A Little Bit of Spanish Culture

You should consider Spain as your vacation destination if you are interested in a lot of fun, sunny weather and very interesting culture. Whether you want to spend your vacation at a beach or have more of a cultural experience, Spain definitely has something to offer. The climate is Spain is considered as one of the best in the Western Europe. Spain is also one of the most welcoming countries of the continent.
If culture interests you, then Spain will not let you down. Some of the world's most talented artists and painters have lived in Spain. El Greco, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali are just some of the names that represent Spain's culture. The works of these talented artists can be seen around the country in Museums like Churches of Toledo and the Prado. Spain is a place every art enthusiast should visit.
If you like dancing, then you should definitely see the southern part of Spain. Seville and Grenada is best known by Flamenco dancers that will make your heart go crazy. Flamenco is considered as one of the Spain's oldest dances. Flamenco has originated from gypsy and Moorish culture. You can see a lot of Flamenco shows all around the country, but the best Flamenco dancers come from the Andalusia province in southern Spain.
Bullfight is one of the Spain's oldest traditions and if you don't have aversions to this activity, then you should definitely see it. This activity still remains one of Spain's most artistic forms of entertainment. If you want to see a bullfight, you should visit the national Stadium in Madrid. This arena is available only for the best Matadors and beginners are not allowed to participate. Killing the bull is not a target that Matadors try to achieve. The emphasis is on the art. Actually it only takes about a blink of an eye for a Matador to kill a bull.
Festivals in Spain are incredible. Pamplona is home of one of the most famous of these festivals. This festival of course is the running of the bulls. This festival should be seen at least once by everyone. If you don't want to see the run of the bulls, then other festivals are happening all over the country during this week.

Spain has millions of things to offer tourists. If a cultural holiday is your goal, then Spain should be in the top of your list. You really have to see it first to believe it.

The Luxury Real Estate Market in Spain

One thing above all others is very clear in Spain amongst a plethora of other countries, that is that the real estate sector has suffered horrendously in the last couple of years. The market can be segmented though and some areas have responded better than others of course. The better areas were cushioned from the recession and the areas of individual luxury Spanish villas and luxury real estate in Spain have fared a lot better than the areas where there are an oversupply of similar properties aiming at the middle or lower ends of the Spanish property market.
In Spain the luxury real estate market is now looking reasonably healthy. Prices have certainly dropped but they were the first to stabilise as soon as the excess stock was absorbed. Many people who had overstretched themselves got into trouble as interest rates rose to levels they hadn't been before and others in that area were bankers, lawyers and other professionals etc... whose industries disappeared almost overnight and they were unable to pay the large mortgage repayments that came with the territory.
The now famous distressed sale market grew and virtually disappeared quite quickly as this excess was soaked up by those who had previously wanted to buy in the luxury areas but the price was slightly out of their range. As distressed sales appeared and were comparatively cheap they dragged the market down with them of course. Now they are largely gone the anchor on the market has gone too of course.
Not that I am suggesting price rises but with low interest rates in all of Europe, where many of the luxury property buyers come from, and the fact that those counties are slowly coming out of recession, many people now looking to buy in Spain at good prices. It is unlikely that in this particular sector at least there will be any further price falls. As there are limits on the number of luxury Spanish properties on sale the scarcity principle should come into play and maintain prices long and medium term.
So where are the luxury properties? Spain has many areas that are havens for the super rich, the obvious candidates are Marbella, Andratx in Mallorca, Catalunya, sprawling city centre pads in Madrid and Barcelona, the more exclusive golf resorts dotted around the country and the Canary Islands noted for their weather all year round are also popular in this field.
Valencia, where I am based, also has its luxury areas where the professionals, football players, and those with a lot of spare money have set up home. The areas of Monasterios and Alfinach near to Puzol nestle into the mountainside overlooking the Mediterranean while Campolivar has probably the largest agglomeration of ego homes in the area being just five minutes from the. Rocafort and Santa Barbara tend to be the favourites of the Politicial class and the area around the two golf courses at Betera and El Bosque near Chiva are packed with million Euro homes with beautiful views over green fairways and manicured lawns.

For more information on the properties available in these areas, where there is still an overhang of bargains available then click on the links in the author box below.

Magaluf Holidays in Majorca Spain

Magaluf is one of the most popular beach resorts located on the southwest of Majorca, Balearic Islands, Spain. Magaluf is mostly preferred with the British and Scandinavian holidaymakers.
There are lots of attractions and things to do for the holidaymakers in Magaluf. A day out at the beautiful beaches of Magaluf is one of the best attractions. A variety of water sports are available at the beaches of Magaluf such as water skiing, paragliding, scuba diving and more. Beach facilities and services are also very professional.
Taking the kids and visiting the water parks in and around Magaluf is also another great attraction for the families. The Western Park, Aqualand and Marineland are the popular water parks in and around Magaluf. In addition, the submarine of Nemo departing from the Magaluf Port is another great attraction to experience the underwater.
Magaluf is also famous for its intense nightlife in Majorca. The wide selection of night clubs and bars attracts the visitors. Nightlife in Magaluf is mostly centered around the Punta Ballena strip. BCM, Buffalo Girls, Bananas, Boomerang, Honeys and Tokio Joe's are the most popular night clubs in Magaluf. Especially the BCM club located on the Avenida S'Olivera is worth a visit for the ones who seek crazy nightlife activities in their Majorca holidays.
Eating out in Magaluf is also fascinating with the beautiful Mediterranean scenery. Visitors are able to find great number of quality restaurants and cafes lined up by the sea front.
A visit to the famous nearby town of Calvia is another great day time attraction in Magaluf. Also Poniente is another popular spot with its 18 hole golf courses and the Marineland with dolphin and seal shows.
As for accommodation in Magaluf, the town offers wide selection of modern hotels, holiday apartments and villas.

As for excursions from Magaluf; visiting Palma de Mallorca that is the most popular resort in Majorca and participating to daily trips to Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera are a must. Palma is a great place to come shopping with its quality boutiques, designer shops and cheap stores. Menorca is the farthest island of the Balearic Islands of Spain. It is a wonderful beach holiday destination worthy of its sandy beaches, beautiful coves, pine tree settings and spectacular coast lines. Formentera is the smallest of the Balearic Islands and it is worthy of its sandy beaches and beautiful scenery.

Catalunya, Spain Has It All, From Barcelona's Vibrant Culture to the Stunning Coasts of Costa Brava

Catalunya has a culture of its own most evident in its language, catalán, deriving from Latin as the Spanish, French, Italian or Portuguese languages do. Cataluña's culture is one of the oldest and richest of the European Mediterranean. The presence of Catalan merchants in the Mediterranean during the Middle Ages was pivotal in the creation of trade routes that stretched from Sardinia and Sicily to Constantinople. The magnitude and wealth of medieval Catalonia is very much still palpable in the Gothic quarter of Barcelona, the capital of the region and the second leading city in Spain after Madrid. Catalonia and in particular Barcelona became and still is an important industrial center that led to the emergence of a wealthy middle class willing to spend their money on the beautification of their city giving way to the birth of Catalan modernism. Modernist architects expressed themselves in different ways; some wanted to revive Romanesque architecture while others looked to the French neo-Gothicism and modern styles of Germany and Austria. The goal was to create a modern art based on Catalan traditions mixed with the use of new materials as seen the works of Gaudí with La Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera and Parc Guell or Doméch and Montaner with el Palau de Musica Catalana and the Hospital of San Joan all of which represent the tourist image of Barcelona along with the cheerful Paseo de La Ramblas and colorful Mercado de la Boquería. An image updated in 1992 when Barcelona was host to the Olympic Games, the nomination sparked an ambitious urban plan resulting in a large scale restoration making Barcelona one of the most visited cities in Spain and for a long time the leader of the cultural vanguard.

Barcelona for the most part is the image of Catalunya in the world but Catalonia is more than just Barcelona, Gerona or Girona in catalán is a beautiful historic city with an extraordinary Cathedral and Jewish Quarter, el Call. The city of Tarragona preserves its rich Roman heritage with a magnificent amphitheater, forum and Aqueduct along with the Old quarter and the cathedral. The city is open to the sea and the views from el Balcón del Mediterraneo are magnificent. South of Tarragona is the natural park of Delta del Ebro, an extraordinary haven for thousands of birds, including a large breeding colony of flamingos. Lérida or Lleida in catalán is less charming than the aforementioned cities but its province in addition to being an excellent producer of fruits and vegetables has one of the most famous ski resorts in Spain, Baqueira-Beret, located in el Valle de Arán in the Pyrenees, very popular among Spanish skiers including King Juan Carlos and his family. Not far is the National Park of Aigues Tortes and Lago San Maurici some of the most striking mountain landscapes in Spain.

Bureaucracy in Spain

If you are going to be a British buyer of property in Marbella or indeed, anywhere in Spain, you are sooner or later going to meet an official of the Spanish Civil Service. It is highly likely that you will become frustrated and even hot under the collar, despite the air conditioning. You may put this down to the language barrier, but it runs much deeper than that. It is a cultural difference between attitudes of civil servants in Spain and in the UK.
The Spanish civil servant that you are likely to meet does not think for himself. He is doing a job. He's been told how to do it and that is what he does. Nothing more and nothing less. It is totally pointless to make some suggestions as to how things could be done better or ask why so many photocopies are needed. You will just be met with a blank stare and you will make no difference at all.
There is a similarity between the officials of the two countries - they will not admit when they have made a mistake. The Spaniard however will adopt an entrenched and haughty attitude and poor customer relations will become very bad indeed. Don't believe that this is a plot against foreigners; Spaniards are treated in exactly the same way.
The history of the Spanish civil service goes a long way to explain their attitudes today. Many people blame the dictatorship of Franco but it goes much further back than that. Spanish history shows many changes of regime and the administrators were the favourites of the rulers of the time. Rules were always changing and the civil servants made themselves indispensible by making everyone else's life as complicated and difficult as possible. By the time Franco came to power in 1939 the civil service was inefficient and corrupt. The dictator perpetuated everything that had gone before by appointing his cronies.
"Who you know, not what you know" is still very much part of Spanish life when dealing with officials. The use of the "Enchufe" (Plug) is still common practice. This family member or friend is the insider who ensures your application goes through smoothly or your case gets to the right people. Brits do not generally have such inside connections so are at a definite disadvantage, but becoming angry about it is no solution. The system does not operate in the same way as in Britain so accepting and adapting are the best way to proceed. Getting your own insider is probably a much better plan.

Spanish Culture - One Of The The Best Reasons For Moving To Spain

fter seven years of living in Spain it is sometimes easy to forget quite why we are here, particularly as both my wife and I work and our children are still studying full time. So, our daily life in Spain, of course, has the familiar 'head down, backside up' element of most working families around the world. However, just occasionally we are jolted by something so heart warming about Spanish culture that we are reminded about why moving to Spain has been such a success for us.
I mention this because two weeks ago we celebrated the fiesta of San Antonio which had suddenly crept up upon us. In fact, we had forgotten all about it - which was nothing if not careless, given that it occurs every year at the same time!
Be that as it may, late one night, a couple of weeks ago, my wife and I were just finishing a cup of coffee in one of our village's bars when we suddenly heard the crash and thump of fireworks bursting overhead. This was followed by plumes of smoke, showers of sparks and a sheet of flame that seemed to briefly rise dangerously above the houses opposite. If we were not more used to life in Spain then we might have been forgiven for imagining that the Moors had suddenly returned to claim their lost territories.
In fact, of course, any Moors trying to regain their birthright were hardly likely to invade our mountain village and this was quickly confirmed as we rounded the corner of the street opposite our bar. In front of us, laughing and chatting, were many villagers, of all ages (notwithstanding the very late hour), admiring a blazing inferno. In front of them were a couple of trestle tables laden with wine and various nuts.
Naturally, as Britons, the combination of a roaring fire and free booze was as irresistible as high quality pollen in the height of summer to a bee short on his collection targets. So, we headed into the crowd - to eventually learn that this was the start of the fiesta of San Antonio

The best way to truly enjoy your vacation is to know a little about where it is that you will be going. Understanding the geography and the Spanish culture is a very important part of being able to truly enjoy your visit there. With such a vast amount of people as well as a large variety of landscapes it no doubt is a country that has something for everyone. In order to learn all about Spain, you need to visit the wide variety of cities that are there with all of their historical significance as well as all that they have to offer in the way of nightlife and social activities. With such a wide variety of cultures and things to do it is no wonder that so many people are going here to enjoy their vacations. The Spanish that you will hear in Spain is not the same as what is heard in North and South America. These are derivatives of the original. The original is based in French and Italian and has had a strong influence on Portuguese. If you are coming to Spain there are a large number of International airports to choose from when coming in. So be sure to pick the one that is closest to your final destination as this will help in alleviating lost time on your vacation as you work your way from the airport to the city where you will be staying. The bus seems to be the best route to take as far as being able to get where you want to go. It is very reliable as are most of the transportation programs that are offered within each city. Another option that you may choose when you are visiting Spain is to use a car service or to rent a car. Many of the airports and larger cities will offer this service so as to give you more accessibility while you are traveling. Food In Spain With so much food and drink to choose from in the country it is impossible to go wrong. In many cases you will be able to find something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds in one block let alone scouring a whole city. There is quite a bit of nightlife to be partaken in a swell. However public intoxication is very rare as many of the people of Spain frown upon such a thing.

The best way to truly enjoy your vacation is to know a little about where it is that you will be going. Understanding the geography and the Spanish culture is a very important part of being able to truly enjoy your visit there. With such a vast amount of people as well as a large variety of landscapes it no doubt is a country that has something for everyone.
In order to learn all about Spain, you need to visit the wide variety of cities that are there with all of their historical significance as well as all that they have to offer in the way of nightlife and social activities. With such a wide variety of cultures and things to do it is no wonder that so many people are going here to enjoy their vacations.
The Spanish that you will hear in Spain is not the same as what is heard in North and South America. These are derivatives of the original. The original is based in French and Italian and has had a strong influence on Portuguese.
If you are coming to Spain there are a large number of International airports to choose from when coming in. So be sure to pick the one that is closest to your final destination as this will help in alleviating lost time on your vacation as you work your way from the airport to the city where you will be staying.
The bus seems to be the best route to take as far as being able to get where you want to go. It is very reliable as are most of the transportation programs that are offered within each city.
Another option that you may choose when you are visiting Spain is to use a car service or to rent a car. Many of the airports and larger cities will offer this service so as to give you more accessibility while you are traveling.
Food In Spain

With so much food and drink to choose from in the country it is impossible to go wrong. In many cases you will be able to find something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds in one block let alone scouring a whole city. There is quite a bit of nightlife to be partaken in a swell. However public intoxication is very rare as many of the people of Spain frown upon such a thing.

What To Do And See In Torrevieja, Spain

The popular resort destination of Torrevieja, Spain is only forty minutes from the Alicante International Airport and only and hour’s drive to another popular destination, Benidorm. Torrevieja is one of the many beautiful locations on the Costa Blanca and is very popular with both European and national tourists. Here, you can get a taste of a vibrant atmosphere, a distinct character and dynamic energy. There is never a lack of things to do with Torrevieja sightseeing including many attractions, entertainment and even family friendly activities and amenities. The time of year you visit is rarely a concern, as Torrevieja and this region enjoys over three hundred days of beautiful weather and sunshine.
During your stay in Torrevieja, it may be tempting to spend all of your time on the beach, playing golf or relaxing at the hotel pool. However, there is so much to see and experience that it is important to organize your itinerary to include all of the interesting sights and attractions around the area. For instance, you surely do not want to miss out on the beautiful lagoons and lakes, breathtaking scenery, an aquatic park or even a mudbath. The beach, pool and night life entertainment is always there in the evenings after you have explored the fantastic Torrevieja sightseeing available. The night life is definitely not something to miss, though, with a wide array of bars, clubs, restaurants and live music to experience.
To make your vacation even more enjoyable, look for low cost deals on your flight and hotel accommodations. You may find great packages that combine both your flight and accommodations. There are some great deals on vacations to Torrevieja and surrounding areas. Be sure to take advantage of this money saving opportunity providing as much extra money as possible to enjoy on entertainment and attractions once you arrive. The Internet is a great source in finding affordable prices and vacation packages. The time of year you choose for your visit will be a factor in the total cost. The best deals are during the off season, during which time you will also enjoy a reduced number of tourists.

No matter when you travel, though, you are sure to have a fabulous vacation in Torrevieja, Spain whether you are traveling alone, as a couple or with your family. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Torrevieja, whether you are a golfer or history lover!

Art Around Spain

Spain is a destination renown for its artists and creativity with Madrid and Barcelona the main centres for lovers of Surrealism and Abstract art. A great starting point to begin your tour, Madrid boasts the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía where Picasso's most famous work, Guernica, can be viewed as well as a truly impressive collection of contemporary Spanish art. Whilst there don't miss a trip to the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum with its exciting collection of European art dating from the 13th century right up to the present day.
Barcelona has to be on any art itinerary and not only because it's the home of Museu Picasso, a gallery receiving over a million visitors each year, and Barcelona's Museum of Contemporary Art with most of the greatest painters featured, but also for the sheer number of artists that came from or worked here. The Dali Museum is another must on an art lovers tour of the city along with Gaudi's creations, the Catalan National Art Museum and The Fundació Joan Miró, host to most of the major art works by Miró with the fabulous pottery covered sculpture 'Dona i ocell' that adorns the Parc Joan Miró and the bronze sculpture 'Dona' in the courtyard of the City Hall.
Moving on from Barcelona there is more Picasso to be seen at The Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani in Palma de Mallorca. Also on show are works by some of the most noteworthy 20th century Spanish artists - Joan Miró, Juan Gris and Salvador Dalí amongst them - all recognized for their style of painting known as cubism. Whilst in Mallorca on your list should be The Fundación Juan March, founded in 1955 and a family-run organization it has a permanent collection of modern art by Spanish artists.
The Museo de Arte Abstracto Español in Cuenca is located in the Casas Colgadas, a beautiful 15th century medieval building and one of the top ten must-sees on any serious art tour. Paintings and sculptures by Spanish abstract artists from the 1950s and '60s include pieces by Millares, Sempere, Torner, Zóbel and Saura.
An art tour of Spain can't truly be appreciated without a trip to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, designed by Frank O. Gehry, it's an imaginatively architectural landmark that makes an alluring setting for the modern art exhibition.
Valencia's IVAM is fast developing into a new and popular place for visitors on the European art circuit and well worth a visit if you have the time. The collection has well over 10,000 pieces which exhibit the essential expressions of art in the 20th century with a significant contribution by the sculptor Julio González and Ignacio Pinazo Camarlench. The displays of graphic design, photomontage and photography are fascinating.
You can book an art tour through Spain via a travel agent who will arrange a hotel or apartment, transport and tour itinerary for you. Go by train or on a guided coach tour, or hire a car and drive yourself around the country, or if finances allow fly from city to city - the choice is yours.

Organizing your own art tour is easy enough, just go online to find out where all your favourite artists have their best works displayed and then plan the route. Apartments to rent, travel, and information on each place can be booked over the internet and even your flight tickets to Spain are more affordable when booked online. You can find heaps of relevant information with guides of Spain's major art museums, reviews of hotels and apartments, personal experiences from other travellers, details on visa's, car hire, train times - everything you could possibly need.

Hello From Spain

This is my first ever blog and I´ll have to be very brief since I only have about 11 minutes left at the Internet cafe. I am sitting here at the Maremagnum shopping mall in the port of Barcelona.
Theresa and I just came back from our tour on the blue Tourist Bus. (20 Euros for 2 days). What a fabulous city!
Yesterday we had dinner in the Gothic Quarter and got serenaded by one musician / music group after another. And today the bus tour, beautiful weather, brilliant sunshine, about 28 degrees Celsious.
We started in the port area, snaked our way past the Casino, the Olympic Village, the Zoo, through the Gothic Quarter to the hussle and bustle of Plaza Catalunya. Along the way we had a quick peak at Gaudi´s masterpieces: Casa Battlo and La Pedrera. The we came across the middle part of the city, up to the hill of Montjuic where we visited the Poble Espanyol (Spanish village), a beautiful 1929 replica of buildings from villages throughout Spain.
Then we passed the Olympic stadium, the Teleferic cablecar and came back down into the city where we are just starting to relax now in the harbour.
Tonight we´ll probably head up the Ramblas and check out some authentic Barcelona Nightlife.
Hello from Tarragona
My second blog entry. Sitting here in Calle Cos del Bou in Tarragona. We spent 2 very intense and interesting days in Barcelona. Barcelona is a great city with so many sights to see. The Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter) with the old cathedral, the newly renovated waterfront with the Statue of Columbus, La Sagrada Familia, the architecture by Antoni Gaudi (La Pedrera, Casa Battlo, Parc Guell, La Sagrada Famila), the Olympic Park.
The topography is great, on one side is the Mediterranean, on the west side is the hill Montjuic and on the north side is Mount Tibidabo, the highest mountain overlooking the city with an amusement park and a beautiful church on top.
We ended up buying a 2-day ticket for the Bus Turistico (20 Euros for 2 days, 16 Euros for 1 day) and rode the blue, red and green lines of the bus, covering all the major sights. We also took the Tram Azul and the Funicular to the top of Mount Tibidabo.
A great city. Tremendous nightlife, although we are not club goers, the activity and hustle and bustle until late in the night are great. La Rambla is just full of people and people of all ages are walking in the Barrio Gotico and as a tourist you feel completely safe. Lots of entertainment, we even saw a live concert in front of the old cathedral (La Seu) where people were dancing the Sardana, a traditional Catalan dance.

Now we have just arived in Tarragona and do a little walking around this old Roman town before we head further south on the coast. Next report to follow...

Why Learn Spanish? 3 Ways Learning Spanish Can Benefit You!

So why would you want to learn Spanish? There are lots of ways learning Spanish can benefit you - many you may not even know about!
Learning another language - especially one as beautiful and widely spoken as Spanish - can help you get a higher-paying job, communicate better with loved ones, fit into a new culture and even make you money!
Here are 3 of the key benefits you get when you learn to speak Spanish:
#1 Get A Better Job
If you're currently looking for a job, learning a new language sets you apart from all the other job applicants. With businesses becoming more international - many companies are desperate to find people who can converse with their Spanish-speaking clients.
Being able to add "Fluent in Spanish" to your resume makes you appear a lot more valuable as a potential employee.
Plus many companies will even pay you a higher salary if you speak Spanish. You may even get a hiring bonus.
If you're not looking for a job currently, learning a new language can help you protect your current job status. Being bilingual can make you a more valuable asset to your company. If the axe falls, chances are that it won't be on you, but on others who bring less to the table.
#2 Learn To Converse Better With Loved Ones
Maybe one of the reasons you want to learn Spanish is to be able to communicate better with a Spanish-speaking loved one. Maybe your spouse or a newly adopted child. Maybe even a friend or a new business contact.
Being able to speak to these people in their own language opens up the doors of communication and helps you build better relationships. It can even help you build new relationships!

Learning Spanish Part Eleven : Taking Classes In Spanish

If you have successfully completed at least The Learnables and The Pimsleur Spanish, Learning Spanish Like Crazy courses, you are ready for the formal study of Spanish (i.e., grammar).
I know this is very costly. I know because I’ve paid the price myself for these courses. But what do you want? Do you want to become proficient in the language or do you want to start with formal courses that do not teach you spoken fluency? With the former, your investment pays off. With the latter, you are pouring money down the drain.
At this point, a very logical question may come to mind. After paying all that money for The Learnables and The Pimsleur Spanish, Learning Spanish Like Crazy courses, why should you take on more course work, for more money, at the college level? You may be right in asking this question.
If what you want is spoken fluency and you do not care if you learn to read and write in Spanish, then formal grammar courses may not be for you. I get that. It makes sense. But if you want to go after the ability to read and write in the target language, NOW is the time for formal study in the classroom.
After completing The Learnables and Pimsleur Spanish, I attended four months of Total Immersion course work in Guanajuato, Mexico. This was nothing more than the identical course work available at any U.S. college or university, only it was taught completely in Spanish. The classes used the same method, the same grammar, the same everything--only everything was taught in Spanish.
I am convinced that had I NOT had the preparation of at least The Learnables and Pimsleur Spanish, Learning Spanish Like Crazy I would not have made it in the formal coursework. What I learned in the formal classes—the grammatical structures—made sense to me instantly because I had developed a high degree of spoken fluency BEFORE I entered the formal grammar sequence of study.
Now that you have some fluency in spoken Spanish, you are ready to simply enroll in Spanish I at your local college or university. You will, as I wrote earlier, receive a textbook, workbook, CD or cassettes, and a class syllabus. It will seem painfully simple because of your previous preparation but will be an easy “A.” In fact, I believe you will be able to “cruise” through the Spanish courses with ease, or at least with greater ease, because of your study with the methods I outlined in the previous chapters.
This formal coursework will prepare you for the study of Spanish literature if you so desire. It will also enable you to read other works in Spanish from the newspaper to novels—if that is what you so desire.
NEXT: What about the Total Immersion courses in Mexico?

Spanish Immersion Programs in Mexico - The Best Choice For Learning Spanish

There is no doubt. When it comes to learning Spanish, there is no way to do it than to immersing yourself in the Spanish language. And the best way to truly understand the Spanish language is to understand the culture. For this the ideal option is to enroll at in a Spanish Immersion program. For these types of programs, Mexico is the ideal choice. It does not have the high price of Spanish classes like you will find in Spain, but it also offers a level of safety that is not found in most other Spanish speaking countries in central and Latin America.

In Mexico there are hundreds of Spanish schools, but how do you know which one is best for you? This is depends very much on how you like to learn and what kind of environment you feel more comfortable in. Due to Mexico's large size you can find schools on the beach, in historic cities, in the mountains, in the deserts or on mountain lakes. You can study Spanish in small towns or in one of the biggest cities in the world. The only limit to where you can study Spanish in Mexico is the limit of your imaginations.

Even with so many Spanish schools, there are always a few that stand out from the crowd. Here is a list of some of the top Spanish schools (based on size) in Mexico.

TOP LARGE SPANISH SCHOOL (100+ students)
Universidad Internaciónal - Cuernavaca, Morelos

Pros:

- Known as the school that invented Spanish language education. Has been around for over 30 years.
- Huge amount of school sponsored activities since it is also a Mexican University.
- Chance to interact with people from all over the world.
- Cuernavaca is known as the city of eternal Spring.

Cons:

- Easy to get lost in the crowd
- Cuernavaca is becoming saturated with Spanish schools, and many local stores and restaurants are starting have menu's in English.
- Due the its near proximity to Mexico City the safety in Cuernavaca has gotten worse in recent years.

TOP MID-SIZED SPANISH SCHOOL (30-100 students)
Solexico - Puerta Vallarta, Quintana Roo

Pros:

- Perfect place for students looking to study and then enjoy an active night life.
- Spanish school has branches in other parts of Mexico, so you can arrange exchange programs.
- Can take classes in wonderful outdoor palapas.
- Puerta Vallarta is centrally located near the most beautiful beaches and ruins in Mexico.

Cons:

- A bit of a walk from the nearest beach.
- Risky choice during hurricane season, since Puerta Vallarta virtually closes if there is a hurricane headed this way.
- Some people may not enjoy the heat and humidity of the outside classrooms in the summer.

TOP SMALL SPANISH SCHOOL (0-30 students)
Querétaro Language School - Querétaro, Querétaro

Pros:

- Has a real family feel.
- Due to its small size, personalized attention is given to each students.
- Querétaro is the safest city in Mexico, and has one of the most active art and cultural scenes in the Mexico.
- The campus is located in the historic downtown.

Cons:

- Fills up quickly in the high seasons. Need to reserve in advance.
- Not for people who are looking to have class in large groups.
- The nearest beach is 8 hours away.

Other than the Spanish schools located in the list above there are hundreds of Spanish schools scattered around Mexico and you are sure to find one that has what you are looking for. The few things to ask when looking for a Spanish school in Mexico is if there teachers have university degrees (many Spanish schools have Spanish teachers without any qualifications) and to make sure that the staff knows what they are doing. Spanish immersion in Mexico is one of the best ways to learn Spanish, just find a place that suites your learning needs and you are just one step away from speaking one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.

Learning to Conduct in Spanish

Author Lucila Ortiz offers an easy Spanish reference guide for anyone that has the desire to learn the Spanish Language and Culture.
Trade is one of the most enduring issues in the contemporary U.S.–Latin America relations. To strengthen the development of this trade relationship, author Lucila Ortiz presents A Primer for Spanish Language, Culture and Economics; an informative guide that helps English-speaking individuals grasp, manage, understand, and conduct business in Spanish, and for all travelers as well.
A Primer for Spanish Language, Culture and Economics offers spanish lessons in a simple and easy reference format. Each chapter contains a specific Latin-American country with a brief description of its economic facts and other relevant cultural information. Also containing a basic Spanish lesson at the end of every 22 countries, this book allows readers to learn and practice common terms and conversations in Spanish.
A useful and edifying read, A Primer for Spanish Language, Culture and Economics is easy to carry around, simple to follow, and very practical for all kind of travelers, especially for business men and women. The book is a great tool in South America where most of times the Internet and celulars phones are not accessible easily and it is very expensive. Same with other devices.

Tagore gala begins in Spain with book, culture blitz

Perhaps a historic wrong was set right when Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore reconnected to thousands of admirers in Spain - one of the few countries in Europe to which he had called off his visit - with a new book.
The compendium, "Redescubriendo a Tagore (Rethinking Tagore)", was released Monday. It is part of a larger project, Tagore in Spain, a celebration of his literature and performing arts in several cities in Spain and Costa Rica which begins this weekend.
It has been co-edited by Indranil Chakravarty, a professor of Film Appreciation at the Whistling Woods International Film Institute in Mumbai, and scholar S.P. Ganguly, professor of Spanish studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University.
The editors said Tagore had remained popular in Spain despite his decline in popularity in the rest of the Western world after World War I, where he was seen as an Eastern mystical poet removed from the harsh realities of life.
"He was equally popular in Latin America due to the interest of many literary and socially activist figures," said Ganguly.
Tagore had said "the idea of Spain had such a deep attraction to my mind" that he wanted to come into an intimate touch with it.
But he cancelled a scheduled visit to the country in 1921 at the last moment with a telegram saying that "other important things had drawn him away", said Ganguly.
The Spanish government had been ready to welcome Tagore. Detailed preparations were made by Spanish poet Juan Ramon Jimenez and his wife Zenobia Camprubi. But the visit was cancelled in spite of that.
"In that context, Tagore did a great injustice to Spain without realising it," Ganguly said.
The new book aims to revive Tagore in Latin American and Spanish speaking countries and re-introduce him as a humanist, poet, artist, musician and writer in these places.
"Tagore's relevance is because of the resurgence of humanism in the contemporary world and Europe is now realising the value of his universalism."
The volume, a tribute to the poet on his 150th birth anniversary, was released at the Instituto Cervantes. It is a collaboration between the Embassy of Spain, the Spanish Cultural Centre and the Sahitya Akademi.
Chakravarty said, "Available translations of Tagore in Spanish add up to less than five percent of his literary output."
The book is a collectors' volume with 12 full-page colour reproductions of his paintings, music in Western notations and reflections and essays by scholars from Latin America and Spain.
A team of Indian scholars and performers will be travelling to Spain this week to promote his works and collaborate with students and scholars on his plays, music, poetry and dance dramas, some of it translated in Spanish, as part of the project.
"In the first Tagore celebration in Costa Rica, a school full of children are dressing up in Tagore T-shirts to recite his poem in Spanish in chorus," said Chakraborty.
Two movies, "Charulata" and "Naukadubi" based on his short stories and novel respectively, will be screened across the country.

The culture and conformities of Spain and the Spanish people

Food in Spain
Eating out in Spain is relatively cheap and meals are usually substantial instead of gourmet. The Spanish tradition of tapas is a good way to sample the local food. Tapas are small dishes of snacks which are served anytime especially in small bars. They cover all types of foods from seafood to vegetables. Many Spanish people make an evening of hopping from bar to bar trying different tapas. Another of Spain's favourites is Serrano Ham. Spain is famous for its fish delicacies and simply must be sampled, especially if you get to coastal areas. Paella has long been a Spanish favourite, based on either meat or seafood. Every region in Spain has its own specialities. See Spanish recipes here.
Drink in Spain
Primarily Spain is a wine drinking country with each region producing its own special wines, however there are several large breweries within Spain producing the light, lager-like beers popular everywhere. The principal table wines are the Riojas and Valdepeñas, named after the regions in which they are produced. In general, Rioja, from the region around Logroño in the northeast, resembles the French Bordeaux, though it is less delicate. Valdepeñas is a rougher wine, but pleasant and hearty. It will be found at its best in the region where it is grown, midway between Madrid and Cordóba. The Jerez area is famous for its sherry. Jerez is the place from which this wine was first exported. Britain now buys 75% of all sherry exports. There are four main types of sherry, being fino which is pale and dry, amontillado, dry, richer in body and darker, oloroso, medium, fragrant and golden and dulce, which is sweet. In the Basque Country, chacoli is a favourite, green wine, slightly sparkling and sour. The majority of Spanish sparkling wines are sweet and fruity and even the inexpensive supermarket wines have an important place in the wine culture. Cider also has an importance in Spain. See our full section on wine.

Journal of Spanish Cultural Studies

The Journal of Spanish Cultural Studies is an international peer-reviewed journal that interrogates established notions of Spanish culture and Hispanism by publishing innovative theoretical and critical work of the highest quality. It promotes the study of previously marginalized areas of Spanish culture, and research which rethinks the cultural meanings of canonical texts, in relation to all historical periods. Work across disciplinary and national boundaries is encouraged.
Submissions are invited on any period and in or across any cultural discipline, including: literary studies, performing arts, visual arts, film, media, intellectual history, philosophy, history of science, psychoanalysis, cultural theory, cultural history, material culture, anthropology, religion, popular culture, mass culture, museum studies, tourism, cultural policy. In particular, the journal is a vehicle for work on the role of culture in identity formation and the cultural negotiation of concepts of nation, region, class, gender, and ethnicity; local nationalisms and globalization; subcultures and urban ethnography; the construction of taste and audience reception; heritage and cultural memory.
Four issues are published each year: with all articles in English or Spanish, with quotations in the original language (in the case of Basque, Catalan, and Galician, an English or Spanish translation is also given). The journal publishes research articles, position papers, interviews and review articles; books received in relevant fields are listed.
Disclaimer
Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in its publications. However, Taylor & Francis and its agents and licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness or suitability for any purpose of the Content and disclaim all such representations and warranties whether express or implied to the maximum extent permitted by law. Any views expressed in this publication are the views of the authors and are not the views of Taylor & Francis.

Culture And Customs of Spain

Roman and Arabic culture have the greatest impact when discussing Spain's culture. It was when the Visigothic Kingdom was reigning the peninsula of Iberia and France's southwestern region that the Christians were able to rule the Hispanic region. The Moorish influence in the Iberian Peninsula widened during 711 A.D. up to the 15th century. The period from 1000 to 1492 A.D. saw the fall of Moors and this was also known as the period of Reconquista.

Spanish Culture Facts

Castillan, Catalan, Galician, Basque and Aranese are some of the names by which the languages Spain speaks are known. Widely spoken among these is Castillan also known as Castellano. A representation of Spain during the pre-historic times can be seen in the Iberian, location catalogne, Megalithic as well as Celtic cultures. It was during the Roman period when urban development took place mostly and after this period, contributions to architecture were added by Taifas, Caliphate of Cordoba as well as others. The different influences that Spain's literature has can be found in Cantar de Mio Cid, a cantar de gesta, or a form of literature used to exhibit heroic actions through verses or songs.

Fiestas

La Tomatina or Tomato Festival is only one of the many festivities that are celebrated here in Spain, and sure enough festivals or fiestas happen almost every day of the Spanish year all throughout the country. The well known Tomato Festival is celebrated on the last Wednesday of August at Bunyol, where people play a kind of battle using tomatoes as their weapon. Major highlights of this festival are of course the fireworks as well as dances, music and the traditional attire worn by many people at these fiestas.

Romerias

Romerias are more popularly known as pilgrimages in which the people from small towns participate as those from the city are not fond of these pilgrimages. Generally done on foot, the duration of these journeys of course varies with the distance that the participants have to travel.

Bullfights

This suspense-packed tradition dates from way back. It takes place during the San Fermin's fiesta in Pamplona every July. In this event, red and white clad people chase the bulls into the bull fighting arena which leads to the bull fight itself.

LA Vuelta a Espana

Because of the endurance these athletes exhibit and the strength cyclists possess, cycling had become a very famous sport in Spain leading to the birth of the well known La Vuelta a Espana, a cycling competition which is actually part of the three "Grand Tours" of cycling done in Europe.

Spanish Culture and Customs

The culture of Spain has been influenced by different cultures; Roman and Arabic culture however, had a great impact on Spanish culture. Visigothic Kingdom ruled the Iberian peninsula and southwestern region of France from 5th to 8th century A.D. The Hispanic region was brought under Christian rule during the reign of Visigothic Kingdom. During the period between 711 A.D. and 15th century, Moorish influence in the Iberian peninsula grew. The period of ‘Reconquista’ continued from 1000-1492 A.D. This period saw the defeat of Moors. Many of the famous Spanish conquistadors rose during the period of Reconquista. Some interesting facts about Spain are discussed in the following paragraphs.

Spanish Culture Facts

The language spoken by Spaniards i.e. Spanish (Espanol) is known by different names as follows: Castillan, Catalan, Galician, Basque and Aranese. The Castillan or Castellano is a widely spoken Spanish language. The Iberian, Megalithic and Celtic works represent architecture of Spain during pre-historic times. Urban development in Spain mostly took place during the Roman period. Taifas, Caliphate of Cordoba and others made contributions to the architecture of Spain after the Roman period. Just like architecture, the literature of Spain too had many influences. The ‘Cantar de Mio Cid’ represents this diversity and richness of Spanish literature. This work of literature is a cantar de gesta. A cantar de gesta is a form of literature used in illustrating heroic deeds through songs/verses. The topic of culture, traditions and customs of Spain are discussed in the paragraphs below.

Spanish Customs and Traditions

The Spanish culture and traditions which continue till date are described in the article below. Spain is known for its great diversity and cultural heritage. These traditions thus, give a rough idea of Spanish culture and customs.

Fiestas: The different festivals/fiestas which continue almost 365 days of the year in this country are the highlights of Spanish culture. The ‘Tomato Festival’ (la Tomatina) is one such popular fiesta. This festival (la Tomatino) is celebrated every year in Bunyol; it takes place in the last week of August. The la Tomatino is kind of a ‘tomato battle’ played both by locals and tourists. Highlights of festivals celebrated in Spain are the fireworks, dances and music. People wear traditional attire during these festivals.

Romerias: The Romerios are pilgrimages taken people in villages and smaller towns. This tradition is not very popular amongst people in urban areas/big cities. The duration/period of Romerios vary on the distance of pilgrimage; These could be one-day or even week-long pilgrimages. People generally travel on foot. However, some of them also use caravans, carriages, horseback or carts for these pilgrimages. The Romerias are thus an important part of Spanish culture and customs.

Bullfights: The tradition of bullfighting in Spain is a long one. The bullfighting festival which takes place in Pamplona is known as Fiesta of San Fermin. This fiesta takes place in the month of July. Bulls are let loose in streets and people chase them. People wear white and red colored clothes during this festival. Bulls enter the arena meant for bullfighting; the bullfights are organized later in the afternoon.

La Vuelta a Espana: It is a cycling competition conducted in Spain. Cycling is a popular sport in this nation. Cyclists are highly revered in this country for the endurance they display and strength possessed by them. Hundreds of Spanish people come out to watch this event. The event of La Vuelta a Espana is amongst three ‘Grand Tours’ of cycling that are held in Europe. You may also want to take a look at some other world culture and heritage.

The Spanish culture and customs are described in short in this article. It is difficult to even summarize the richness and diversity of Spanish culture through information presented above. However, the highlights of Spanish customs and traditions presented in the article should prove to be useful for readers who are commencing on Spain travel and looking forward to experience Spain in its splendor colors.