TranslationHELP has moved to new premises

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TranslationHELP, the English/Spanish service run by long-term resident Alberto Bullrich and aimed at those who need help with bureaucracy, neighbours, medical and legal matters, and anything else that involves Spanish, has moved to new offices at the Cámara de Comercio building in Estación, next to the fire station (See map, left). The telephone number is still 685 052 684. Please feel free to come by and visit the new premises on the first floor (there is a lift!). (Prospero note: This also means that Jimena- and CampoPulse will undergo some changes, too.)

Spanish Conversation classes

English-Spanish exchange group starting up

(Photo: rflx-s.blogspot.com)

 JIMENA What are you doing in your spare time on the only spare day this year? Here's an idea presented by Carolina, who runs the Casa Verde shop in Jimena (C/ Sevilla 51, just below the Ayuntamiento): starting next Tuesday, February 29, at 6pm, a group will be formed that will allow English-speakers to communicate with Spanish-speakers. Carolina's idea is that people should get together informally to chat and decide on games and/or activities to prepare so that both parties can take advantage of each other to improve their languages. It sounds like a great idea to get to know more people and exchange ideas, etc.

Spanish Conversation

Spanish Conversation classes

Spanish Conversation classes

TranslationHELP

Spanish Conversation

2012 CLASSES START ON JANUARY 9

What's the difference between a 'factura' and a 'recibo'?

There isn't one, much. The dictionary defines them as follows: factura = bill, invoice; recibo = bill, account (eg recibo de la luz = electricity bill). In fact, the word recibo means receipt, so it could be said that you would get one when the bill has been paid. But no, because this all comes from a bureaucratic past (and present) when there was no direct debit. It was simple: you got a factura, you paid it (at the bank, town hall or wherever, in cash) and you were given a recibo. Would that it had stayed as simple...  In any case, all either seem to do these days is rise and rise. (Note: Spanish Conversation classes start again on Monday, January 9th. There are still several spots to slot you in, and even an extra day, if there are any takers: Call Alberto on 685 052 684)

TranslationHELP

Spanish Conversation

2012 CLASSES START ON JANUARY 9

TraslationHELP

Notice to all Spanish Conversation classes students

The last classes this year for all groups will be next Monday, December 19, or Tuesday 20 - depending on which day you attend. But we're back at work in January 9th or 10th. (In case Alberto fails to contact everyone individually, please pass this message on to your classmates.)

Spanish Conversation

2012 CLASSES START ON JANUARY 9

Spanish Conversation

2012 CLASSES START ON JANUARY 9

The REAL question

As all of Alberto's Spanish Conversation students will tell you, there are two ways to say 'TO BE' in Spanish. They will also tell you that they are having fun while learning, that it is doing them good, that they knew a lot more Spanish than they thought, that they are getting more comfortable as they come along, that ... well, ask them, they'll tell you (probably tell you things they won't tell Alberto, too!) And, if you call him on 685 298 820, Alberto will tell you that he has a couple of slots for you to slip into, no matter what level you are. All of it for only €10 for an hour and a half of Spanish per week. A good deal? A GREAT deal! (You can put your hand down now, Myrtle, the word is not grande for great, it is buenísimo in this context. And no, I don't know why a table is feminine - I've looked, but I can't see.)

Pronouncing Spanish - starting from the beginning

In October last year we started a series that was titled Pronouncing Spanish - start at the beginning. This will probably be useful to the Spanish conversation classes now being held at Casa Henrietta (call Alberto on 685 298 820 for more info - there are a couple of slots left!). It makes clear that the alphabet is similar in both languages (the other being English, cara Signora), with the exception of the famous Ñ, which is unique to Spain. And, as opposed to English but making Spanish that much easier, there is only one way to pronounce the vowels (A, E, I, O, U), no matter what comes before or after (there are a couple of minimal exceptions). We will soon be putting up a widget link to the series, so watch this space.

Spanish conversation classes starting in September

Spanish conversation classes

SPANISH CONVERSATION There is room for two more groups of three each. If you'd like to practice your Spanish using the words and sentences you need every day (and sometimes more), contact Alberto (956 648 169 or 685 298 820). Adults only, several levels (scale yourself from 1 to 10 when you call), at varying times and days. Or you can ask for one-on-one practice. It's up to you if you don't want to feel left out. (It's also a great way to learn about where you've chosen to live...)

Is this what happens to your Spanish?

Is this what's happening to your complaint letters in Spanish? Is this what they're doing to your tax papers because they don't understand the Spanish? Is it? Let TranslationHELP make it right. We can help you with anything related to your need for better Spanish, from hospital or lawyer visits, to dealing with the Town Hall or your neighbours, from writing a CV in the Spanish way, to making a crucial phone call, to dealing with your complaints (or praises, which would make a nice change). Call Alberto on 685 298 820 or 956 648 169, or pop in to see us at the office (Calle Romo 41), just round the corner from the Post Office in Jimena. Over 20 years' experience in Jimena are our guarantee. (Thanks to TioJimeno for the great illustration!)