Speak & Learn Spanish in The Natural Way

Today is Maundy Thursday. I thinkSpain is one of the countries where Easter is more deeply rooted. In any city in Spain you can see many processions throughout the week and you can find "torrijas" in all the bakeries.

Last year I told you about the difference between Easter in the north and in the south of Spain in an episode of the podcast, so todayI want to tell you some curiosities that you might not know; why they dress like that, or the origin of this type of dessert.

It's all part of Spanish culture and I think it's very interesting.

Hoy es Jueves Santo. Creo que España es uno de los países donde más arraigada está la Semana Santa.En cualquier ciudad puedes ver muchas procesiones a lo largo de la semana y puedes encontrar torrijas en todas las panaderías.

El año pasado os hablé de la diferencia entre la Semana Santa en el norte y en el sur de España en un episodio del podcast, por eso hoy quiero contaros algunas curiosidades que quizás no conocías; por qué visten así, o el origen de este tipo de postres.

Todo es parte de la cultura española y creo que es muy interesante.

Last 8 March was International Women's Day. In Spain, this day is becoming more important every year, and I don't think that's a bad thing. I think I'm very lucky, but in the world there are thousands of women without rights who need visibility... don't you think?

In Spain, not so long ago, women had no rights. To study, to have a bank account, to work... They needed a man's permission.

There are hundreds of stories about unknown women.

Today I am going to tell you the story of María de la O Lejárraga. One of the most important writers in Spanish literature,she had to sign her works with her husband's name to have them published, and even Walt Disney himself plagiarized her.

If you want to continue learning Spanish, register on my website to receive our weekly newsletter with free material to improve your Spanish at home.

Find out more about María LejárragaHERE

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El pasado 8 de marzo fue el día Internacional de la Mujer. En España es un día que cada año tiene más relevancia, y no me parece mal. Yo considero que soy muy afortunada, pero en el mundo existen miles de mujeres sin derechos a las que hay que dar visibilidad... ¿No crees?

En España, no hace tanto, la mujer no tenía ningún derecho.Para poder estudiar, tener una cuenta en el banco, trabajar... necesitaba la autorización de un hombre.

Hay cientos de historias increíbles protagonizadas por mujeres desconocidas. Hoy os cuento la deMaría de la O Lejárraga. Una de las más importantes escritoras de la literatura española, que para poder escribir tuvo que hacerlo con el nombre de su marido, y a quiénel mismísimo Walt Disney plagió.

Si quieres seguir mejorando tu español regístrate en mi web y recibirás nuestras Newsletters con material gratuito para seguir aprendiendo desde casa.

Si quieres saber más sobre María Lejárraga puedes hacerlo AQUÍ.

#PodcastEspañol #SpanishPodcast #LearnSpanish #SpeakandLearn #SpanishinTheNaturalWay

A few years ago, when I was in the park with my daughter, I met Maria and her mother.

I'm remembering her today because it's International Day for Rare Diseases, and María was the first girl I met with Rett syndrome, a rare degenerative disease that affects movement and speech and affects mainly girls.

I know it can be a sad subject, but I think it's important to make it visible and raise awareness. Today in the podcast I tell you Maria's story. I hope you like it and find it interesting. Before I say goodbye, I wanted to let you know that in a few weeks we will have an event of free Spanish classes for those who want to start learning Spanish. If you are interested or know someone who might be, register on our website to receive all the information!

Hace unos años, cuando estaba con mi hija en el parque, conocí a María y a su madre.

Hoy la recuerdo porque es el Día Internacional de las Enfermedades Raras, y María fue la primera niña que conocí con el síndrome de Rett, una enfermedad rara, degenerativa, que afecta principalmente el movimiento y el habla, y afecta principalmente a las niñas.

Sé que puede ser un tema triste, sin embargo, creo que es importante visibilizarlo y crear conciencia al respecto.Hoy en el podcast te cuento la historia de María. Espero que te guste y te resulte interesante.

Y antes de despedirme quería contarte que dentro de pocas semanas vamos a organizar un evento de clases gratuitas para aquellos que quieren comenzar a aprender español.Si te interesa o conoces a alguien que le pueda interesar, regístrate en nuestra web para recibir toda la información!

Yesterday wasValentine's Day. In Spain, it's something commercial, more than anything else... and it's not very common to celebrate it.

I have never done anything special with my husband on Valentine's Day. We celebrate our wedding anniversary or the day we met, but never Valentine's Day. 

But the culture, the art, the language... In Spain you can find a thousand romantic stories.

For example, there is an "expression", a phrasewe use when we want to laugh at those stormy, always lovesick couples... When we want to refer to someone like that and make a joke, we say: "The lovers from Teruel".

Teruel is a small city in the east of Spain, in Aragón.

This expression:"Los amantes de Teruel, tonta ella tonto él" comes from the Middle Ages and is still sometimes used.

Today, in the new episode of the podcast,I will explain to you who they were and what

happened. It's a very romantic story.

If you want to still learning Spanish with me, register on our website and receive our Newsletter!

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Ayer fue el día de San Valentín. La verdad es que en España es una fiesta más comercial que otra cosa y tradicionalmente no se celebra. 

Nunca he hecho nada especial por San Valentín con mi marido, celebramos nuestro aniversario de bodas, o el día que nos conocimos, pero no San Valentín.

Sin embargo, en la cultura, el arte, el idioma... en España, puedes encontrar cientos de historias románticas.

Por ejemplo, hay una "expresión", un dicho, que se utiliza como burla para reírse de esas parejas que siempre tienen "mal de amores", que son tormentosas, etc... Cuando nos encontramos una pareja así, y queremos burlarnos de ellos, les llamamos: "Los amantes de Teruel".

Teruel es una pequeña provincia al este de España, de la comunidad de Aragón.

El caso es que esa expresión: "Los amantes de Teruel, tonta ella y tonto él", viene de la edad Media, y todavía a veces la puedes escuchar.

Hoy en el nuevo episodio del Podcast te cuento quien eran estos amantes y qué les pasó. 

Y si quieres seguir aprendiendo español conmigo, regístrate en nuestra web para recibir cada semana nuestra Newsletter.

Today's podcast episode is a bit different. It's the first time I've talked about grammar on the podcast, and I've put on my teacher's glasses.

It's an experiment. If you like it, I'll do more. Of course, the podcast will always retain its essence, in fact we will have very interesting interviews very soon.

But todayI wanted to talk to you about some of the most common mistakes people make when learning Spanish. Today I am going to tell you 3 of them. Whatever your level of Spanish, these mistakes are made by both A2 and C1 students.I hope you find them useful! Sometimes they can be solved simply by paying attention 😉.

I take this opportunity to remind you that you can sign up for our online and face-to-face Spanish classes for February.Where I will help you not to make mistakes like these and to speak Spanish fluently. If you are interested,drop me an email!

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Hoy te traigo un episodio del Podcast un poco diferente, es la primera vez que hablo de gramática y me pongo las gafas de profesora en el Podcast.

Es un experimento, si te gusta, haré más como este. Por supuesto el Podcast mantiene su esencia, de hecho, dentro de poco tendremos también entrevistas muy interesantes.

El caso es que quería contarte cuales son algunos de los errores más comunes que veo entre mis estudiantes. Hoy te cuento 3. Y da igual tu nivel de español….son errores que comenten alumnos de nivel A2 y también de nivel C1. ¡Espero que te resulte útil! A veces se solucionan simplemente poniendo un poco de atención 😉.

Aprovecho para contarte que ya puedes solicitar tu plaza en nuestras clases Online y presenciales en Febrero!En ellas te ayudaré a no tener errores como estos y a hablar con mayor fluidez. Si te interesa, ¡escríbeme un mail!

After a few weeks, the podcast is back!

In this first episode of the year, we talk aboutchallenges, perseverance and frustration. In all areas of your life, but especially when it comes to learning a new language.

We have talked about this in other episodes, but today I bring you a gift to help you persevere. It is ourVOCABULARY CALENDAR 2024, where you will find new vocabulary every week to learn at home. (All you have to do is download the pdf and click on the theme for each week).

By the end of the year, you will have learned over 650 new words without even realising it.

I hope you enjoy it!

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¡Después de unas semanas, el podcast está de vuelta!

En este primer episodio del año hablamos de objetivos, perseverancia y frustración. En todos los ámbitos de tu vida, pero especialmente cuando se trata de aprender un nuevo idioma.

Hemos hablado de esto en otros episodios, pero hoy te traigo un regalo para ayudarte a perseverar. Es nuestro CALENDARIO VOCABULAR 2024, donde cada semana encontrarás vocabulario nuevo para aprender en casa. (Lo único que tienes que hacer es descargar el pdf y hacer clic en el tema de cada semana).

Al final del año, habrás aprendido más de 650 palabras nuevas sin siquiera darte cuenta.

¡Espero que te guste!

Today I bring you the last episode of the 2023 podcast. A podcast that takes a lot of time and effort, but gives me a lot of cheerfulness. Some of you have met me because of the podcast, others have told me how much you like it..... So I will continue next year, even if I win "El Gordo" tomorrow 😂.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, here's an episode from last season where I explained that "El Gordo" is what the Spanish call the Christmas lottery.

It always takes place on the 22nd of December and marks the beginning of the Christmas season.

It is one tradition in Spain, but there are many more. Like the 12 grapes, the "roscón" for the three kings, or some figures very similar to Santa Claus, but much older, that you can find in some areas of northern Spain.

Today I talk about them in the new episode of the podcast.

Remember, if you want to improve your Spanish every week, you can register on our website (https://speakandlearn.es/registration/) and receive our newsletter.

December is here and with it the madness. It is one of the most complicated (and beautiful) months for me, because it is very chaotic. If you live in Spain, you've probably noticed, if not, let me explain.

At the beginning of the month we have holidays because the 6th of December is Constitution Day and the 8th of December is Inmaculada (The Immaculate Conception is the patron saint of Spain). Sowe start the month with 5 days of holidays and end with Christmas(the children start the Christmas holiday on the 22nd).

As you can imagine, with the kids at home and very exciting with Christmas coming up and work at the same time....I end the day very tired. The best part of the day is when they are in bed and I am on the sofa watching a film with my husband😂.

I don't know if you are in the same situation, butI want to give you a present: 6 Spanish films to enjoy those wonderful moments on your sofa and improve your Spanish at the same time.

It wasn't easy to make this list. Firstly, because there are so many good films in Spanish cinema, and secondly, because each of you has different tastes. Some of you like comedies, others thrillers, others historical films... I have tried to make a list that covers a little of everything, but I do not rule out a second part with more recommendations, many wonderful films have been left off the list!

If you like this episode, I would love for you to give it a good rating, or recommend it to someone who might be interested. If I see that you like the episode, it will encourage me to make a second part 😉.

Before leaving you with these wonderful films, let me remind you that you can apply for your place in our groups in January! If one of your New Year's resolutions for 24 is to learn Spanish, reserve your place in our online classes or face-to-face classes if you're in Málaga. You can sign up on our website here. __________________________

Empieza diciembre y con él, la locura. Es uno de los meses más complicados (y bonitos) para mí porque es muy caótico. Si vives en España te habrás dado cuenta ya, y sino, déjame que te explique.

A principios de diciembre, en España tenemos el puente de la Constitución. Esto quiere decir que es festivo el día 6, porque es el día de la Constitución Española, y el día 8 también porque es el día de la Inmaculada, patrona de España….vamos, que empezamos el mes con un puente de 5 días (los niños no tienen colegio). Y terminamos el mes con las vacaciones de Navidad a partir del día 22.

Os podéis imaginar, los niños mucho tiempo en casa y nerviosos porque llega la Navidad, y el trabajo….el mejor momento del día es cuando los niños están en la cama y yo tirada en el sofá viendo una película con mi marido 😂.

Es probable que tú estés en la misma situación, así queen el nuevo episodio del Podcast te quiero hacer un pequeño regalo, 6 películas españolas para que disfrutes esos momentos en el sofá, y además mejores tu español.

Hacer la lista no ha sido nada fácil. Primero porque el cine español tiene muchas y muy buenas películas. Segundo porque cada alumno es diferente, y cada uno tenéis distintos niveles y gustos. Hay quién prefiere comedias, otros preferís suspense, otros películas históricas….He intentado hacer una lista que abarque un poco de todo, pero no descarto hacer una segunda parte con más recomendaciones, ¡he dejado fuera de la lista muchas películas maravillosas!

Bueno…ya me contarás que te parece. Y si te gusta este episodio, me encantaría que le pusieras una buena valoración, o lo recomiendes a alguien que le pueda interesar. Si veo que el episodio os gusta, me animaré a hacer una segunda parte😉.

Antes de dejarte con estas maravillosas películas, déjame recordarte que, si uno de tus propósitos del 24 es aprender español, ya puedes solicitar tu plaza para nuestros grupos en enero. Online y presenciales si estás en Málaga. Regístrate en nuestra web aquíy te enviaremos toda la información.

Spain is a strange country in many ways, one of which is the use of surnames. Along with Portugal, it is the only European country where, traditionally, a woman does not lose her surname when she marries.

It is changing in many countries now, but the interesting thing is that in Spain women have always kept their surname. This means that my grandmother, my great-grandmother and even my great-grandmother's mother kept their surnames from birth to death, even when they were married.

This has been the case since the XVIth century, when the official use of two surnames was introduced, first in Castile and then in the whole of the Iberian Peninsula.

I'll be talking about this and other surname curiosities in the new episode of the podcast, click on play, it's really interesting!

And before I say goodbye,if you have never tried our classes and you are thinking of improving your Spanish, you can do it in December for half a month. It is a great opportunity to see if our classes are what you are looking for! Send us an email to hola@speakandlearn.es with your name and level of Spanish and I will answer you as soon as possible with all the information 😉​.

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España es un país peculiar en muchas cosas, una de ellas es el uso de los apellidos. Junto con Portugal, es el único país europeo donde tradicionalmente la mujer no pierde el apellido al casarse.

Es algo que ya está cambiando en muchos países, pero lo curioso es que en España la mujer ha mantenido sus apellidos siempre. Es decir, mi abuela, mi bisabuela o mi tatarabuela, mantuvieron su nombre desde su nacimiento hasta su muerte, incluso estando casadas.

Esto es así desde el S. XVI, cuando se instauro de manera oficial el uso de 2 apellidos, primero en Castilla y después en toda la península ibérica.

Sobre esto y otras muchas curiosidades de los apellidos, hablamos en el Podcast de hoy, dale al play para escucharlo, de verdad que ¡es muy interesante!

Ah! Y si nunca has probado nuestras clases y estás pensando en mejorar tu español, en Diciembre puedes hacerlo pagando medio mes, es una buena oportunidad para que compruebes si nuestras clases son lo que estás buscando! Envíame unmailcon tu nombre y nivel de español y te diré como hacerlo 😉​

#PodcasttolearnSpanish #LearnSpanish #SpeakandLearn #SpanishintheNaturalWay #PodcastparaaprenderEspañol

You probably know about the Grammy Awards, but .... Have you heard of the LATIN Grammy Awards?They are the most important Spanish language music awards and this year they will be held in Spain.

These awards are always controversial,as there are those who think that Spain should not take part ....It all depends on the meaning we give to the word "Latin".

It's amazing how important words are and the meaning we give to them, isn't it?

If you want to know more about these awards and their controversy, click play!

And remember, if you want to improve your Spanish, register on our website speakandlearn.es to receive a weekly newsletter with free material.

Seguro que conoces los premios Grammy de la música, pero…¿Sabías que existen también los Latin Grammys? Son los premios más importantes de la música cantada en español, y este año se celebran en España.

Estos premios siempre van acompañados por mucha polémica, porque hay quien opina que los españoles no deberían de participar…..todo va a depender de lo que se considera “latino” y lo que no.

Es increíble como las palabras y el significado que les damos tienen tanta importancia, ¿no te parece?

Si quieres saber un poco más sobre estos premios, y porqué son tan polémicos, ¡dale al play!

Y recuerda, si quieres seguir mejorando tu español conmigo, regístrate en nuestra web y recibirás material gratuito cada semana!

I can't get used to seeing the shops and everything decorated with pumpkins, ghosts and witches when this date arrives.

In Spain we have had Halloween for only a few years. When I was a child and during my university years, we only saw these things in American films.

Here we bought chestnuts and sweets of the time, such as "huesos de santo" or "buñuelos". And on November 1st we accompanied our parents to the cemetery to put flowers on our grandparents' grave.

We called the 1st of November Dia de todos los Santos, and some people also say "día de todos los muertos", like in México. But Halloween.... and the pumpkins and the ghosts... that is something new.

But not the witches....The witches and their stories are very old in our country. In fact, there are some documents from S.XV!

Today in the podcast I will tell you the story of the witches of Zugarramurdi, a small village in Navarra, near where I was born.

I hope you like it, and remember, if you want to improve your Spanish with me,register on my websiteand you will recieve our Newsletter every week with free material to learn Spanish at home.

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Todavía no me acostumbro a ver las tiendas y todo decorado con calabazas, fantasmas y brujas cuando llegan estas fechas.

En España se celebra Halloween desde hace muy pocos años.Cuando yo era niña, y durante mi época universitaria, esas cosas solo las veíamos en las películas americanas.

Aquí comprábamos castañas, huesos de santos, buñuelos y otros dulces típicos de estas fechas, y el día 1 de Noviembre acompañábamos a nuestros padres a poner flores en las tumbas de nuestros abuelos.

El día 1 de Noviembre lo llamamos día de todos los Santos, y algunos también como en Méjico, día de los muertos. Pero Halloween….y las calabazas y los fantasmas es algo muy nuevo.

Pero no las brujas… Las brujas y sus historias son en cambio muy antiguas en nuestro país. De hecho, hay escritos y acontecimientos que datan del S. XV!!

Hoy te traigo un nuevo episodio del Podcast donde te cuento la historia de las brujas de Zugarramurdi, un pueblo de Navarra cerca de donde nací.

Espero que te guste. Y recuerda que si quieres seguir mejorando tu español conmigo solo tienes que registrarte en mi web y recibirás cada semana material gratuito que te ayudará a seguir mejorando tu español desde casa!

Last week someone wrote to me on Linkedin asking why I was wasting my time teaching Spanish and creating content. According to him, language teachers don't have any sense because of artificial intelligence.

This person recommended that I quit my job and reinvent myself with something else because in a few months I would realise that everything I am doing is useless.

With everything that is happening and how fast everything is evolving, it made me think. Maybe it is true? Am I doing something stupid? Am I wrong?

I have thought about it and my conclusion is no.I believe in what I am doing.

I talk about this and much more in today's podcast.

Remember, if you want to improve your Spanish with me, you can do it through our online classes, or sign up for our newsletter to receive free material every week to help you improve your Spanish!

La semana pasada alguien me escribió por Linkedin y me preguntó por qué perdía el tiempo creando contenido y dando clases de español. Según él, los profesores de idiomas ya no tienen sentido debido a la inteligencia artificial.

Esta personame recomendaba dejar mi trabajo y reinventarme con otra cosa, ya que en pocos meses me iba a dar cuenta de que todo lo que hago no sirve de nada.

Con todo lo que está pasando, y lo rápido que evoluciona todo, os confieso que me ha hecho pensar. ¿Tendrá razón?¿Estoy haciendo el tonto?¿Me he equivocado?

He reflexionado y he llegado a la conclusión de que no. Creo en lo que hago.

Hoy en el Podcast profundizo sobre esto y mucho más

Recuerda que si quieres aprender español conmigo puedes hacerlo a través de nuestras clases online. También puedes registrarte en nuestra web y cada semana recibirás material gratuito que te ayudará a mejorar tu español.

For the Spanish, football is almost a religion. I don't know if we are at the same level as the Argentinians or the Brazilians, but we are close.
This summer we were crowned world champions - in the feminine, because I'm talking about the Women's World Cup.
Women's football is not followed as closely as men's football, but this was a special occasion. Spain weren't the favourites and no broadcaster wanted to show the Women's World Cup. They thought there wouldn't be enough viewers.
In the end it was RTVE (not because they wanted to, but because it is public television and they have no other option). The fact is that the audience soared, Spain started winning and reached the final. The whole country was with the players and in the end the audience was over 6 million.
And we won. And it was incredible.
Butthe celebrations and the players' achievements were overshadowed by something that happened at the end of the game that was very controversialand very sad, especially for the players.
Do you want to know what happened?I'll tell you in this new episode of the podcast.

Para los españoles el futbol es casi como una religión.No sé si llegamos al nivel de entusiasmo de los argentinos o brasileños, pero estamos cerca.
Y este verano nos coronamos campeonas del mundo. Y digo campeonas porque estoy hablando del mundial de futbol femenino.
El futbol femenino no tiene tanto seguimiento como el masculino, pero este caso ha sido especial. España no partía como favorita, yninguna cadena de televisión quería retransmitir el mundialporque pensaban que no iba a tener audiencia.
Finalmente se encargó RTVE (No porque quisieran, sino porque es la televisión pública y no tuvo más remedio). El caso es que la audiencia se disparó. España empezó a ganar y llegó a la final, y todo el país se volcó con las chicas,teniendo la final una audiencia de 6 millones de personas.
Y ganamos. Increíble.
Pero, toda la celebración y el mérito de las jugadoras pasó a un segundo plano por algo que sucedió al terminar el partido y que ha sido MUY polémico y triste, sobre todo para las jugadoras. 
¿Quieres saber qué pasó? Te lo cuento en este nuevo episodio del Podcast

Empezamos una nueva temporada del Podcast que espero disfrutes mucho y te ayude a mejorar tu español!

Este curso vamos a hablar sobre la actualidad en mi país, España. También sobre personajes conocidos y no tan conocidos que para mi son relevantes en mi país, o en algún país de habla hispana. Por supuesto tendremos alguna entrevista y os enseñaré expresiones, vocabulario....y todo lo que os ayude a mejorar y seguir disfrutando del español.

Empezamos esta nueva temporada diciendo "Adiós al verano", os cuento como lo hemos pasado en España, y además celebramos la nueva temporada con una sorpresa.

¡Dale al PLAY para escucharlo! Y recuerda que si quieres ver la transcripción del audio y algo de vocabulario, puedes hacerlo en nuestra web

We're starting a new season of the podcast, so I hope you enjoy it and that it helps you with your Spanish!

In this new course we are going to talk about current news in my country, Spain. Also about personalities, famous or not, but that I think are relevant in my country or in other Spanish speaking countries. Of course we will have some interviews and I will teach you idioms and new vocabulary .... and all these things that I think can help you to improve and enjoy your Spanish!

We start the new season by saying "Goodbye summer" and I'll tell you how we, the Spanish, spent the summer. We also celebrate our new season with a surprise for you!

Press play to listen to it, and remember, if you want the transcription of the audio and some vocabulary, you can find it on our website.

Today in the Podcast I show you 6 colloquial expressions in Spanish that we use a lot. Above all you can listen to it on the street..... I hope you like it!
Before to start... I remind you that you can apply to our intensive summer courses in July!! There are a few groups nearing completion, so if you're interested, hurry up!
They will be classes for 2 weeks, 1 hour per day, and areOnline, you can do it wherever you are!! And remember that the groups are maximum 5 students. They are classes focused on CONVERSATION, so we cannot admit more students per group, we want to be sure that even the most shy student will participate in the class. Send an email to hola@speakandlearn.eswith your name and Spanish level, and we will answer you as soon as possible with all the information!

Today we have a new episode in our Podcast, and I want to speak about how the Spanish electoral system works.

Last week we had elections for local government in all the country, and next 23th July we will choose the next President of the Government (it's like our prime minister). So, click play if you want to know better how the elections works in Spain.

I hope you like it!

And in July we are going to offer our INTENSIVE SUMMER COURSES ONLINE. We will follow our method of Spanish classes focused on CONVERSATION, different levels, maximum 5 students per group. If you want more information, write us an email to hola@speakandlearn.es or register on our website speakandlearn.es Hoy toca nuevo episodio del Podcast, yos quiero hablar sobre como funciona el sistema electoral en España.
La semana pasada tuvimos elecciones en los Ayuntamientos de todo el país, y el próximo 23 de Julio elegiremos al nuevo presidente del Gobierno. Así que si quieres conocer un poco mejor el funcionamiento de las elecciones en España, dale al play.
¡Espero que te guste!
Y recuerda que durante el mes de Julio ofreceremos nuestros cursos intensivos de verano Online. Seguiremos con nuestra metodología de clases basadas en la CONVERSACIÓN, grupos de DIFERENTES NIVELES y máximo 5 alumnos por grupo. Si te interesa envíanos un mail ahola@speakandlearn.es o regístrate en nuestra web https://speakandlearn.es/registration

Just when I've finished editing the episode about the drought in Spain....it starts to rain in Málaga! ☔
I'm VERY happy. It hadn't rained here for many months, and the situation is dramatic, So I hope it continues to rain more days....I think it will give us a break....Although we need 2 months of rain for the reservoirs to return to 50 %,and I think it is very difficult for it to have happened....😟
We are in the most important drought in the Spanish's history. But this situation is not only because of the rain shortage, and it's not happening only here....About all these things I speak about in our Podcast today.

Remember, you can read the transcription and new vocabulary in our website: https://speakandlearn.es/bloghttps://speakandlearn.es/blog, and if you want to receive free material to improve your Spanish at home every week, and be informed about the new courses that I offer, you can do a register on our website: https://speakandlearn.es/registration

Ha sido terminar de editar el episodio sobre la sequía en España, ¡y empezar a llover en Málaga! ☔
Estoy MUY feliz . Hacía meses que no llovía aquí, y la situación es bastante dramática, así que espero que siga lloviendo varios días....por lo menos será un respiro.... Aunque para que nuestros embalses vuelvan a estar por encima del 50%, necesitaríamos 2 meses sin parar de llover, y eso es complicado que suceda....😟
Nos encontramos ante la sequía más grave de la historia de España. Aunque esta situación no es solo por la falta de lluvias, y tampoco es algo que esté pasando solamente aquí....Sobre todo esto os hablo en el episodio de hoy en nuestro Podcast.

Recuerda que tienes también la transcripción del audio y algo de vocabulario que espero que te resulte útil en nuestra web: https://speakandlearn.es/blog, y si quieres recibir cada semana nuestra Newsletter con material gratuito para mejorar tu español, y estar al corriente de todos los cursos nuevos que ofrezco, puedes registrarte en nuestra web: https://speakandlearn.es/registration

In the last episode of the Podcast I told you about the relationship that Spanish people have with food, and I explained 5 Spanish expressions related to food or cooking. Have you listened to it? If you didn't have time, you can do it HERE.
As I was saying, many expressions in Spanish refer to food... too many for a single episode of the Podcast, so today I am going to tell you about another 5. I have selected the ones that I think are most used.
I hope you like it!
Before we start, I want to remind you thatyou can apply for our online and face-to-face Spanish groups in May.
Spanish classes in small groups, maximum 5 students, different levels, where our main objective is that you SPEAK Spanish.
Write me an email to hola@speakandlearn.es with your level of Spanish and your preferences (Online or face-to-face if you are in Malaga, Spain) and I will send you all the information as soon as possible.😉

Or register on our website: https://speakandlearn.es/registration

As you know, food and everything related to it is very important in Spanish culture.
In general, people in Spain cook quite well, although this trend is changing a bit because all the family members work and we have less time. But it still matters a lot.
This can also be seen in Spanish. There are a lot of expressions about food in Spanish, in fact, I can't show you all of them because there are so many! So I'm going to dedicate 2 episodes to you in the Podcast, in each one I'll tell you 5 expressions, ok?
If you manage to learn them all and use them in your Spanish conversation... you will make me very happy! 😊 And remember, if you want to improve your Spanish with us, you can register on our website to receive our Newsletter with free material every week, and if you want to learn Spanish with me, you can do it with Online classes. All information here: https://speakandlearn.es/registrationhttps://speakandlearn.es/registration or in the email adress: hola@speakandlearn.es

Hoy es jueves Santo, y en casi todas las ciudades españolas es un día festivo. Como probablemente ya sabes, en España la Semana Santa es muy importante. En prácticamente todas las ciudades hay procesiones que salen a la calle con imágenes religiosas y bandas de música.
Es una tradición muy importante en mi país, perola sociedad está dividida entre aquellos a los que les gusta muchísimo, y aquellos que odian la Semana Santa.
En el episodio de hoy os hablo de eso.
¡Espero que te guste! Y recuerda que si quieres recibir cada semana nuestra Newsletter para aprender Español, o apuntarte a nuestras clases Online o Presenciales, puedes hacerlo registrándote en nuestra web: https://speakandlearn.es/registration

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Today is Holy Thursday, and in almost all Spanish cities it is a holiday. As you probably know, in Spain Holy Week is very important. In practically all cities there are processions in the streets with religious wood carvings and music bands.

It is a very important tradition in my country, but society is divided between those who really like it and those who hate Easter.

Today in the episode I talk about it. I hope you like it!

And remember, if you want to receive our Newsletter or start to learn Spanish through our Online Classes or face to face, you can register on our website: https://speakandlearn.es/registration

When I started with Speak & Learn, I never imagined that I would like it so much. I love teaching Spanish and helping my students. But I also love doing the Podcast, the videos, writing the Newsletter every week, organizing my schedule... I love everything! (Ok, except accounting, payments... but my sister helps me with this 😅)
In recent months, some students told me that they wanted to start their own project, so we talked a lot about this in class. The truth is that I love talking about entrepreneurship and learning about new projects... There are very creative people!
So I thought...why not talk about this on the Podcast? And here I am. I hope you like it. If you want to read the audio transcription you can do it here: https://speakandlearn.es/blog, and if you have any questions about us, or about our Spanish Classes you can write us here: hola@speakandlearn.es

Last Sunday I ran the women's race.It's a 5 kilometers race in some Spanish cities to collecting money for breast cancer.

The special feature of this race is that only women and girls can participate. If I'm honest, when I found out I didn't understand it. If we want to earn money for a good cause...Why the ban on men??The more the better!

After listening to the arguments for and against, I still don't have a clear opinion 😅

In the episode today, I tell you all these arguments.

Remember that if you want to continue improving your Spanish, you can register on our website and every Thursday you will receive a Newsletter with free material to learn Spanish at home. And if you are interested in Spanish classes, we also have Online groups!  https://speakandlearn.es/registration

Spain is a bigger country than it seems, with very different regions. Not only geographically (we have sun, beach, desert, mountains...) Each region has its own cultural customs, gastronomy... and some of them even have their own language.

In addition, it is one of the countries with the most sites declared World Heritage Sites according to Unesco.

I talk about all these things in the today's episode of our Podcast, and also, I break with some myths and beliefs that revolve around Spain.

Remember, if you want to receive our Newsletter every Thursday with free material that will help you improve your Spanish at home, register on our website: https://speakandlearn.es/registration

Next week is Valentine's Day.

In Spain it is not very popular. Although it is very common to see stores with many hearts and cupids. But like so many others, it is an inherited celebration.

In my case, my husband and I, we do not celebrate it. We prefer to remember other dates, like our wedding anniversary, or the day we met... but not Valentine's Day.

But that does not mean that the Spanish are not romantic. We are. And in Spanishyou can find many expressions about love and... heartbreak.

In today's episode of our Podcast, I will show you some of them.

I hope you like it!

Remember, register on our website if you want to receive our Newsletter every week with free material to learn Spanish: https://speakandlearn.es/registration

And if you want to listen to the episode about the origin of Valentine's Day, you can do it here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2oKblPMH4yliRXMfzq8POJ

Today on the podcast I present to you my sister Beatriz.  Besides being my sister, she is one of my best friends. She is very intelligent and has a special sensitivity. She is a historian, flautist and music therapist.

In today's episode I do a short interview where we talk about what music therapy is and her experience working with autistic children and teenagers with problems.

I hope you like it! I loved having this conversation with her.

Remember, if you want to read the transcript of this episode you can do it on our website: https://speakandlearn.es/blog

The other day I read an article that said that making New Year's resolutions is not good for our mental health.

If you often listen to our Podcast, you know that I love beginnings and always set goals for myself. I love the feeling when I have a new challenge and try to do it, but without stress.

As you can imagine, I am a mom in a large family and I need to change my goals every day. There are always surprises and you have to be flexible and know how to improvise. But that doesn't mean I can't make a list of goals and be very happy when I achieve them.

I think the secret is to plan it the right way and be realistic.

I talk about it in today's episode of our Podcast.

And remember,if one of your New Year's resolutions is to learn Spanish, you can do it with us with our Online or face-to-face classes if you live in Malaga.

You know?I don't like the games of luck. I never play bingo, slot machines or lottery.....Except in Christmas, with the Christmas Lottery.

The Christmas Lottery in Spain is a tradition. Even the people like me, who never play anything, we do it on Christmas. Every year on 22th December, thousands of Spaniards participate in the raffle that is popularly calledEl Gordo.

In this episode I tell you the origin of this raffle, how it works and why it is called like this.

I hope you like it!

I recorded this episode of the Podcast 3 weeks ago....I needed to make it with enough time because the transcription, the edition....it takes me very long.

Now, writing the Newsletter I listened to it again, and I realized I need holidays....up to twice I said we are at the end of 2023..., yes, I was wrong with the year twice. It also turns out that in Andalusia we don't have a long weekend 😂. Yes in the rest of Spain, but not here....

Ok, in any case andin spite of my mistakes, I hope you like this episode where I speak about why there is a long weekend in "almost" all of Spain.

This episode in the Podcast is probably the most personal one until now.

This week is my son Javier's birthday, the middle one. When I was 5 months pregnant, the doctors told me he had"equinovarus" feet, a genetic deformity in his legs. As you can imagine it was a very hard moment. However I remember it with great affection. Me and my husband were clear about the pregnancy, and no matter what happened, he would be a happy boy. And he is!

This week Javi turns 10 years old, and a few weeks ago we ran together the "City of Malaga urban race" 5 kilometers. He beat me. So, as you can see the story has a HAPPY end.

But before to start I remember youIn 3 days we will start the second edition of our course: "First Steps to Learn Spanish". A course for those with zero/basic level who want to end the year fulfilling the dream of starting to improve their Spanish!! Write me an email to hola@speakandlearn.es and I'll tell you how to do it!  😉

Last season, in one of the episodes, we spoke about how important is to find the best way to learn  depending on our personality (you can listen to it HERE)

A very useful tool for some of my students (and for me when I study English), is to use music.Songs are a very powerful tool to learn, it helps you to memorise better vocabulary, etc...

I recommend that you look for a song that you like in Spanish, print it, analyze the letter and learn it!. You will see how easy it is to remember the lyrics when it's with music that you love.

In the episode today, we use Shakira's song to learn a little bit of Spanish.

By the way, we havenew Online groups! A2 and B1 level!!And if your level is "zero"from 28th November, to 10th December we will do a new edition of "First Steps to Learn Spanish!👏​👏​👏​

I'm VERY happy with all these news!! If you want to reserve your place, or if you need more information, write us to hola@speakandlearn.es!!

And now, enjoy the new episode of our Podcast to learn Spanish!! 

In today's episode we talk aboutviolence in language. Do you know that everything we say has an impact, positive or negative, on the person who listens to us?

Today I will speak about it and about a rather ugly incident that happened in Spain a few days ago....

Remember that if you want to continue improving your Spanish with us, you can do it with my Online classes. Register on our website (https://speakandlearn.es/registration)  if you want more information about it! And also to receive our Newsletter every week, with small Spanish dose to learn  at home.

This summer my grandmother died. The truth is that she was 97 years old and the whole family had been waiting for him for a long time... but that doesn't make it any less sad.

The family for Spanish people is very important, and grandmothers have a very important role in families, and also in society. Thanks to her help, many women are able to go to work, and they play an important role in the education of their grandchildren.

That's why today I pay my little tribute to her and to all the grandmothers in the world.

If you want to read the audio transcription and some vocabulary, you can do it here: https://speakandlearn.es/homenaje-a-las-abuelas 

If you have watched the tv in the last few weeks, or if you have entered the internet, or bought the newspaper.....if you don't live on another planet, you will know that Queen Elizabeth II died a few days ago.

It was a historic funeral and it appeared in all mass media.

But...Do you know the difference between English Monarchy and Spanish Monarchy? Do you know what Spanish people think about it? And you...What do you think? Monarchy yes or not?

I don't have a clear opinion, and I'll tell you in today's podcast.

But what I have clear is that if you want to learn Spanish, I can help you through our Online classes and face to face classes.

A lot of groups are full, so if you are interested, don't think too much about it! Also, the group class will be the unique way to learn Spanish with me because at the moment I won't be able to take any more students One to one.

Don't hesitate to write me to hola@speakandlearn.es if you have any questions.

And now... let's go with our dose of Spanish!

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Si has encendido la televisión en algún momento de las últimas semanas, o has entrado en internet, o has comprado el periódico.... si no vives en otro planeta, sabrás que la Reina Isabel II de Inglaterra murió hace unos días.

Ha sido un funeral histórico y ha salido en todos los medios de comunicación.

Pero...¿Conoces las diferencias entre la Monarquía Inglesa y la Española? ¿Sabes qué opinan los españoles sobre la monarquía?. Y tú...¿Qué opinas, monarquía si o no?

Yo no lo tengo claro, y te lo cuento en el podcast de hoy.

Lo que si tengo claro es que si quieres mejorar tu español, yo te puedo ayudar a través de nuestras clases Online y presenciales.

Muchos de los grupos están completos, así que si te interesa, ¡no te lo pienses mucho!. Además, las clases en grupo por ahora van a ser la única opción si quieres aprender español conmigo porque de momento NO voy a coger más alumnos "one to one".

No dudes en escribirme un mail a hola@speakandlearn.es si tienes alguna pregunta.

Y ahora....Vamos con nuestra dosis de español!

This week and the last one, all the Spanish children have returned to school.

To be honest, as a Mother of 3 children....I was looking forward to it!. It doesn't mean that I don't like summer, but...it's a bit long for me. I already wanted to get back to the routine!

I love September. I've always liked it...even as a child....Of course summer too, butI think even then it was too long for me.

September meant seeing my friends again, getting to know the new students in the school, and using the books, and notebooks for the first time!

We speak about it in the Podcast today, and also about what difficult it's for many families....But first,let me remid you that if you didn't apply for our Spanish classes,Onlineorface to face, you are on time!

Write to us if you have any questions! to hola@speakandlearn.es

Hoy presentamos la nueva temporada del podcast para aprender español de Speak & Learn. En el capítulo de hoy presentamos el Podcast y os contamos como hemos llegado hasta aquí, y por qué a partir de ahora, nos vamos a centrar un poco más en aquellos que tenéis nivel intermedio. Aunque por supuesto, puedes escucharnos si tienes más nivel, y si tienes menos....recuerda que en nuestra web https://speakandlearn.es/blog encontrarás la transcripción del Podcast y también vocabulario de cada capítulo.

Además, os recordamos que podéis solicitar plaza para el nuevo curso que comienza el 12 de Septiembre.

Today we introduce the new season of the Speak & Learn Podcast to learn Spanish. In today's episode we introduce the Podcast and we tell you how we got here, and why from now on, we are going to focus a little more on those who have an intermediate level. Of course you can listen to us if you are higher level, or even lower...remember: in our website https://speakandlearn.es/blog you will find the transcription of each chapter and also some vocabulary.

Also, remember that you can apply for your place for our Spanish courses that will start on 12th September.

it seems like a lie what fast has passed this course, don't you think?

Today is the last PODCAST of this season, in summer I want to  work on the new Podcast's season...So if you have any recommendation, reflection or review....please, write to us, I'm all ears!! (hola@speakandlearn.es)

Before starting with this new episode, I remind you that you can apply for our INTENSIVE SUMMER COURSES!!

If you're interested, register on our websiteSpeakandlearn.es or write us an email to hola@speakandlearn.es with your name, Spanish level and which turn is better for you: from 4th to 15th July, or the second one from 18th to 29th of July. We will send you all the information as soon as possible!! The groups are maximum 5 students, so do it asap!

And now, we start with the new episode whereI talk about how the different personality of each one directly affects the way of learning things.

I hope you like it!

Today we are meeting Laura, she leads a beautiful project called: Strategic English with Laura. She helps native Spanish speakers with her English language, especially for business. As you can imagine, the conversations with her are always very interesting!

On the one hand, she tells us about her experience living in England for more than 12 years! On the other hand, she gives us her point of view as a language educator. You can find her here: https://www.strategic-english.com/hola

If you want to listen to her, hit play! And remember, if you want to improve your Spanish with us, register on our website speakandlearn.es!!

Before starting with the new episode of our Podcast, I wanted to tell you that next 16th of May we will start a new edition of our course: First Steps to Learn Spanish. It's an intensive course of 2 weeks for all of those who want to start to learn Spanish. If you listen to this Podcast regularly, your level of Spanish is probably not beginner. But you would make us very happy if you shared this information with those family and friends who always tell you that they want to start to learn Spanish!! They just have to register on our website speakandlearn.es and we will send them the information as soon as possible! Thank you very much for your help, and now... yes! Let's go with a new episode of our Podcast to learn Spanish naturally!

I think that Spring affects the Spanish in our state of mind. It's like the weather, one day it's a wonderful sunny day and the next it's raining. Do you know what I do during these days? Sport. It helps me relax and sleep better... I'm not really an exercise enthusiast, but I have to admit it's good for me. 

I realize that I exercise because I want to control my mood, because it affects me in everything: when I'm working, when I'm with my children and... when I want to learn something.

That's why today in the Podcast I want to talk about the relationship between exercise and learning. You are probably aware of that relationship, or maybe you think it is an unnatural relationship. In any case, listen to the Podcast and then give us your opinion!

Spring has finally arrived! I personally love this time of the year. Especially since I'm living in Málaga; all the city smells like Azahar, and I'm in a very good mood! Also this month it's my birthday, so I love March!

To celebrate it, I'm going to start with a new section in the PODCAST called "TESTIMONIOS". I'm very excited about it and I hope you like it! I will do it from time to time.
For this section I am going to interview people who do not live in their country of origin. They will tell us their experience with the language, the country, the culture...Many of my students are in that situation, so I hope these testimonials inspire and help you.

I'm really enjoying doing the interviews!

The first testimonial is from a very good friend of mine from the University. Her name is Blanca and she's living in Scotland for a long time. Before this, she didn't like the language, she is quite shy....however, she is working in English for many years!

It is the perfect example of someone who has learned a new language as an adult., I hope you like it!.

And remember, if you want to improve your Spanish with us, register in our website:https://speakandlearn.es/registration

It is likely that at some point in your life you have felt what in Spanish we call "stage fright". It is an uncontrolable scared that a lot of people feel when they have to speak in public, or play an instrument in a stage, or speak in another language....

But who has never felt fear? All of us have to make job interviews , or speech in the University or High school, conference....the problem is when you can't control this scared.

Many of my students feel anxiety when they have to speak Spanish. That's why I feel like speak about it in the Podcast! I think it's a very intereting topic! So make yourself comfortable, pour yourself a coffee or tea and click on the image to listen to the podcast!

And in case you later decide to improve your Spanish with our classes focused on conversation....Register on our websiteand start learning Spanish with us in March! 

Studies say that 80% of people abandon their New Year's resolutions before February... I've been like them MANY TIMES! But the truth is that the last two years I have managed to meet my goals!!

Last year I did sports every week.!! (Well, except May because my baby was born) But for 11 months, I did!

In the new episode of the Podcast I give you 5 tips to achieve your goals in 2022...because if one of those goals is to learn Spanish...I will be very happy!!

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Los estudios dicen que el 80% de la gente a abandonado sus propósitos para el nuevo año antes de llegar a Febrero... Yo he sido de esas MUCHAS VECES!! Pero la verdad es que los dos últimos años SI he conseguido mis retos!!

El año pasado conseguí practicar deporte todas las semanas!! (Bueno, el mes de Mayo no cuenta porque nació mi bebé). Pero durante 11 meses lo conseguí.

Hoy en el Podcast te doy 5 consejos para conseguir tus propósitos en el 2022....y si uno de esos propósitos es aprender español....¡me haces muy feliz!

Before to start with the episode, I want to let you know about our challenge-course "first Steps to Learn Spanish". It will be an intensive course for people that want to start to Learn Spanish, during 10 days we will give you the basic knowledges to learn Spanis. If you want more information register in our website speakandlearn.es and we will send you all information as soon as possible. We will start in 13th January!

Okay, in this new episode of the Speak & Learn Podcast, we talk about how important it is to celebrate both big dates and small milestones. I take this opportunity to wish you a happy new year and celebrate with you the beginning of the year 2022!! I hope it will be a fantastic year for you!

Before starting, I wanted to inform you that we are working on a new project for people that want to learn Spanish but never take the leap. Will be for people with no level (or Beginners) and will be ready in January. If you want to be the first to receive the information, register on our website! (https://speakandlearn.es/registration)

And now....welcome to a new episode of our Podcast! Today we speak about the power of conversation in language learning.

Since I started with Speak & Learn, I was clear that our classes would be focused on CONVERSATION. Because it was what worked for me. Also, Why do we want to learn a language if not to communicate with others? It is one of my principal goals: for my students to have fluent conversations in Spanish.

But if I’m honest,  I had never looked for information about this topic, until now. I didn't know if there were studies speaking about the effectiveness of conversation in learning. And it has been a nice surprise, because there are a lot of studies supporting our approach!

You have probably sometime asked yourself  what the people thinks about you. It's normal to try to be liked by others, isn't it?

It has happened to me, but ...I had never thought what others think of me as Spanish, inside of a group.

And I think it's really interesting. We generalize about the people's personality depending on the country;  "Germans are very organized" "The italians shout a lot" and "we Spanish don't like to work".... even inside of our own country "The women from Valladolid are very unfriendly"

It was a topic in a B2 DELE's exam, a few years ago. "The stereotypes".We all have prejudices about others, about the people from other countries and about the people from our country but from other regions, right?
And you, What is it said about the people of your country? Do you think that behind each stereotype is there any truth?

About all these things I speak in the Podcast this month.Remember if you want to continue learning Spanish with us, register in our website! (https://speakandlearn.es/registration)

Un abrazo enorme and see you soon!

Como cada último jueves del mes,hoy tenemos nuevo episodio del Podcast!!En realidad es oficialmente el episodio número 1, ya que el Podcast de Agosto fue sobre todo una presentación.

Hoy entramos en materia con un tema que espero que os resulte interesante, y es"Como aprender un idioma a partir de los 40".

Como ya sabéis, nosotros damos clases a adultos. Y nos hemos encontrado con muchos alumnos que piensan que aprender un nuevo idioma, o lo que sea, a partir de una edad, es prácticamente imposible. Pero la neurociencia a demostrado que eso no es así!! ¿Quieres saber más sobre esto? Pues haz click y sube el volumen!!

Ah! Y recuerda que si quieres comenzar a mejorar tu español con nosotras a través de nuestrasclases Onlineopresenciales, ya puedes solicitar tu plaza para el mes de Octubre!!

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Like every last Thursday of the month, today we have a new episode on our Podcast !! It's actually episode number 1, because the August Podcast was a presentation of our project.

Today we begin with a topic that I hope you like, we have called it"Learn a new language from 40".

As you know, we teach adults. And sometimes our students think that learning a new language (or whatever) at a certain age is very difficult or impossible. However, neuroscience has shown that this is not true! Do you want to know more about it? Turn up the volume to listen to our Podcast

Ah! And remember,if you want to improve your Spanish through ouronline classesorface-to-face classes, now you can apply for your place in October !!

Today I'm very happy because I can finally show you the new season in our Podcast!
As you know, We use our Podcast as a learning tool so that you can continue to improve your Spanish from home. I think It's useful to train your ear and to get into the habit of listening to speak in another language. I know sometimes it's not easy, and you have different levels, that's why we post the Podcastin our website too (https://speakandlearn.es/) , where you can read the transcription and some vocabulary that can be useful for you.

This new season will be very different to the last one, where we talked about different Spanish cities and we travelled virtually. This course we will speak about very different Topics!! So, if you want us to speak about something specific, write us an email to hola@speakandlearn.es and we´ll keep it in mind for the next episodes!

I hope you like it, but first remember,if you want to improve your Spanish, you can choose your group to learn with us!! Online and face to face classes, we will start in September!

Now, PLAY to listen to the new episode of our Podcast, where I introduce myself and I speak about which topics you will find in the Podcast this new season.

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¡por fin puedo presentarte la nueva temporada de nuestro Podcast!.

Como sabes, utilizamos nuestro Podcast como herramienta para que puedas seguir mejorando tu español desde casa. Creo que es muy útil para educar el oído acostumbrarse a escuchar hablar en otro idioma. Sabemos que a veces no es fácil, y que no todos tenéis el mismo nivel de español, por esa razón, si quieres, puedes escuchar el Podcast también desde nuestra web (https://speakandlearn.es/),donde al finalizar el audio encontrarás la transcripción y algo de vocabulario que te ayudará..

Durante esta nueva temporada, la temática será más abierta que el año pasado, (el cual dedicamos a los viajes virtuales y hablamos de diferentes ciudades españolas). Así que si quieres que hablemos de algún tema en concreto, solo tienes que enviarnos un mail a hola@speakandlearn.es y lo tendremos en cuenta cuando hagamos nuevos capítulos!

Espero que te guste mucho, pero antes¡te recuerdo que ya puedes solicitar tu plaza para las clases de Septiembre!Tanto Online como presenciales.

Ahora si, dale al play para escuchar el Podcast. 

Did you think we had forgotten our virtual travel in February? I'm afraid not...the thing is, in February "nos ha pillado el toro". Do you know this idiom? It's very common in Spain. We use it when we want to refer to when we've tried to do a lot of things, but finally we didn't because we didn't have enough time. 

So in February that was our problem, but in any case, we want to travel with you!! Because we want to go to Segovia! It's a beautiful city in Castilla y Leon, very close to Madrid. I'm sure you will like it! 

Remember if you want to see the Podcast's transcription and some vocabulary that will help you with your Spanish, you can found it here: http://speakandlearn.es/hoy-aprendemos-espanol-y-viajamos-a-segovia

Un saludo!!

Today we want to speak about  a celebration that it's not very popular in Spain: San Valentin.  Even though it's very common to find shops with a lot of flowers and hearts, I think in Spain we don't celebrate it like other countries.

For example, my husband and I never give each other gifts for Valentine's, and we don't go out for dinner in special restaurants......Am I unromantic?Maybe...but I don't think so, because my friends don't do it either.

Maybe  younger generations, the people who are in their 20s celebrate it a little bit more....but, for example, unlike in other countries, in Spain, we never send San Valentine's Cards. I think at the most, we give flowers.

However, I like San Valentin's character. Which is the origin of this celebration? Who was San Valentin? We have investigated a little bit, and we tell you everything in the Podcast. Don't miss it! And remember, if you want to read the transcription and the Vocabulary, you can do it in our website!: http://speakandlearn.es/podcast-12-dia-de-san-valentin

As every months since the pandemic started, we finish the month with a new Podcast that will help you to improve your Spanish and TRAVEL!. Yes, you've heard right: travel! Although it is in the virtual way. 

At this moment it's very difficult to move, taking a bus or a plane it's a distance future... But if you have a little bit imagination and you want to do it, we can close our eyes and imagine we are in another place. Have you tried it before? turn up the volume and come with us to Madrid!

But before this travel to one of my favourite cities in Spain, I want to remember you, if never have been in our group Online classes, it's your opportunity!!And you can do it in a free class! It will be the first week of February and will be online classes, so, you haven't got any more excuses! Write us an email to hola@speakandlearn.es and we will send you all information.

And now, turn up the volume we are going on a trip!!

I can't believe in only a few weeks we will be in 2021!!
Although to be honest...I want it. I love the beginnings, that's why two of my favourite months are September and January!

But I don't want to advance quite an event. Before New Year, we are going to enjoy Christmas. For some of you, they will be different, but wonderful in any case, I'm sure!

Christmas is celebrated in a lot of countries and of course, all of them have a lot of things in common, but I love to see the peculiarities of each one.

In Spain, for example, it is a long period because they finish on January 6th with the Three Wise Men's Day. It's the most important day for the youngest of the house. In other countries the most important day for them is at the beginning of December, or on December 25th, with Santa Klaus, San Nicolás or Papá noel, depending on the country.
Another strange day in Spain is "El Día de los Santos Inocentes", on December 28th. It's the day when we make jokes. In other countries they celebrate something similar on April 1st.

I speak about it in today's Podcast , so if you want to know more about the Spanish Christmast ,click on the image to listen to it!!
I hope you like it and it helps you to improve your Spanish!

Best wishes,

November is finishing and today some of our students are celebrating the Thanks Giving Day. I take advantage of the opportunity to wish you Happy Thanksgiving Day!

And as you know, tomorrow it's Black Friday and despite the fact that a lot of stores are closed because of the Pandemic, I'm sure you have heard about it. It is a day in which basically large stores make great discounts.

In Spain it is something new, and I didn't know why they use this name: Black Friday,....I couldn't understand why they use words as pessimist as those! And I'm very curious, so...I have investigated it.

I've discovered the origin and the reasons for the name....It's a really interesting history! Let's click in the podcast if you want to know more about it!

And If you are thinking of starting to improve your Spanish...Listen to the Podcast because at the end, we have a surprise for you!.

Hello everyone!

Today we have a new Podcast to learn Spanish and we start a new virtual travel to .... Málaga!

A city that many of you know well, because our face to face classes are here, in Málaga. Many others have come to visit, and other are looking forward to visit . In any case, it's a Podcast very special for us, because in Málaga is where our project started. So it is dedicated to all our students, face to face and Online ones!

I wish we can enjoy very soon the city as it deserves, without mask, to smell the sea and Azahar ..... until then, please, look after yourself, saving the distance and following the recommendations. Only then we will get the situation to change,  don't you think?

And remember, if you want to improve your Spanish with us, you can do it through our Online classes or face to face classes if you are livening in Málaga. And if you want to receive our newsletter  with more Podcasts, articles, and material to learn Spanish at home, you only need to be register in our website! http://speakandlearn.es/registration

This week we have a new Podcast and a new trip! We take advantage of the fact that this week the International Film Festival of Valladolid (La SEMINCI) starts, and we travel to Castille's capital.

Today in this Podcast, you are going to improve your Spanish and also, you are going to know a Spanish city with a large history: Valladolid.

As I told you, Valladolid is the capital of Castilla y León. It's 2 hours from Madrid by car. By AVE (high speed railway), 40 minutes from Madrid, northward.

It's a small city, but has a lot of History. Miguel de Cervantes, writer of Don Quijote, lived there. Valladolid was Spain's capital in the 17th century and that's where it is said that the best Spanish is spoken. But above all, it's our city. Where we grew! and of course, a mandatory destiny in our virtual travels!

We hope you enjoy it. And if you have never been there, we hope this Podcast will wake your interest about it, and someday you can visit this nice city. Let's click to listen to the podcast!

That period is turning out worst than we imagine. Wear mask, see our students scaring with the face to face classes, can't travel to see our family and friends....And the worst, we don't know for how long!

I think one of the worst things for us is don't travel. I miss to get on a plane or train and see new places... I'm sure it's the same for you!

But we can't stop to do things!! The live continue, and we need to adapt to the new situation.
Also, we are very lucky because we live in S. XXI and we have internet!! We can continue doing our favourite activities: learn Spanish, cook, training....everything is on the net!!

So...Why not travel? Of course it's not the same, but while this situation continue, we are going to try it.

Once per month, we are going to devote a Podcast to do a virtual travel. We are going to show you our favourite places of Spain, and you will learn Spanish at the same time. 

Do you like the idea? Let's click and come with us to San Sebastian!!

Sabemos que con el verano y las vacaciones, muchos tenéis más tiempo libre, así que hoy os damos 6 recomendaciones de series que te pueden resultar muy útiles si quieres mejorar tu español. 

Hemos intentando adaptarnos a todos los gustos y niveles. Desde las más románticas, series con las que puedes aprender español y también cosas sobre la historia más reciente de España, ficción, suspense.... Además, si te sirve de ayuda, puedes ver la transcripción del audio, los enlaces a las series y algo de vocabulario, en el siguiente enlace: http://speakandlearn.es/las-mejores-series-para-aprender-espanol

On holidays, while you rest and enjoy .....you can improve your Spanish! Why not? In our PODCAST  we show you different Spanish series to watch this summer. There are different types: action series, romantic series....Surely you will find the best for you. Also, if you want to read the transcription, the series's links and some vocabulary, you can do it cliking here: http://speakandlearn.es/las-mejores-series-para-aprender-espanol

Cuando preguntas a alguien qué puede decir sobre España, es muy probable que salgan una de estas 3 palabras: fiesta, paella y....siesta.

Lo cierto es que no todo el mundo duerme siesta en nuestro País. Pero si, nos gusta dormir. Somos "disfrutones" por naturaleza, nos encantan  las cosas pequeñas, y eso se refleja en nuestro modo de vida, la comida y......las expresiones que utilizamos al hablar.

Hoy os enseñamos alguna de esas expresiones en Español, que tienen en común el verbo: DORMIR.

¡Espero que lo disfrutes! y recuerda que puedes seguir mejorando tu Español con nosotros registrándote en nuestra web: http://speakandlearn.es/registration

¡Un saludo!

Hoy se celebra el día de la madre en España y en muchos otros países. Nosotras aprovechamos para felicitar a todas las mamás, y también ¡aprovechamos para aprender y mejorar Español! Os contamos cómo y cuando comenzó a celebrarse en nuestro país este día, y cuando se celebra en el resto del mundo. Y además,¡al finalizar el Podcast tenemos una sorpresa preparada para ti! ¡FELIZ DÍA DE LA MADRE!

Hoy es un día muy especial para nosotras. Es el DÍA INTERNACIONAL DEL LIBRO, y también el DÍA INTERNACIONAL DE LA LENGUA ESPAÑOLA.

Al principio pensamos que lo mejor que podíamos hacer para celebrarlo era hablaros de nuestros libros favoritos y haceros recomendaciones. Sin embargo, era un poco complicado.....No tenemos un libro favorito, ¡tenemos muchos! y las recomendaciones queremos hacerlas bien. Así que más adelante haremos un nuevo Podcast dando recomendaciones literarias según los distintos niveles. Pero hoy queríamos hacer algo más especial.....por eso, hemos estado buscando la PALABRA MÁS BELLA DEL CASTELLANO.

Hemos preguntado a muchos de nuestros alumnos y seguidores en Facebook e Instagram, y nos han dicho palabras como MÚSICA, o SALMOREJO (que es un plato típico andaluz a base de tomate. Parecido al gazpacho). 

Y también hemos encontrado un estudio que hicieron hace unos años para buscar la palabra más bella en Español, preguntando a más de 40.000 personas....¿Queréis saber cuál fue la elegida? ¡Pues adelante con el Podcast!

En el Podcast de hoy no te vamos a hablar sobre la cultura y tradiciones en España como hacemos normalmente. Hoy te vamos a dar 6 consejos que podrás utilizar si estás aprendiendo Español o cualquier otro idioma. 

Muchos de vosotros nos habéis comentado que con esta nueva situación de confinamiento que estamos viviendo en muchos países, vuestro nivel de Español ha bajado. Ya no podéis ir a los intercambios de idiomas, o quedar con vuestro grupo de amigos Españoles......Sin embargo, hay muchas maneras de aprender un idioma. Muchísimas. ¡Y no es necesario salir de casa! Lo más importante es que disfrutes del proceso y seas persistente, constante. 

Así que hoy, ¡te damos unos consejos para que consigas tu objetivo! ¡Espero que te gusten!