Category: spain

Uncover the Best of Bilbao: The Capital of Spain’s Basque Region

On By Laura Ferries WriterIn europe, spain1 Comment

Bilbao, the capital of the Basque region in the very north of Spain.

Admittedly, I knew very little about it and had never visited any of the more northern cities in Spain such as Vigo, Santander and San Sebastián. My sister’s colleague had returned from a trip to Bilbao earlier this year and sang its praises so we, and our cousin, booked on for five days this August to see what it is all about.

The Basque region spans a certain region across some of the north of Spain and some of the south of France, connected by the Bay of Biscay. They share a common language called Euskara, or Basque (easier to say for English speakers!), and there has been a political Basque independence movement for several decades which included the separatist group ETA who sadly utilised violence and terrorism, including bombings at Madrid airport in 2006.

The majority of Basque people, of course, did not and do not advocate for violence and times have moved on into perhaps more unity and acceptance of others.

In fact, today, Bilbao is a very modern, international university city where people from many backgrounds study, work and live together in what feels like the friendliest city we’ve experienced in Spain.

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Exploring Villajoyosa: A Colourful Coastal Town on Spain’s Costa Blanca

On By Laura Ferries WriterIn solo female travel, spain4 Comments

This summer, I was based in Alicante Old Town for three days on my own and knew that I’d want to incorporate visiting one of the seaside towns along the Costa Blanca for the day whilst I was in the area.

I spent several hours reading up on Albir, Altea, Calpe, Dénia, Gandia, Jávea and Villajoyosa, finding it really difficult to make a decision on where to spend one of my three days in Alicante as quibbles on Trip Advisor proved inconclusive about which one was the town most worth visiting.

In the end, I went with visuals and I chose the most colourful town, the most joyful town (literally in the name): Villajoyosa, or, La Vila Joiosa in Valenciano. It is often referred to simply as ‘La Vila’.

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Discovering Alicante Old Town: A Couple of Days as a Single Female Traveller

On By Laura Ferries WriterIn solo female travel, spain3 Comments

I had only ever passed through Alicante once when I landed into the airport then caught a coach to Benidorm back in 2015. I saw nothing of Alicante and despite the fact the Costa Blanca has lovely, soft-sand beaches, I had no inclination to holiday there.

However, earlier this year, my cousin Luke and I were watching food tour videos on YouTube and the end of one rolled into the start of another which happened to be Alicante. Interesting, I thought. I had never heard much heard about Alicante’s food nor any buzz surrounding its culinary scene, despite having lived in Spain (albeit much further south, in Andalusia) for 3.5 years.

We watched as the video host narrated and ate his way through various stalls in the Mercat Central d’Alacant and other quaint wine bars and restaurants in the old town.

On that drizzly spring afternoon in the north of England, my interest was piqued.

I had been loosely planning a summer trip through certain parts of Spain and I knew I wanted to spend a few days alone near the beach with free time to read and write so I looked into Alicante Old Town, preferring a quieter location and not a typical ‘Brit-abroad’ location with full English breakfasts and karaoke bars. A quick Google and I was convinced, it looked surprisingly stunning. Pardon my prior ignorance.

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The Essential Guide to Spanish for Holidaymakers | Sol Spanish

On By Laura Ferries WriterIn spain, spanish1 Comment

Visit Sol Spanish now to download your simple guide to Spanish for your holiday to Spain and start your journey towards a more enriching travel experience today!

Planning a holiday to a Spain? Whether you’re heading to the sun-soaked beaches, the vibrant city streets, or the picturesque countryside, knowing the local language can significantly enhance your travel experience. At Wordcraft Workshops, we are excited to introduce our latest product: “Sol Spanish”. This comprehensive guide is designed to equip you with the essential Spanish phrases and vocabulary you’ll need for a seamless and enjoyable vacation.

Why Choose “Sol Spanish”?

  • Tailored for Travellers Our guide is specifically crafted for holidaymakers. Unlike generic language courses, this guide focuses on practical, everyday Spanish that you’ll use during your travels in Spain. From ordering food at a restaurant to asking for directions, we’ve got you covered.
  • Easy to Follow We understand that learning a new language can be daunting, especially if you’re short on time. That’s why our guide is straightforward and easy to follow. With clear explanations and practical examples, you’ll be speaking Spanish to the locals with confidence in no time.
  • Convenient and Accessible Available in both digital and print formats, you can take our guide with you wherever you go. Download it to your smartphone or tablet for quick access, or slip the printed version into your travel bag. Learning on the go has never been easier!

Key Features of Our Guide

  • Essential Vocabulary and Phrases Our guide includes a comprehensive list of essential vocabulary and phrases you’ll need for various situations, such as:

  • Greetings and Introductions: Start your conversations with confidence.
  • Essential Words and Phrases: Your go-to words and phrases for communicating with ease.
  • Dining Out: Order your favorite dishes and understand menus.
  • Shopping: Communicate effectively while shopping for souvenirs and essentials.
  • Emergencies: Know what to say in case of an emergency or when you need help.

  • Pronunciation Tips Mastering pronunciation is key to being understood. Our guide includes simple tips and tricks to help you pronounce Spanish words correctly, ensuring you’re easily understood by locals.

Benefits of Learning Spanish for Your Holiday

  • Enhanced Travel Experience Knowing the local language allows you to explore more confidently and independently. You’ll be able to venture off the beaten path, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself fully in the local culture.
  • Better Connections Speaking the local language opens doors to more meaningful interactions with locals. You’ll make new friends, learn about the culture firsthand, and create lasting memories.
  • Stress-Free Travel From navigating airports to checking into hotels, knowing Spanish can make your travel experience smoother and less stressful. You’ll be better equipped to handle any situation that comes your way.

Get Your Holiday Spanish Guide Today!

Don’t let language barriers hold you back from enjoying your holiday to the fullest. Visit Sol Spanish today to purchase “The Essential Guide to Spanish for Holidaymakers”.

For a limited time, we’re offering a special discount for early birds. Find our discounted price at http://www.wordcraftworkshops.com .

Conclusion

Prepare for your next adventure with the confidence that comes from knowing you can communicate effectively in Spanish. With “Sol Spanish” from Wordcraft Workshops, you’ll have all the tools you need to make your holiday truly unforgettable.

Visit Sol Spanish now to get your copy and start your journey towards a more enriching travel experience today!

Sol Spanish: Your Quick Spanish Language Guide for Holidays in Spain

On By Laura Ferries WriterIn spain, spanishLeave a comment

[You can download my simple Spanish guide for going on your holiday to Spain for under £10 directly here]

Many people say that they would love to learn Spanish.

Plenty of things can get in the way of this: time, jobs, family commitments, other hobbies and more. However, I find that one of the key motivators is in having a reason to learn.

I learned Spanish to live in Spain. This meant I had to become fluent so I had the language skills for all situations: at work, socially, going shopping, seeing a doctor, communicating with hairdressers, dentists, landlord and so on.

Córdoba, Spain, where I lived 2015-2018

What if you’re going on holiday to Spain for a week? What if you visit Spain once a year and know that you don’t need fluency but would like to be able to communicate needs and wants and to be able to chat with local people and show appreciation for their language and culture? Nobody wants to feel like the ignorant native-English speaker who rolls up at any destination around the world and just expects everyone to speak their language with zero effort to attempt theirs.

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