Notes from Spain 64 - On learning...

[Ben]

Listen here... (http://www.notesfromspain.com/2007/10/05/on-learning-notes-from-spain-podcast-64/)

Lessons learned living in Spain… and questions for you:

What did you last learn? What was the motivation? What did it lead to?

[Chamorita]

Ben,

I just wanted to say that I really loved this podcast. At first, I was disappointed that it wasn't you and Marina (I just love hearing the two of you together) but I really liked the introspective and reflective feel the podcast had being that it was just you. I think it has the effect of making your "fans" feel closer to you and more familiar with your experience, which can only be a good thing!

Amy

[Ben]

Thanks very much. I feel slightly nervous about uploading these podcasts at times, as I know that most people want to hear Marina and I out and about in Spain. But then sometimes I have something I want to talk about and just have to record it! I'm sure the next one will be Marina and I again, but there will certainly be one or two of these 'Notes from Ben' every now and again as I really enjoy recording them too!

[richardksa]

What I have learnt that has been important to me since I have been coming and then living in Spain:
Having friends:- Perhaps it's a touch of the enchufe that you spoke about, but as a people person I would not have survived so well without getting to know people. Both native and expat friends have introduced me to so much.
Not giving a damn:- My Spanish is atrocious and with people who speak good English I am both nervous and a little ashamed to use it. But when it is absolutely necessary I just get on with it and say what I have to say and leave the listener to sort out my bad grammar and poor accent. It seems to work, but I know I have to improve.
Having patience and a sense of humour:- Oh God yes! Nothing ever seems to happen quickly, appointments never happen on time and waiters make you do the waiting. Pero, hey, esta es la vida!
Walk:- I have explored nearly every part of Madrid on foot. You will never get under the skin of a place until you see how the natives live. Madrid is NOT the Plaza Mejor and the Prado. Get out to the suburbs.
Eat anything once.
And if you want a day off from living Spanish, hire an English video, see a VO film, eat at the Scottish restaurant and don't feel guilty about it.

[Edith]

What did you last learn? What was the motivation? What did it lead to?

Over the past few years, I have discovered how to use the Internet as a learning tool. Cyberspace is really a treasure trove of information and this has helped me to become more proficient in Spanish, although I'm still far from fluent.

With the Internet, geographical distance has ceased to be a problem, and it's great to meet people from all over the globe online. I just wish this would have been possible thirty years earlier!

[eldeano]

So, Books on Spain doesn't exist any more, hey? Check this (http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.booksonspain.com)out! Definitely a Curtis style emerging.

Mind you, I can't talk - look at one of my early efforts (http://web.archive.org/web/20030804071754/http://www.ukgolfer.org/).

[tad]

So, Books on Spain doesn't exist any more, hey? Check this (http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.booksonspain.com)out! Definitely a Curtis style emerging.

Mind you, I can't talk - look at one of my early efforts (http://web.archive.org/web/20030804071754/http://www.ukgolfer.org/).

What does all this mean...and are you Dean Park?

[eldeano]

What does all this mean...and are you Dean Park?

1) Did you listen to the podcast? Thought not. The links are to Ben's and my early days doing web pages.

2) No.

[tad]

1) Did you listen to the podcast? Thought not.

er....I was just getting round to it, and that. :blush:

[eldeano]

er....I was just getting round to it, and that. :blush:

Done it yet?

[tad]

Done it yet?

alright alright, I'm doing it.:computer2:

[tad]

Oh, it's notes from spain, the thing is, well, what I mean to say is, sort of thing, er; I'm not actually subscribed to that :blush::blush: