Traveler's Spanish
Traveling to Spain, or Mexico and want to speak Spanish like a native? 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.
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.
The Provence of Andalucia
Town of Medina Sidonia
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. The attached photograph shows in the middle of the water feature a replica of a Roman bust which was dated to 3000 years ago. The original is in the town hall for all to see.
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/
Open Spanish Bank Account
Find out how to open your offshore Spanish bank account plus get other Spanish related subjects.
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Medina Sidonia
My Spanish Retreat
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.
self catering apartment in spain
Comentarios Por Favor
Leave a Message
Great lens, Pablo, sorry it took so long for me to get back to you. I've added quite a few Spanish galleries to my website (www.charlesbinns.com) over the past year.
Posted April 23, 2008
A first class lens. Well done.
As you know, I also have a house in Spain. Mine is on the Costa Blanca.
Regards,
Jeff.
Posted April 12, 2008
Andalucia... A wonderful country!
Costa Brava is also very nice: especially for people who love Medieval architecture.
Muchas gracias para este gran lens! (en andaluz: mucha gracia pa' e'te le')
Posted January 24, 2008
Pablo, this is a very nice travel lens. Please put it in the Wanderer's travel group!
Posted June 12, 2007
Very nice lens! I rated it 5*s. If you make some Antique Art lens (for example, describe some paintings, museums, etc. from the 10th century Spain)you are welcome to submit to my group Antique Art! Good luck!
Posted June 10, 2007
Espana
A land of Wonderful People and Culture
Why not give that yearning its head and learn as much about Spain as you can. It will make your visit more enjoyable.
http://www.spanishbankaccount.com/spanishlesson
Learning Spanish will definately put you on the ma more...0 points
Casa Hibisca / Spanish Homes / Spanish Holiday Home
This excellent apartment is situated on the costa more...0 points
Spanish Cuisine Today
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Spanish Vocab
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Changes to Capital Gains Tax in Spain Part 1
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. offshore bank account
Visiting Spain
The only place to get a great bargain
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Changes to Spanish Capital Gains Tax Part 2
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.
How to open your Spanish bank account/
Spain the Land of Fiesta's and Feria's
Thinking of a seaside vacation? In 2006 Spain was the European country honored with the most Blue Flags, indicating the best choice for seaside travelers. Sun drenched resorts dot Spain's costs. The Cantabrian Sea on the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south offer contrast and are complimentary to each other. These regions vary in scenery and cuisine, language and custom. They share in common spectacular beaches, warm sand, fabulous food and optimum relaxation.
If the mountains are your destination of choice Spain's peaks, volcanoes and canyons are sure to please. High mountain peaks are dominated by lush green foliage in spring and summer months blending beautifully into snow covered trails in the winter. Whether your passion is hiking, fishing, skiing, mountain biking or adventure sports you will find accommodations to suit your pleasure!
Maybe you crave the city life. Spain's metropolitan areas are filled to over flowing with opportunities to partake of a rich and exciting mix of history, art, theater and nightlife. No trip to Spain would be complete without attending an authentic bullfight or perhaps the running of the bulls for you thrill seekers.
From Madrid to the Mediterranean Sea whether you heart sings for sandy beaches, rocky peaks, or big city culture pack - your bags, but don't forget your camera. Spain is a perfect fit for you.
Self catering holiday spain
Spanish Banking/Spanish Language lessons for All
The Spanish are by far one of the most hospitable people you will find. Once they get to know you, they treat you like one of the family. The only thing that you have to do is learn how to speak Spanish. Not to much to ask for when all things considered. It is not difficult to learn basic Spanish; it only takes a little effort on your part.Just think about all those times you have visited a Spanish speaking country and how much more you would have got from the holiday if you could only have spoken even a little of their language. The visit to the Restaurante or local bank could have been better; you may even have ordered the right items of food or manage to change you're your large denomination currency.
We have all been there, we thought we ordered white fish and got squid instead. When I started to learn Spanish I ordered what I thought was eggs in a mayonnaise sauce, instead I got and ate bulls testicles!!! They actually tasted ok, but a little dry for my palette. The important lesson here is to try and speak Spanish it can only enrich your life, plus make others laugh.
When I bought my Spanish home I had to go and open a Spanish bank account so that my all my bills could be paid by standing order. A necessary requirement if you do not reside in Spain. Fortunately I had someone with me who could speak Spanish so that was not a problem. I have since learnt enough of the language to make myself understood.
The times I know visit Spain on holiday and banking business are that much more enriched due to my being able to speak and understand the language.
open spanish bank account
