Learn Spanish / Spanish Bank Account

Spanish Language: A Brief Overview

Spanish or Castilian is of course, the national language of Spain. However it’s not the only language spoken or recognized. About one quarter of the population in Spain speaks a language other than Spanish. Catalan is spoken in sections of Andorra and Sardinia, located in Italy and France. Some say the language is a cross between Italian and French. It is considered a major language on its own, and is thought to be more similar to Italian than it is to Spanish. About 4 million people speak Catalan as their native language.

Galician is very similar to Portuguese, in fact a native Galician can understand around 85% of someone speaking Portuguese. About 3 million people in Spain speak Galician and another 1 million outside of Spain.
Euskara, also known as Basque, is the language of an ethnic group that can be found in both France and Spain. It has a separate identity and intends to remain that way. Basque or Euskara is not legally recognized in France, while it is in Spain. Only about 600,000 speak Basque as their first language. Oddly Basque has no connection to the Romance languages or even the greater group known as the Indo-European languages.

Spanish is spoken outside of Spain in South America. The language traveled as a result of Spanish exploration and some would say exploitation, of the New World. These countries include in alphabetical order: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Other countries that have a substantial Spanish speaking population include: Andorra, Belize, Gibraltar, Philippines and the United States. In total about 400 to 500 million people around the world speak Spanish as their native language making it the fourth most common language in the world.
Mandarin Chinese is number one with nearly 900 million speakers, followed by Hindi, and in third place, English. Spanish is the most widely spread and spoken of the Romance languages as a first language.

Spanish is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. It is the second most widely spoken language in the United States and probably the most studied.

The author of this article Pablo Conway has been learning Spanish on and off for the past 3 years. He has used a mixture of private lessons and CD’s. He has also taken to reading the Spanish newspaper “El Pais” English translation is “The Country”. Why not start to learn this wonderful language today, with some F.ree lessons.

http://www.spanishbankaccount.com/basicspanvocab 

Changes to Spanish Capital Gains Tax Part 2

The new tax system will do away with the system regulating asset holding companies and replace it with much higher taxes. These holding companies are usually owned by more than one person which means that the assets are no affected by “economic activities”.

Property letting has until now not been considered an economic activity unless the company had an employee and premises dedicated to the absolute running of that particular business. Under the old legislation a non-resident owner/owners of real estate in this type of company would have benefited from the same GCT rate 15 per cent as individual resident if assets were disposed of by the company after only 1 year.

The new legislation now means that all companies with a turnover of less than 8 millions euros will now be taxed at 25 per cent up to 120,000 euros profit and 30 per cent above that figure. Tax fraud is now being looked at, with the buying and selling of property being put under the microscope.

Fiscal numbers ( NIFs or NIEs for non-residents ) must always be included on the property title deeds and on the local reference documents of a property (referencia catastral) so that you can obtain services from utility companies.

A massive change is that all offshore companies will now be considered resident in Spain for tax purposes, if their main assets consist of real estate on Spanish soil. This will mean that any transactions involving offshore companies will result in their tax assigned using the market value of their real estate as opposed to the declared value. This will definitely increase their tax liability.

It is anticipated that with the reduction of GCT to 18 per cent most property purchasers will now buy the property in their own name rather than through an offshore company. This will give the tax authorities a better overall picture of actually owns what and who is paying what in terms of taxes.

Pablo Conway has owned a property in Spain for the past 3 years and has viewed the changes to GCT. www.spanishbankaccount.com

Changes to Spanish Capital Gains Tax Part 1

It would appear that the Spanish authorities may have to change their thinking regarding capital gains tax. The European Union it would appear have forced them to make sweeping changes to the percentage amount that they charge property sellers. Like all things political, despite the possibility that they will lose a large amount of income, it would seem that they are aiming to make a gain from another source.

It has come about due to the number of complaints from EU citizens that the rate paid by non-residents was excessive, the European Union has taken up the mantle with Spain and forced through the change. The old rate was a staggering 35 per cent; this has now been reduced to 18 per cent.

Of course this now means that the standard rate is 18 per cent, which in turn has the downside that all foreign residents and Spanish Nations will see a rise of 3 per cent to bring them in line with the new legislation.

The main focus of attention is of course the business euro, as many people have bought properties under the umbrella using an offshore company type structure. Look out for part 2 in the near future.

Pablo Conway has been visiting Spain on a regular basis since purchasing his home on the Costa de la Luz. www.spanishbankaccount.com

Buying a House in Spain

There seems to be a rumour that the house market in Spain is dead, that rumour is bogus. The general consensus amongst “The Experts” is that houses are still selling. In recent years property values were leaping around the 25 to 30 per cent a year figure. It now appears that this trend has cooled at least for the next 12 months to 8 to 10 per cent. This is still a good return for your initial investment. Hence the schadenfreude and visible fear among the nervous investors who feel their property portfolios may have to be shelved.

Let us not forget that there is no way you would get that sort of return from the banks over the same period. An annual growth rate of around 10 per cent is excellent, so there is really no need to push the panic button just yet.

These growth rate figures and projections are for the whole of Spain, whilst most property, particularly those aimed at the foreign market, is situated on the costas.

It is true that the market around Marbella has suffered severely due to the problems with the reported corruption scandals the Costa del Sol market is no longer the force that is was! Supply has definitely outstripped demand so this will have a negative effect on the housing market. The lower growth around this area on Spain’s long east coast have definitely dragged down the overall market figure.

It is now time to look further a field, particularly on the west coast of Spain, around the area of the Costa de la Luz. Why not visit this area and look at the many properties for sale whilst staying in a self catering apartment to give you more flexibility in your house hunting.

www.casa-hibisca.com/jerez.html

Bird Watching in Europe

When you think about bird watching it may conjure up images of when you where a young boy/girl. As the season’s changed you saw different types of birds as they came and went with the changing season. In the winter we had the Robin red breast, in the summer we could look forward to seeing Swifts and Swallows.

As you travel around the world it becomes clear that each country has its own type of birds which come and go throughout the year. If we went bird watching in Europe we would see a certain type of bird, maybe the lovely Kingfishers swooping down in the water to feed. The Kingfisher must eat its own weight in fish each day just to survive. Lets not forget about the grey wagtails these lovely birds are plentiful and a joy to watch on the wing!

Bird watching in Spain has become the next thing to do for many “twitchers”. Bird life is plentiful and with luck you may spot a dipper flying past you or if you are very lucky you can watch as it dives under the flowing water searching for water insects. They have the ability to stay under water for more than 90 seconds, a great feat.

On the steep mountain slops of the Parque Natural de la Sierra de Grazalema on the Costa de la Luz you will be able to blue rock thrushes as they are perched on the rocks or chasing their next meal. A native bird to the area the Black Wheatears can be seen flying above the small white villages or houses situated in the mountains. These lovely birds are resident to this area, which goes to prove that there is plenty of food for them as well as other species.

Dashing sparrowhaws, soaring Bonelli’s eagles and gliding griffon vultures can be seen soaring high above using the thermals to stay aloft. Why not join a bird watching tour and get to visit the best locations. Bird watching for the beginner is made more pleasurable when you have an expert guide with you.

Pablo Conway has spent a number of years in Europe. Visit his website to get further information on Spain and particularly the Costa de la Luz. www.casa-hibisca.com

Self Catering in Spain’s Costa de la Luz

The province of Cadiz has lately seen a decline in the population to 130,561. This is a fall of 0.95 per cent on last year, but a big drop of 10.33 per cent over the past decade. It would seem that people are moving out of the capital to other parts of the province. These figures have come from the Instituto Nacional de Estadistica (INE). However Cadiz is forward thinking in its approach to pollution, in that it is testing buses that are being run on bio-diesel fuel, with the ultimate aim to switch all their public transport vehicles on the more environmentally friendly fuels.
It would be a great idea if you stayed outside of Cadiz in a self catering apartment within easy reach of the capital. For a start the price would be much cheaper and you could also be more central to other parts of the province. If you stayed in the town of Medina Sidonia you could visit a number of surrounding areas of natural beauty. Self catering in Spain gives you the flexibility of being able to live on a tight budget whilst still being able to cherry pick your places to visit.
Medina Sidonia is no more than 30 minutes from Jerez airport thus giving you a good base for your holiday activities. Let us not forget that there is a Spanish language school situated in the town, which would help you in your quest to explore the interior of Spain where English is not widely spoken. It is therefore a win win situation for you, so get out that map and plan your visit to Spain today! Remember a self catering apartment is Spain does give you the maximum holiday for your euro.

www.casa-hibisca.com/medina sidonia.html

Jerez de la Frontera

The city of Jerez de la Frontera which is situated on the west coast of Spain in the province of Cadiz is home to just under 200,000 people. These people are called “jerezano’s”. There are 30,360 foreigners officially registered (empadronado) in the province. The British are the biggest group with 5,641 registered. When you visit Jerez it will become apparent why so many people live in the area. It is stepped in history.

A little know fact is that the British poet laureate is given a barrel of sherry as a kind of honorary payment. This is a century old tradition that after dying out was revived in 1972 by John Betjeman.

Many famous people through the ages have drunk the sherry produced in Jerez. To name a few Shakespeare, Henry viii who was given the sherry by his wife Catherine of Aragon’s father. Not forgetting that great man Drake who went to Cadiz and loaded up his ship with sherry, to return home and make a fortune.

Shakespeare was so popular that a monument was erected 50 years ago in his honour and still to this day stands in the Parque Gonzalez Hontoria. The jerezano’s done him this honour because he wrote about vino de Jerez. The people of Jerez are passionate about their sherry.

When you next decide to go to Spain then consider paying Jerez de la Frontera a visit you will not regret it.

www.casa-hibisca.com/jerez.html

Travelling in Andalucia Spain

Spain is a large country with different styles and cultures. Let us look at the Costa de la Luz region of western Spain. This area covers from the dark mountains of the Sierra Morena in the north to the mighty snow capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada in the South. This is the land of flamenco and bullfights, of Moorish inheritance and of the proverbial long fine beaches.

You can explore Seville’s impressive cathedrals and the Moorish fortress of Alcazar, visit the Grand Mosque of ancient Cordoba, and enjoy an Arabian Nights setting within the walls of Granada’s Alhambra, the famous Moorish palace. Andalusia’s coast, the Costa del Sol, boasts 320 days of sun a year, its beaches offering plenty opportunities for obtaining a tan and engaging in a great number of water sports.

From these contemporary pastimes it is only a stone’s throw to places like Ronda, the former smugglers redoubt build on a sheer cliff, or the brilliant white mountain villages where time stands still and the fields are still worked by oxen.

One of the most important features in Andalucia is the Donana natural park situated between Heulva and Sanlucar de Barrameda. Two cycle paths are being created through the park, the work should be completed within the next 12 months. The junta de Andalucia has stated these cycle tracks will help meet the growing demand for cycling in this natural park.

The town of Medina Sidonia is less than 1 hours drive from the natural park, so is definitely worth a visit whilst travelling. Why not stay in Medina and make that your base from where you can visit so many attractions located in that area of Andalucia.

www.casa-hibisca.com

Facts About Backpacking

Would you like to find out what those-in-the-know have to say about backpacking? The information in the article below comes straight from well-informed experts with special knowledge about backpacking.

Backpacking isn’t complicated. In fact, its simplicity is what makes it so attractive. With only your pack on your back, there are no limits to what you can do or see. Many hostels provide self-catering kitchens and most provide meals. You should book a room at a hostel the day before rather than wander the streets at night looking for a room. It isn’t only the young who use hostels. Many older travellers use hostels for cheap accommodation at their destinations. There are hostels in castles, in tepees and in railroad carriages. You will also find in Spain cheap hotels along the same lines as the YMCA in Britain.

Safeguard your important documents and money - Get one of those thin money belts that fit inside your clothes. That way you can carry your passport and money with you at all times. A useful tip - Many hostels give discounts to students, so you should always keep your student card handy. The hostel custom is that all guests clean up after themselves. If you find yourself confused by what you’ve read to this point, don’t despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.

Essential gear for your trip will include Backpack, Fast Drying Towel, Walking Shoes, Socks and Underwear, Long Underwear, Pillow Case, Sleeping Bag, Passport, Spy Wallet, Day Pack, Camera. Generally, large city hostels are open 24 hours per day, while others may have shorter opening hours. Many hostels have a self-catering kitchen where you can cook your own meals and some even have their own restaurants, cafe and bars. Make sure that when you enter Spain that you get a local map outlining all the different types of accommodation, from the local tourist information office.

Planning that seems so trivial at home can become complicated when you are in a strange place. Hostels provide a great way to meet new people and experience new things which is why they appeal to such a diverse range. Many hostels provide internet access, laundry, and free breakfast. Common identification used to stay in hostels includes passports, photo driver’s licenses and state or country identity cards. Don’t limit yourself by refusing to learn the details about backpacking. The more you know, the easier it will be to focus on what’s important in getting the best from your backpacking experience.

www.paulconway.biz

If you are able to speak some Spanish you will find it easier to open your Spanish bank account when the time comes.

Hispanics and Spanish Language.

When you decide to visit a Spanish speaking country, you will find it more beneficial if you can speak Spanish. The more you understand the language the better you will enjoy your stay. Just imagine on landing at the airport your first port of call is passport control. Being able to speak to the official will help to quickly smooth your passage through control, a definite plus, don’t you think! Especially if your baggage has been lost or misplaced. You will find that if you can speak their language the Spanish people are more inclined to assist you. They take it as an honour that you have taken the time to learn their beautiful language.

The same goes whether you are out to see a dancing show or having a meal in a restaurant, if you have learned to speak Spanish you will be treated completely differently, than a person who expects to be spoken to in their native tongue. It does not matter whether you speak Spanish Catalan or Hispanic dialect you will be understood. The important thing to remember is by learning Spanish as a second language you are putting yourself above a large number of people, and as such you will be treated with more respect. Plus you maybe lucky and get invited to their home where you will be able to further improve your Spanish. The Spanish are renowned for there hospitality. So make that leap of faith today and start to learn Spanish.

If you further advance your language learning by being able to not only speak Spanish but also read and write the language, you will if you want to be able to be a Spanish translator which can earn you a living. There are many jobs which require these skills for example teachers or maybe you have a leaning towards being an estate agent. You could if you saw a Spanish property for sale be able to approach the owner and act on their behalf. Start learning the Spanish language today.

It just goes to show that there are many ways which you can turn if you learn Spanish. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. You can only enrich your life if you make this step forward. It is never to late to learn another language. Learn Spanish online today. As the Spanish people say “hasta llego” until next time.

www.spanishbankaccount.com/spanishlesson