural parks along the Costa de la Luz in Cadiz which protect the coast and the wild life.  I like that.  Another treasure nugget I found not common when looking for good beaches are the Roman ruins in hamlet of Bolonia.  I think I found a winner. So you learn Spanish is to enhance your holiday or break in Spain or any other Spanish speaking country.

Why not learn Spanish that will help you in your day to day interaction with the local people. Visit here to get an overview of what you can hope to achieve.

http://www.spanishbankaccount.com/basicspanvocab