Enjoy the best of autumn in Barcelona: the most extraordinary vineyards, exquisite wines and breathtaking landscapes in all of Catalonia.

In October autumn is officially upon us. And who doesn’t love this beautiful and refreshing season? The stifling heat of summer is finally waning, replaced by a brisk chill in the air that has us gleefully reaching for our favorite sweaters and scarves. No longer are the days of sticky sweat and ice cold showers! Gone are the bitter and contentious battles with your air-conditioning unit (because it’s either broken or running up your electricity bill)!

Autumn is the ideal season to come learn Spanish in Spain, especially in Barcelona. Along with the high temperatures, the intense crowds of tourists also dwindle, making conditions infinitely more agreeable to go out and discover this exciting city. And trust us, just because summer is over, it doesn’t mean the fun is as well! A plethora of concerts, music festivals, art expositions and other cultural events kick off in the fall months.

Of course, autumn also brings about breathtaking changes in Spain’s landscape. Rolling hills of lush green landscapes slowly transition into lovely panoramas of rustic yellows, oranges and reds. If you’re studying Spanish in Barcelona this season, it’s the perfect time to take a day or weekend trip out of the city and check out all the exquisite and colorful catalán countryside. And while you’re out there, why not take a tour of a local vineyard or get out to a wine tasting event?

Vineyards near Barcelona

It’s no secret that Spain is famous for its incredible wine, but did you know that Catalonia receives some of the most wine tourism in all of Spain? The vineyards in the region of Penedés, between Barcelona and Tarragona, are so popular in part due to their proximity to these great cities and the beautiful vistas they provide… but perhaps the most compelling factor is the cava. That’s right, this tasty sparkling wine (often known as the “champagne of Spain”), was originated in Catalonia and is primarily produced there to this day. If you haven’t tried this bubbly ambrosia yet, or are just generally a wine enthusiast, check out our recommendations for lovely vineyards near Barcelona where you can enjoy some terrific wine and cava tasting this autumn.

Cavas Codorníu

We’re starting with this winery as homage to cava’s origins. Codorníu is the world’s oldest producer of cava; its history dates as far back as 1551. The company continues to be the second-largest producer of this bottle-fermented sparkling wine. The breathtaking, sprawling complex was designed in 1895 and features the period’s great Catalan Art Nouveau architecture. The winery offers all types of visits and tours, including combined events where you can visit the Codorníu and also take a bicycle tour, a Simón Coll Chocolate tour or even visit the impressive Montserrat mountain. Or if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, simply come hungry and enjoy a delicious Mediterranean breakfast or lunch on the estate.

Location: Cavas Codorniu, Avenida Jaume de Codorníu, s/n, 08770 Sant Sadurní d'Anoia

Distance from Barcelona: Approximately 45 km (40 minutes by car)

17^th century wine barrel in the entrance of the Codorníu winery

Oller del Mas

Oller del Mas is a small winery that boasts of 1,000 years of history. Located within a 10^th century medieval castle, this family-run winery creates a comprehensive experience for its visitors: you can do a tasting of their wines and olive oils, take a tour of the vineyards, the wine cellar and the castle, and even take a scenic ride on a mule-drawn cart! The estate also includes a restaurant and recreation area complete with swimming pool and sports such as volleyball, paddle tennis and golf. The idyllic grounds also offer breathtaking mountainous vistas, as it’s located at the foot of the Montserrat. Complete your perfect day visiting the monastery atop the Montserrat or checking out the nearby town of Manresa.

Location: Carretera de Igualada C37Z, km 91, 08241 Manresa

Distance from Barcelona: Approximately 60 km (1 hour by car)

The stunning Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey

Alta Alella

This modern, relatively young winery is located a mere 2 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea, meaning you’ll get some stunning views of picturesque vineyards surrounded by vast blue waters. Alta Alella is known for producing some of the best cava in Catalonia, is a certified organic property. In fact, they’ve recently inaugurated their Celler de les Aus (“The Bird’s Winery”), an eco-friendly wine cellar that strives to remove the use of sulfites from the winemaking process. The winery also holds frequent events, such as seasonal wine tastings, yoga, poetry events, gourmet cooking workshop and even a wine art workshop for children!

Location: Camí Baix de Tiana, s/n, 08328 Alella

Distance from Barcelona: Approximately 22 km (40 minutes by car)

Vineyards of the Alella wine region along the Mediterranean Sea

Cavas Freixenet

This is a brand that might ring a bell; after all, this centuries-old, family-owned winery is one of the biggest producers of cava in the world! With 18 cellars throughout 7 countries, Cavas Freixenet is undoubtedly one of the biggest players in the game and a can’t-miss if you’re in Catalonia. Visiting its headquarters in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, you’ll not only get a tasting and winery tour but a history lesson as well. Visitors first receive an audiovisual presentation of Freixenet’s history, then hop on a mini train to check out the cellars. Group and private tours are available, and they’ve even created kid-friendly visits so that the whole family can get involved!

Location: C/ Joan Sala, 2, 08770 Sant Sadurní d'Anoia

Distance from Barcelona: Approximately 45 km (40 minutes by car)

The headquarters of Cavas Freixenet in Catalonia

With all the magnificent vineyards and wineries to be discovered around Barcelona, this autumn is the perfect time to get out of the city and into its beautiful local countryside. So don’t wait, take advantage of all the magic the fall season has to offer and plan your day or weekend trip today!

One of the most curious phenomena of the Spanish language – and one that causes plenty of headaches for its students – is that our words have genders. As we know, masculine words tend to end in –o, and feminine words in –a (although there are plenty of exceptions to this rule!). Many times, the masculine or feminine character of a word is reflected by the actual gender of the person or animal; they are words that are within the same semantic category. For example chico vs. chica (boy vs. girl), toro vs. vaca (bull vs. cow) or caballo vs. yegua (horse vs. mare).  However, there is another phenomenon regarding the variation of gender between words that isn't related to the masculine or feminine quality of the object. In fact, in changing the gender of the word, it actually takes on a completely different meaning.   We'll give you some examples:

1. Caballo vs. caballa: yes, caballa does exist but, contrary to what you might think, it's not a female horse.  A caballa is a very popular type of fish in Spain (“mackerel”).

2. Trapo vs. trapa: a trapo is a piece of fabric used for cleaning purposes (“rag”), while a trapa is a system of rigs and holds used in sailing. 

3. Suelo vs. suela: the suelo is the ground or the floor, while the suela is the bottom, or sole, of a shoe. 

4. Bola vs. bolo: a bola can be anything that has a spherical shape, like a ball or a scoop of ice cream, yet a bolo is what we knock down during a game of bowling (“bowling pin”)!  Bolo can be easily confused with the ball used to play soccer, which is called a balón.

5. Río vs. ría: this pair is a bit more complicated. While a río is a wide current that flows into the sea or ocean (“river”), a ría is the body of water where the river meets the sea (“estuary”).  For example, in Spain the rías gallegas are very famous, and beautiful.  

A nice example, The ría of Vigo.

6. Huerto vs. huerta: this one is tricky, even for native Spanish speakers. A huerto is a small and enclosed area of crops, like a garden; in contrast, a huerta refers to a much larger area, such as an orchard or a field.  It's often the case that a huerta is comprised of various small huertos.

7. Velo vs. vela: a velo is an article of light fabric used to cover the head or face (“veil”), but a vela can be a candle or the sail of a sailboat.

8. Higo vs. higa: higo is the tasty fruit of a fig tree (“fig”). Higa is something quite different: it can be an amulet in the shape of a closed fist, often given as gifts to children, or even an offensive hand gesture. 

9. Brazo vs. braza: we all know that the brazo is the arm; a braza, however, is a measure of length used for water depth (the equivalent of about 6 feet), known as a fathom.

10. Bando vs. banda: while a bando is any type of proclamation or public announcement, a banda can have various meanings such as: a group of people (including, yes, a musical band), a type of belt or sash, or one of the longer sides of a sports field.

There you have it, more proof of how curious Spanish vocabulary can be. There are always surprises and new meanings to be discovered! By the way, do you know of any other examples?

We’re bringing you everything you need to know about how to survive the heat and the crowds this August.

If you are learning Spanish in Spain this summer, it's important that you know how to make the most of the month of August. Some Spaniards take a whole month of vacation, pack their bags and take off to the beach.  Regardless of age or social status, there are many who engage in this “summer migration”: there are the employed taking their well-deserved vacation days, the retired looking to get a change of scenery, and of course the students who so eagerly look forward to their summer vacation. Understandably, for foreigners who come to Spain, it can be a bit strange to find some cities emptier and quieter than usual or their towns suddenly saturated with Spaniards that usually do not live there but that are spending their vacation there, just like any other tourist.

But that's not to say all Spaniards engage in this August vacation custom. Many won't take a whole month off, especially those who work for a private company; many others take their vacations in June or July, and others prefer to have a "staycation" in their cities  and simply opt for small trips to the beach or the mountains. It all depends on the individul company or professional sector in which a person works.  There are no hard or fast rules about vacation in Spain, but what we can do to help our students is highlight some cultural trends and provide tips on how to survive (and have the best ever) August in Spain.

Get creative and get talking

No doubt that while you’re staying in Spain, you'd like to plan your activities and trips to avoid running into too many crowds.  Want some advice? When planning, don't just stick to the typical places, get creative! Of course we all want to hit the beach over the summer, but keep in mind that some parts of the coast are filled-to-the-brim with tourists and Spaniards alike in August. Best to choose other lesser-known spots to have a beach getaway; for example, the Cala La Rostella is a great choice if you're in Barcelona on the Costa Brava, or Maro if you are in Malaga.

When you're not away on your own weekend trips, you can always cool off with a drink on a terrace, in a park or municipal swimming pool, all places where you're sure to meet local Spaniards who can help you discover other interesting or exclusive spots. So, our other piece of advice is to get talking! Not only is it the perfect way to practice your Spanish, you’ll also find out about those “best kept secrets” spots! For those in Madrid, for example, did you know that the Universidad Autónoma has a pool just for adults? The only requirement to either be a current or previous college student (any student ID or a copy of a diploma should do the trick). Sure, it’ll still be crowded, but at least you’ll avoid the overwhelming congestion of the public pools – and the screaming kids.

Keep cool like a local

Spaniards have their own tricks to beat the heat during the very hot and super fun month of August.  For example, the famous siesta  that everyone now associates with a nap, actually has less to do with sleeping and more to do with avoiding the hours when the sun is at its strongest. But that doesn't mean you have to stay at home during the midday closure hours! There are plenty of cool ideas for this time of day, such as visiting a museum, going to movies, or even checking out one of the many shopping malls Spain's cities are saturated with... why not take advantage of the August rebajas or sales and update your wardrobe? You'll be glad to be taking advantage of the central air conditioning as well!

Another local trick to keep the August heat at bay is to choose the type of food and drink for your meals wisely.  For example, a Spaniard wouldn't be caught dead eating a hot potaje or estofado during the hotter months. Instead they’ll opt for cold soups like gazpacho or salmorejo, and cooling tapas like boquerones en vinagre or ensaladilla rusa. And to wash it all down, Spaniards sometimes opt for their curious alcohol-mixed-with-soda concoctions: a clara, for example, is a beer mixed with lemon Fanta; tinto de verano recipes can vary but generally include red wine, a lemon-lime soda or seltzer and fruits; the refreshing and light rebujitos, very popular in Andalusia, are often some combination of sherry or white wine and Sprite or a lemon-flavored soda. All, of course, served very, very cold.

If you are studying in Spain this summer, and specifically in August, you'll no doubt enjoy the incredible variety of local activities and events that all Spanish cities have to offer. Most of these activities are out in the streets, where summer is truly lived and loved. But if you ever get too hot, remember that you can always escape to the beach to discover some special, unique spot guaranteed to keep you cool and content. However you choose to live your August, we're positive you will enjoy every minute of your experience in Spain. So get out there! What are you waiting for?

Summer cinema in Spain has always had a certain element of sentimentality. For many, attending outdoor movies is more an excuse to enjoy a warm summer night than anything else; in fact, it's safe to say that for many Spaniards, their earliest memories are wrapped up in the nostalgia of a summer night spent outside at the park in front of a movie screen. 

Summer Cinema's Small Town Origins

These days, outdoor cinemas have become a widespread, popular entertainment option, but there was a time when these kinds of movie theaters were considered "provincial." Until relatively recently (we're talking some 40 years ago) many small towns only had access to movies via traveling companies that would come to town for a few days and install portable film projectors and screens in the towns’ main squares. 

According to history books, these outdoor summer cinemas became popular because during this time, indoor movie theaters didn’t have air-conditioning. Movie-goers preferred to watch films outdoors because cool summer evenings were more pleasant than stuffy theaters; but with the advent of air-conditioned theaters the public once again returned to indoor cinemas.

Coming Back into Fashion

In recent years, whether for nostalgic or economic reasons, open-air cinemas have come back into fashion, and are now more popular and include more variety than ever. There are outdoor theaters that are set up practically like a conventional auditoriums with all the comforts included (like the outdoor cinema in Seville); others that are a little more bare-bones and require attendees to bring their own seats and snacks (like those on the beach in Valencia)... and there are even cinemas that play musicals and let the audience sing along! (Such as the "Sing Along" events organized in various cities in Spain).

 Going to an outdoor cinema this summer is a great way to unwind after an afternoon of study: prices are usually very reasonable and you'll even be able to continue your language learning because almost all of them include films dubbed into Spanish. 

What You Can See at Your Destination in Spain

Summer Cinema in Madrid

If you're in Madrid there are several outdoor cinema options: the Conde Duque Cultural Center (Calle Conde Duque, 9) organizes themed sessions with prices ranging from €5 to €8. Parque de la Bombilla (Plaza de San Antonio de la Florida, 1) has been organizing its famous double sessions for all types of audiences for decades; and it is also the place where you’ll find the best prices, just €4 for a double feature. If you're looking for something a little more alternative check out La Casa Encendida to enjoy a great rooftop terrace and interesting films for just €3. And if you don't feel like spending a penny on your outdoor theater experience check out Parque El Paraíso in San Blas (Avenida de Arcentales).

Summer Cinema in Salamanca

Salamanca is once again hosting its outdoor film festival, "Biblioteca: Gran Pantalla" (Big Screen Library) at the Torrente Ballester Library (Paso de los Olivos, 10) with programming focused on the adventures of famous mischievous, or nonconformist literary characters like Oliver Twist, Billy Elliot, Tom Sawyer and Peter Pan. What better way is there to spend an afternoon than with old friends who never grow old? And without paying a penny!

Summer Cinema in Seville

The heat in Seville is a way of life. So, how could they not have outdoor summer cinema? Each district has at least one; the district of Alcosa-Este-Torreblanca has three, and at least one that's "nomadic," meaning it changes location, like to the Sur or Macarena districts. Finding these screenings can be a little difficult, but it's worth the search if you want to see some great cinema for free. Another good option for an outdoor flick is the Patio de la Diputación de Sevilla (Av. Menendez Pelayo, 32) and their "Asómate the Patio" initiative, where you can see prestigious, award-winning films for only €4. 

Summer Cinema in Granada

If you're in beautiful Granada this summer and you love superhero movies, don't miss out on those shown at CineMa Plaza (Plaza de las Culturas, Avenida de la Ciencia, 2). They show a wide variety of movies from some of the newest releases, like Deadpool, to modern classics like 300 and Watchmen, to legendary titles like Conan the Barbarian; and they are all free. If you're more of an arthouse fan, check out the "Cine al fresquito," a film festival located at the Caves of Sacromonte Museum (Barranco de los Negros) for just €3.50.

Summer Cinema in Barcelona

Barcelona is another city with an incredible range of outdoor cinemas to experience, and they are practically organized by theme. At Poble Espanyol (Avenida Francesc Ferrer i Guardia, 13) you can find classic musicals like Grease, Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia and Moulin Rouge; at Fossar de Santa Eulalia (Carretera de Montjuïc, 66) you can enjoy independent movies like Whiplash, Pride or Birdman as well as classics like Casablanca and Silence of the Lambs; and at the Center for Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (Carrer de Montalegre, 5) you'll be surprised by avant-garde and experimental films like Labyrinth of Passion, Don't Look Now and The Babadook.

These are all just a few examples of some of the outdoor theaters you can find in some of our biggest cities, but there are many more to explore. Wherever you find yourself in Spain, we're sure you'll find a great place to watch a great movie under the stars in the cool summer breeze! 

It’s summertime in Madrid, which means two things: it’s ridiculously hot out, and the city is bursting with things to see and do! Here in Madrid, summertime is lived out on the streets. If you’re a student with our don Quijote School, however, it also means you’ve got to dedicate some time to studying. While studying Spanish is great, we understand the challenges students face during the summer months… Maybe your weekend study plans went out the window with those last-minute tickets to that music festival. Or perhaps you’re itching to finish studying early so you can grab a spot on that hot new rooftop bar.  Or let us guess: your apartment doesn’t have air-conditioning, thus leaving your attempt to study at home feeling more like a Bikram yoga session.

So, how to maximize your productivity so that you can get out and enjoy these long summer days as quickly as possible? A good place to start is by finding a great workspace that works for you. Check out some of these spots that make summer studying in Madrid cool, easy and enjoyable.

Libraries

Madrid is home to the largest library in Spain and one of the biggest in the world: the Biblioteca Nacional de España (National Library of Spain, Paseo de Recoletos, 20). While its unparalleled collection and majestic beauty will no doubt impress you, it’s not the easiest place to study: not only do you need a library card or carné to access the study areas, the library also heavily restricts what you can bring in (jackets, backpacks, books… laptops are permitted, however).

The Instituto Internacional  (International Institute, Calle Miguel Ángel, 8) is a terrific, more low-key option for those who enjoy studying in libraries. If you relish the cozy, old-timey feeling of being tucked away between shelves of antique books, then this is the perfect place for you. Its small library – which you can access without a library card – is located in the building’s lower level. While eating and drinking is technically not permitted, the space is so laid-back that discreetly sipping a Redbull will surely go unnoticed.  

If you prefer libraries of the more modern, sterile variety, check out the Biblioteca Pública Municipal Conde Duque  (Conde Duque Public Municipal Library, Calle Conde Duque, 11). The library boasts of two giant study halls, with long rows of tables filled with university students. If you work best in intensely quiet, barren environments, you’ll definitely flourish here!  While a library card isn’t required to enter, you will have to register with the front desk if you want to access the WiFi. The best part about this library? Conde Duque is a huge cultural center that also houses a free-access museum, an instruments lending library, and even transforms its outdoor space into a large terrace/bar with outdoor cinema during the summer months  – which means that you when you finish studying, the fun is just a few steps away!

Study-friendly cafés

Sure, there’s always the big chains… but you didn’t come to Madrid to spend all afternoon in a Starbucks! Madrid’s city center (student-friendly zones such as Malasaña and Chueca in particular) has an unlimited supply of quaint cafés, perfectly equipped for studying. Café Federal  (Plaza de las Comendadoras, 9) is a great choice: spacious, sunny, good WiFi and great food. As the café is a local favorite for Spaniards and ex-pats alike, staff and menus are English-friendly.

Somewhat of a haven for young ex-pats is the hipster café La Bicicleta  (Plaza de San Ildefonso, 9), famous for its laid-back, international vibe. Here outlets and tables abound – but so do the patrons. This place is so popular, it’s sometimes difficult to find a seat, and its menu has some steep prices. But if you thrive in homey, friendly and lively environments, grab your headphones and get studying!

La Fugitiva Librería Café  (Calle de Santa Isabel, 7) is an intimate, cozy book shop with small tables tucked away between its shelves. Although more a book store than a café, it does offer coffees, teas and some sweet treats, as well as WiFi access. It’s the perfect spot for when you’re looking for a quiet retreat from the hectic streets of Madrid.  

Try the unconventional: Parks, bars and terraces

What about studying in a palace, for example? The Museo del Romanticismo  (Calle San Mateo, 13) is located in a former palace and has a lovely Garden Café. You don’t need to enter the museum to sit and have a coffee in their garden, although the museum is also a beautiful must-see, and offers reduced prices and free admission on Saturdays.

Madrid is full of beautiful luxury hotels –maybe you can’t afford to stay in one, but you can certainly spend a few hours in their lobby, café or bar. Plenty of hotels have spaces open to the public, so why not venture in and study like the rich and famous? If you’re looking for some suggestions, both The Hotel Wellington  and The Westin Palace have various dining spaces, and Hotel Orfila has a beautiful outdoor garden.

If you’re looking for a more laid-back environment, you’d be surprised how great some of those typical bares de abuelos are for studying. You know, that no-frills, local bar where you almost never see anyone under the age of 60? As long as you avoid going during high-traffic times (when a soccer game is on, for example), you’re likely to find a nice corner to work quietly. Although most of these bars don’t come with WiFi, you may get lucky and find one, such as Bar Sidi in Malasaña (Calle de Colón, 15). The best part is, these bars are made for locals, which means they likely won’t have outrageous prices. So go ahead – order than fourth coffee, you deserve it.

Then of course, for those who enjoy studying outdoors, Madrid has plenty of parks and green spaces to lay down a blanket and take out the books. Beyond the expansive Parque del Buen Retiro, there’s also the Parque de Berlín and the Parque del Oeste, to name a few.

So there you have it, a great selection of places to study this summer in Madrid. Not only will you get your schoolwork out of the way, you’ll stay cool and get to explore all the best, most unique, and oftentimes historic spaces Madrid has to offer its students. Happy studying!

The work of a true scholar of the Royal Academy of Spanish should be thankless and misunderstood. News about the inclusion of a controversial word in the dictionary comes out every year, or news about criticism of some definition of it... or about the repeated fight against the misuse of our language, or about the use of foreign words as if they were a plague.

And when it comes to this last case the latest moves made by the ancient institution have been quite innovative. A little warning before we tell you what they did: you're going to feel like we're telling you a joke you already know the punchline to.

The Royal Academy of Spanish disguised as a fashion company, created ads to sell a fragrance and sun glasses. The people who saw the ads could order the newly launched products, free of charge. The ad announced that the sun glasses were treated with a special material that gave them a "blind effect" (“blind effect” was left in English in the ad) and the perfume was called "Swine" (also in English). 

This is why we told you it was like telling a joke you already knew the end to...

The innocent “client" received sun glasses that made it impossible to see anything and a pretty bad smelling fragrance. Think about how the situation would have changed if the people "buying" the products had understood what "blind effect" and "swine" really meant.

After the campaign's initial impact (you know how viral campaigns can be) we should put the impact aside and allow ourselves a little time for reflection. We agree that the abuse of foreign words, and more so when there are equivalent terms in Spanish, can be detrimental to a language. But it is also true that many foreign words have been adopted by our language in an "academic" way without adaptation (golf, ranking, club...) or in their adapted forms (fútbol, ginebra...); some of which are perfect fodder for continuous mockery (“güisqui” for “whiskey,” “bluyín” for “blue jeans,” “pirsin” for “piercing”) and are considered ridiculous. Could the massive unloading of these words be stopped? Currently Spaniards take English as a mandatory subject in school and now there are more and more people who can enjoy TV and movies without dubbing all the time.

On the other side of the argument, and by the "other side" we mean on the other side of the pond, Americans increasingly use words of Spanish origin. It is striking to see how many times characters in TV shows use an expression in Spanish, even if it is something like "Vamonos!"  or “Este hombre ha cometido un delito” (this man has committed a crime). Will there be an institution that tries to defend the language of Shakespeare and denounces this type of "contamination" of the English language?

The Royal Academy of Spanish's campaign goes beyond all of this and criticizes snobbery. It denounces empty words in another language being used only to get your attention or to sell you something and it warns Spanish readers/users that the best way to avoid disappointment is by recognizing all of the possibilities that the Spanish language offers them. Perhaps the sour part of this unique campaign is that it seems the only way to convince Spaniards of the value of their language is to tell them to use it as an anti-fraud tool, but maybe that's just the way of the world. Maybe it's something as simple as telling us that we better know what people are talking about so that they don't laugh at us. The Royal Academy of Spanish really knows those who were born speaking their language very well.

So you see, amigos, knowing a language is essential for progress, to learn about a new culture and to avoid mishaps. Do you need more reasons to join a Spanish course in Spain with us?

Those who love to read in Madrid, have an event in the city every year that they just can’t miss: the Feria del Libro (Book Fair), celebrated in the famous Parque del Retiro. This year the event celebrates its 75 anniversary spreading culture through the pages of its many books.

If you know about the history of the fair, you’ll know that the first edition took place in 1933. But wait a minute… how can it be its 75^th anniversary and not its 83^rd? Keep in mind that the fair was canceled in 1936 because of the Spanish Civil War and it was not celebrated again until 1944, with the name “Feria Nacional del Libro.” In later years it would change locations becoming a nomadic event celebrated throughout Spain. It wasn’t until 1967 that the fair was established definitively in Madrid in the Parque del Retiro. In 1982 its name was changed to the current name: Feria del Libro de Madrid.

Few things have changed since: the fair is found along the paseo de coches, a large paved bike and walking path with book stalls set up along both sides. Visitors can easily reach the event through the Puerta de la Reina Mercedes (Queen Mercedes’ Gate), close to the Ibiza metro station. From there, you don’t have to walk the length of the park to get to the event. But once you’ve made your purchases, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the park and take in all its beautiful greens, blues, pinks, yellows and purples. Although it’s true that a visit to the Feria del Libro could easily take up your entire afternoon.

We understand that it’s not always so easy to do, but the best times to go to the fair are Monday through Friday (from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.). It gets crowded on weekends, but if it’s the only time you can go, it’s best to arrive early in the morning or afternoon (on weekends, hours are extended from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.).

Going to the fair really could take up an entire afternoon. There are over three hundred book booths representing different publishing houses and book stores… and even houses that offer replicas of medieval books (at incredible prices)! There are also tents with exhibits, presentations and even lectures and there are terraces for anyone who would like to relax for a minute with something to eat or drink. A piece of advice though: if you want to give your feet break without having to pay for a drink, you can slip through the stalls and take a seat on one of the benches hidden behind the booths. And another tip: bring a bottle of water and a snack home, vending machines are a little pricey.

And a little more about money… One of the most attractive parts of the fair is that books are usually sold at a discount, although it’s a good idea to go with a budget in mind, or to get your calculator out in order to not be surprised by your spending after walking the whole fair. Also, and this advice is a bit more for experienced book lovers, it’s a good idea to stroll through the fair twice: once to get an idea of prices and to think about the books you may want to buy (to avoid impulse purchases) and the second to buy, buy, buy. You could find more affordable editions of the books you’re looking for if you hold out and keep your eye out!

Without a doubt, the fair’s most important events are the book signings. The lines of people waiting in front of booths for their favorite books to be signed by famous authors can seem unending, but if you want an autographed edition of a book, you’re going to have to stick it out. We do recommend that before jumping in line, you find out which booth your favorite author will be in first (take a look at the fair’s website for this information).

And one more thing! Be careful, many visitors have confused book authors with booths’ book sellers. It doesn’t bother writers, but you never know what character you could end up inspiring for future novels, or which chapter of a book of memoires you may end up appearing in.

Now that you know all of this, we can only wish you one thing if you go to the fair: good hunting!

All is well and good with speaking real proper Spanish. That’s true of any language. But what happens when you get out into the street in Madrid and suddenly you can’t understand a word anyone is saying because the Spanish they’re using is as far from text-book Spanish as you can get. Or maybe you’re Spanish is so good that you could pass for a native… almost… if only you could only drop those little giveaways that let everyone know you’re a foreigner and add some authentic Spanish tricks to your repertoire. Check out this list of little nuances (well, actually, some of them aren’t really so nuanced) you’ll need to know if you want to sound like a true Spaniard.

1. Don’t be afraid to put your tongue between your teeth (and other key pronunciation tricks in Spain):

These are all a little tricky – different aspects of them for people from different countries and native languages (one of these pronunciation keys is actually considered a speech impediment in the English language for example). So let’s jump right in.

“D”s sound like “TH” – Yep it’s true (even if it is sort of subtle). You won’t find one madrileño out there who doesn’t say something that sounds similar to “MaTHriZ” (although the “Z” sound at the end sometimes drops off and is not enunciated very clearly) or “MaTHri” (without the last D at all), when they’re saying what you or I might call “MaDriD.” The “D” sound in Spain is never a hard “D” like it is in English, it is a softer, subtler sound.

“C”s and “Z”s sounds like “TH” – When “C”s sound like “S”s in Spanish (that is to say when they come after an “e” or an “i”) they are pronounced as “TH”; the same goes for “Z”s (this is known as distinción, or distinction, in linguistics). This one is a real toughie for native English speakers – no, not all Spaniards have a speech impediment – this lisp sound is actually on purpose. So if you want to sound like a real Spaniard get used to going to “THaragoTHa” (instead of “Zaragoza”) and asking for a “THerBeTHa” (instead of a “Cerveza”) at the bar (note: the “V” sound is a cross between the “V” and “B” in Spanish – it falls somewhere in the middle).

The “-ADO” suffix sounds like “-OW” – You may wonder what a “hela-OW” is when what you’ve learned to ask for in Spanish class is a “hel-ADO” (an ice-cream). But get used to it. This is a relaxation of correct pronunciation that is omnipresent in Spain. And if you’re not aware that this is a common way to sling together the very common “–ADO” suffix you may get hung up when trying to understand just about everyone in Spain (and some in Latin America too).

2. Say “vale” a lot:

If you ever listen to Spaniards speaking on the phone you’ll have heard them say, “vale, vale, vale” about a million times. You may try to make sense of the word, but if you’ve never been taught this most basic word in previous Spanish classes, it will be quite difficult. In reality it couldn’t be simpler. It simply means “ok.” Once you get used to it, you’ll see this one really rolls off the tongue, and is particularly sounds nice in threes: “vale, vale, vale.”  This is a must to pass as a true Spaniard; “OK,” just won’t do on the Iberian Peninsula (although everyone there will understand what it means). ¿Vale?

3. Swear a lot (joder, it’s just not that big of a deal here)

In other languages swear words are usually considered vulgar and used with care (at least in settings like the work place or at the university). Not in Spain however. No need to hold ‘em in here; let those four letters fly. There are a few words in Spanish that can be translated to truly offensive swears in English, but which have become completely innocuous in Spain. The best example is “joder” (which translates to F*** in English) one of the rudest and most shocking of words in English. In Spain, however, it is just another way to punctuate a sentence. We won’t go so far as to say it is used in very formal settings, because it is not, but hearing people calmly add “joder” to the beginning, middle or end of a sentence on a lunch date or in an office meeting certainly wouldn’t raise any eyebrows here.

Looking for more naughty words that aren’t so naughty in Spain? Try out “La madre que lo parió," more or less “damn” or “what the hell” to express surprise; "Cabrón," more or less “bastard” or “asshole” but again, can be used in a completely inoffensive way; or "Gilipollas," also translated to “asshole” more or less. But the list goes on and on… 

Other markers are also used very commonly in colloquial speech in Spain. Although they are not swears you’ll hear just about all young people talking to friends punctuate with “tío” or “tía” (literally “uncle” and “aunt” but used in Spain as an American would use “man” or “dude”); “chaval” (“little guy”/“kid”) or “coleguis” (“friend”/“buddy”).

¡So get to it chaval, joder!

4. Use diminutives and augmentatives.

You’ll probably have heard the use of the diminutive suffix “-ITA” to make Spanish words small and cute. But what about “-ICO/-ICA” “-INO-/INA” “-ETE/-ETA” or “ÍN/-IÑA”? All of these different regional uses of the diminutive accomplish the same thing: “pequeñito” (small, little thing) is the same as “pequeñino,” “pequeñete,” and “pequeñín.” And if you want to make something extra-large, add an augmentative like a good Spaniard would: “-AZO/-AZA,” “-ÓN/-ONA,” “-OTE/-OTA,” “-UDO/-UDA.” Go from being “grande” when you speak Spanish to “un grandote,” drink an enormous “copazo,” or go home to your really nice “casona.”

5. Give orders. It’s not rude, we promise!

The way Spanish people order at bars, or make simple requests can be a little shocking for people from other countries at times. It can be hard to jump right in like a Spaniard and yell to the bartender “ponme un café” (literally “give me a coffee”). In a lot of cultures this would be rude, but no worries, it’s not in Spain! It’s just the way you order (that goes for beer, bread, or really anything else you get standing at a counter). You may feel temped to timidly ask, “¿Me pondrías un café, por favor?” (“Could I have coffee please?”) and although the barkeep will understand you, he may find it strange or you could even come off as a little condescending or sarcastic, as if you’ve been waiting for long time, since this overtly polite manner is simply not the cultural norm. Orders are also given in many other contexts (such as at the dinner table, in the street and in other service sectors). So don’t worry and order away, if you feel rude, just make sure to punctuate with a big smile!

Put these five easy steps into practice and you’ll be speaking like a Spaniard in no time. Better yet, come to Spain, experience them all for yourself and blend right in as just another español in the crowd. 

Read the Spanish version

Summer is sneaking up on us, and with it comes months of lounging in the sun and time for relaxing. But that doesn’t mean you can’t sneak a little learning in there too. One of the best ways to learn Spanish is to read books in Spanish. The structure of the language will sink in as you pour over lovely descriptions, get pulled through wild adventures and pant over sordid love stories. Of course it’s all fun and games for those of you who are already advanced and can plough through all of the best sellers and exciting beach reads, but how do you get the pages flipping if you’re just a beginner. Take a look at a few great reads to devour in Spanish this summer whether you’re a beginner or a near-native.

Easy peazy:

10 años con Mafalda by Quino

If you’re looking for a completely authentic, and sophisticated read but with visual aids to help you through it, try 10 años con Mafalda, a collection of Mafalda comics from 1964-1974. The Mafalda comic strip is as iconic as Charlie Brown in Latin America, and is a great way to read something that is simultaneously sophisticated and cute, political and funny, childlike and very adult. Comic books are a great way to go because the pictures help you through on the first go around, while you pick up basic meanings, and on the second time through you may be able to dive deeper into zingy social commentaries and philosophical points of view.

El misterio de la llave by Elena Moreno

This book was written specifically for language learners but it does a good job hiding it. Published by the University of Salamanca and written so that you only really need to know around 400 basic vocabulary words (with a pretty good glossary in the back to help with the trickier ones), the story winds readers through a mystery about a secret synagogue in Toledo, one of Spain’s most culturally rich small cities. It is a great way for beginners to start reading in Spanish, because although it was written with them specifically in mind, it really does hold up as a “real” book. This one’s definitely worth a try.

Middle ground:

Short Stories in Spanish: New Penguin Parallel Text

For readers who can get past the basics, there’s nothing more exciting than the idea of picking up a book by a famous Spanish or Latin American author, and reading real live Spanish literature. But all of those lengthy descriptions and complicated metaphors can get a little distressing after a few pages at this stage in the learning game. That’s why parallel text books are so great; they are perfect for combatting this dilemma. The Short Stories in Spanish: New Penguin Parallel Text includes beautiful works by Gabriel García Marquez, Isabel Allende and Javier Marías, and allows you to be as dependent on or as independent from the English translations (side by side the Spanish) as you want. No need to grab the dictionary every five minutes to grasp Marquez’s nuances; what you’ve got here are just some great classics along with contemporary Spanish literature and a little English on the side.

Manolito Gafotas by Elvira Lindo

Ok so this one is a kid’s book (well, it’s actually a series of children’s novels), but don’t shirk it ´til you try it. It’s a great choice for getting an inside look into the life of a normal kid from a working class family in Carabanchel, a barrio in Madrid. Although the series is for kids, beware, the books are filled with Spanish sayings and some slang that may be a bit tricky for Spanish learners at an intermediate level; but isn’t learning “real” Spanish what you’re really after anyway? Don’t be scared off, these books are a great way to get a sense for what a typical, working class barrio in Madrid is like. And if they turn out to be a little too difficult, check out the movies inspired by the books made in 1999 and 2004 before you get reading.

You’re not a native, but close to it:

Como agua para chocolate by Laura Esquivel

You’ve reached the moment of best sellers in Spanish! Hurray! Now it’s time to get absorbed into the best ones. Como agua para chocolate is a romantic tale, filled with lustful, tear-stained recipes, mystical magic, and plenty of charm. It is the perfect treat for lounging on the beach in the hot sun. And if you feel you miss anything in the Spanish version, there is always room to read it for a second time in English (this one was a best seller in the US for two years and also worldwide) or to check out the movie.

La Sombra del Viento by Carlos Ruíz Zafon

This one’s a keeper and just happens to be one of the best-selling books of all time (that means good summer reading for sure). La Sombra del Viento will grab you and pull you through 1940s Barcelona in a captivating story filled with mystery, lust, dark and smoky scenes and deep descriptions of characters that are so vivid you will start to miss your new “friends” when you wake up in the morning or walk home at night. Be careful if you have things to get done, this one might not let you go until you get through its 565 pages.

So spread out the beach blanket and get ready to relax into a great Spanish book! It’s the perfect way to learn Spanish this summer without even noticing! And if you’re looking for something a little more intense learning check out some of our most popular courses to have an incredible Spanish adventure this summer.

The Spanish schedule is a point of contention which gets noticed in international circles every once in a while. Why do Spaniards go to work at around 9 a.m. and leave as late as 8:00 p.m.?

It's difficult to say, and more so when many of us agree with the critics, and hope for more rational schedules in the future while we read publications like that of the Asociación para la Racionalización de los Horarios Españoles (Association for the rationalization of the Spanish schedules).

A quick way to explain our mismatched schedule is to look back in history. During the Spanish Civil War, and because Spain formed an alliance with Germany and Italy, the rebel side adopted the time zone GMT + 1. What was meant to be a temporary change during wartime stayed put once the conflict ended; meaning today in Madrid  we use the same time as Berlin when geographically we should be using London's time. 

Another factor in the hours we work came post-war. After the war many people had to work more than one job just to survive. That meant finishing one job and starting another right away. Many Spaniards at the time got home practically at dinner time (around 9:30 p.m. in Spain). Today there are not so many people that work multiple jobs to stay afloat, but the long work day culture has prevailed. And this has conditioned much of what is called "post-work" life: restaurants that open at 9:00 p.m., prime time television that starts at 10:00 p.m., bedtimes that start around midnight or later...

Once we know the history it seems like it would be easy to break the habit. But it's not so easy after all. There are many opinions on the subject, but we could summarize them into two big categories: people who think it's necessary, and even more so nowadays, to restructure the schedule; and those who think it's something so ingrained in our culture that any change would cause more chaos than good. Some take exemplary countries like Germany or Sweden into consideration, to which others respond that in Spain, neither the weather, the climate nor the character of the people is the same as in those countries. Others say the schedules is typically Mediterranean, to which others respond that in Italy people go to work at 8:00 a.m. and leave at 6:00 p.m. and that they even have an hour for lunch!

The discussion, at this point, and especially if we were in a bar, would probably lead to "socio-economic" factors: in a country in which the restaurant and hospitality industry is a pillar of the economy, would the famous "menu of the day" and all of the benefits associated with it cease to exist if we only had half an hour for lunch? Conversely, would bars have more clientele if people had more "after-work" hours to enjoy? Many proponents of changing the schedule will tell us that it is precisely the leisure and culture sectors that would benefit the most. Imagine going to the movies on a Tuesday or visiting a museum on a weekday without all the crowds!

But leaving controversy aside, the truth is that more and more people worry about this issue every day. With the current Spanish schedule it is difficult to harmonize work life with family life. Many parents are forced to push their children into Spanish "office hours" with school and then extracurricular activities, because they don't have time to take care of them themselves. In the past, this wasn't as much of a problem because more mothers stayed home or grandparents cared for children during office hours. But since people have begun to move farther from their families and nowadays many grandparents are still working themselves, many people really feel the need for change.

We finish this article without a clear conclusion. Will we will we be able to solve the Spanish schedule problem and make everyone happy one day? Only time, and schedules, will tell.