Brushing up on my Spanish

[andywild]

I have just downloaded the free app "Duolingo" for my phone to brush up on my Spanish before I set off on my Camino.. if anyone is walking in April/may keep an eye out for me, I'll be the guy asking everyone where I can buy some yellow trousers and explaining that I have a white cat.
Tengo un gato Blanco !!
Andy
x

 

[Robo]

What is "La Plume de ma Tante" in Spanish ?

 

[andywild]

What is "La Plume de ma Tante" in Spanish ?

I think they cover that in stage the three.. I've had to stop the lesson as I need to find somewhere to buy a white cat before I set off..

 

[Bala]

I've been doing the Duolingo lessons for a couple weeks, and I think they are great. If I need to tell anyone my monkey drinks milk or that my aunt is an actress, I now feel fully prepared.

 

[linkster]

No, no tengo un gato blanco, pero prueba el restaurante O Gato Negro en Santiago.

 

[Nate Bissonette]

I'm also doing DuoLingo and it's great for learning to read Spanish but I'm finding the spoken part weak. For that, I'm using "Language Transfer," a free (donation requested) download audio program where a guy helps you understand how many words transfer from English to Spanish with a few simple tricks like swapping endings and altering pronunciation. Listen to that while you walk.

Oh, and just so you know, mis zapatos son amarillos. Learned that from Duolingo. Certain to be useful when I reach Melide and wish to sample the octopus.

 

[Pam Scott]

I found a great app called Memrise, unfortunately it isn't free. But it covers a wide spectrum including listening to what they call meet the locals where they speak a sentence and you learn to pick up on words despite the speed some of them speak at! I've found it invaluable. Buen Camino!

 

[CdnDreamer]

If you can spend twenty pounds, there is a British course for tourists called Say Something in Spanish. There are 20 1/2 hour lessons, and while they won't teach you how to talk about your cat, they do teach how to order a beer and wine and get food. There's also a section on asking directions and understanding the answers you will receive when you want to find your way back to the albergue after drinking all that beer and wine.

But who will look after your white cat while you are out gallivanting around in Spain? It might be easier to add NO to your sentence and then you won't have to get a white cat. NO tengo un gato blanco!

 

[MaryLynn]

I think they cover that in stage the three.. I've had to stop the lesson as I need to find somewhere to buy a white cat before I set off..

There are plenty of cats in Spain (more cats than dogs), and I have seen nice docile white ones, so you can pick one up on your first day. Check the alleyways...they are free. No need to go through customs with your own cat.

 

[NamaMama]

Try Spanish for the Camino. Quite helpful.
I am stuck at Stage 3 on Duolingo. Excuse me now, but I must go beben some leche. Or is it bebe? Soon to be vino blanco.

 

[bmcbride]

I am really enjoying your postings; a little bit of humour (or a lot) is invaluable on the Camino. I am wishing that I was walking at that time and on the same route. Alas, I am doing the Camino Portuguese in September. Re: the Spanish. I have also been using "Say Something in Spanish" and am able to download the lessons free. I am finding it very useful - lots of phrases and common expressions that I could really use. And it gives me the practise in listening to Spanish speakers, which is what I really need.

 

[CdnDreamer]

@bmcbride - I have been listening to the 25 free ones from the facebook page, then the 2nd level of 25 but the tourist course cost 20 pounds and I thought it was worth the cost. It is just for getting food and drink and finding your way around. I listen to the recordings while driving the car and last weekend spent 16 hours highway driving and practicing my Spanish. (I was actually headed somewhere - not just driving for the Spanish practice!)

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Try Spanish for the Camino. Quite helpful.
I am stuck at Stage 3 on Duolingo. Excuse me now, but I must go beben some leche. Or is it bebe? Soon to be vino blanco.

I always requested vino blanco on the hot days... more refreshing than tinto.

 

[andywild]

I always requested vino blanco on the hot days... more refreshing than tinto.

Have you tried kalimotxo??

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Have you tried kalimotxo??

Never heard of it so did a google search and it does sound refreshing with the ice added. I will give it a try next time in Spain.
Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[andywild]

If you can spend twenty pounds, there is a British course for tourists called Say Something in Spanish. There are 20 1/2 hour lessons, and while they won't teach you how to talk about your cat, they do teach how to order a
But who will look after your white cat while you are out gallivanting around in Spain? It might be easier to add NO to your sentence and then you won't have to get a white cat. NO tengo un gato blanco!

I wish I'd read this before I went out and bought 'Snowdrop'

 

[CdnDreamer]

Well a cat is probably better for you than learning how to say NO in Spanish!

 

[Turga]

How do they come up with all those great and useful sentences in on-line courses? I still remember when, decades ago, I tried to learn French, and was asked to translate the sentence: “Please help, my car has been hit by lightning”.

The value of knowing these everyday phrases cannot be exaggerated.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

I have just downloaded the free app "Duolingo" for my phone to brush up on my Spanish before I set off on my Camino.. if anyone is walking in April/may keep an eye out for me, I'll be the guy asking everyone where I can buy some yellow trousers and explaining that I have a white cat.
Tengo un gato Blanco !!
Andy
x

Tiempo por Hamaca!!!

 

[Mattnlucy]

I have just downloaded the free app "Duolingo" for my phone to brush up on my Spanish before I set off on my Camino.. if anyone is walking in April/may keep an eye out for me, I'll be the guy asking everyone where I can buy some yellow trousers and explaining that I have a white cat.
Tengo un gato Blanco !!
Andy
x

Oh, Andywild, your post made me laugh, I’ve used this app also must admit, I will look out for you and your gato, well be three Scots, setting out Mid May, hope to meet you. Buen Camino

 

[RevBarbaraG]

I used Babbel in preparation for my Camino and it’s been great. One or two oddities, though... I didn’t try too hard to memorise “Let’s open this tin of sardines, that one is out of date”

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I think they cover that in stage the three.. I've had to stop the lesson as I need to find somewhere to buy a white cat before I set off..

Don't buy a white cat; you'll likely be able to find one in an alburgue donation box where someone decided to lighten their pack, and their white gato was too heavy to carry.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Cats are also a multiple use items... you can use them as a back scratcher, towel, scarf, toothpick, Q tip, white noise maker to help drown out snorers (but you have to gently pet them so they will purrrrr), bedbug death dealer (if they are trained), pillow, heating pad, etc.

 

[trecile]

Have you tried kalimotxo??

Or my favorite, tinto de verano. Easier to pronounce too.

 

[CdnDreamer]

@davebugg If I might add - cats are a great alarm clock. My cat goes off at 5:30 am every day. I'm sure all the pilgrims would love to be woken up to the sound of meowing.

 

[Introibo]

The only Spanish I had was Los Siento, no hablo espanol.
After that I switched into French. Another language I don't speak

I knew a bloke who reckoned you only needed to learn one
phrase in the language of the country you were visiting.
Mumble away when talking to a local. Then, when they look puzzled,
give them a Paddington stare and say "You Heard". ( A finger point is optional )

Arriba Abajo

 

[bmcbride]

@bmcbride - I have been listening to the 25 free ones from the facebook page, then the 2nd level of 25 but the tourist course cost 20 pounds and I thought it was worth the cost. It is just for getting food and drink and finding your way around. I listen to the recordings while driving the car and last weekend spent 16 hours highway driving and practicing my Spanish. (I was actually headed somewhere - not just driving for the Spanish practice!)

I agree with you that the course would be worth the money. I am still working my way through the free ones, but like them so much (and find them so useful) that I would pay and continue further.

 

[Irenek]

I have just downloaded the free app "Duolingo" for my phone to brush up on my Spanish before I set off on my Camino.. if anyone is walking in April/may keep an eye out for me, I'll be the guy asking everyone where I can buy some yellow trousers and explaining that I have a white cat.
Tengo un gato wild
Andywild, I’m a native speaker and also a university Spanish professor. If you have a list of expressions you think you would love to learn and/or practice, I would gladly help you.

 

[Joe Mayer]

This totally messes up my packing list! How much do white cats weigh?

 

[andywild]

This totally messes up my packing list! How much do white cats weigh?

They can actually be used as small pack animals for carrying underwear and/or cutlery.

 

[Houlet]

I have just downloaded the free app "Duolingo" for my phone to brush up on my Spanish before I set off on my Camino.. if anyone is walking in April/may keep an eye out for me, I'll be the guy asking everyone where I can buy some yellow trousers and explaining that I have a white cat.
Tengo un gato Blanco !!
Andy
x

Oigo camarero! quiero pulpo y natillas, por favor!

 

[NamaMama]

Or my favorite, tinto de verano. Easier to pronounce too.

My education continues. I had to Google this drink. Looks good for the days I want to ease off on the ETOH. Maybe the days of the week that don't end with a "Y".

 

[Steadfast]

Hey Andy
I think your Camino handle could be “hombre gato”. What does the group think?

 

[Lurch]

Not sure what all the fuss is all about...all you need to know is ‘cerveza fria’. Beyond that, all is unnecessary. Si?

 

[Albertagirl]

Not sure what all the fuss is all about...all you need to know is ‘cerveza fria’. Beyond that, all is unnecessary. Si?

Unless you are relying on the gato blanco to provide dinner, one way or another, you will also have to be able to order food.

 

[C clearly]

They can actually be used as small pack animals for carrying underwear and/or cutlery.

But do they take the underwear and cutlery where you want them to?

 

[andywild]

But do they take the underwear and cutlery where you want them to?

I'll let you know in a couple of weeks

 

[Prentiss Riddle]

Tip for seeming accomplished in Spanish when online: learn how to type accented characters. ¡Olé!

 

[Turga]

Tip for seeming accomplished in Spanish when online: learn how to type accented characters. ¡Olé!

Bad idea. Somebody may think you actually know the language.

Being intermediate (even intermediate +) in Spanish is really a serious drawback. Once you have finally got your question/statement/whatever formulated, the Spaniards will answer you speaking so fast you’ll understand nada, and then you’ll have to suffer the embarrassment of having to try your luck in English anyway.

Either be fluent or pretend to know nothing except ‘cerveza’, ‘vino tinto’, ‘menu del dia’ and ‘por favor’.

 

[Purky]

Bad idea. Somebody may think you actually know the language.

Being intermediate (even intermediate +) in Spanish is really a serious drawback. Once you have finally got your question/statement/whatever formulated, the Spaniards will answer you speaking so fast you’ll understand nada, and then you’ll have to suffer the embarrassment of having to try your luck in English anyway.

Either be fluent or pretend to know nothing except ‘cerveza’, ‘vino tinto’, ‘menu del dia’ and ‘por favor’.

In Australia I met a guy at a party who, when being told I was Dutch, was proud to claim that he could actually speak some Dutch too. He had learned it from a girl he had met at the same party, and told me it was supposedly a great pick-up line. He then said to me, in Dutch and with a rather touching look on his face: "I am a dishwashing brush and I fly like an onion."
I was able to keep a straight face, complimented him and immediately started looking for the girl who taught him that. When I found her and asked her what was up with the onion, she just shrugged and said: "I was bored."
Buyer beware...

 

[trecile]

Bad idea. Somebody may think you actually know the language.

Being intermediate (even intermediate +) in Spanish is really a serious drawback. Once you have finally got your question/statement/whatever formulated, the Spaniards will answer you speaking so fast you’ll understand nada, and then you’ll have to suffer the embarrassment of having to try your luck in English anyway.

Either be fluent or pretend to know nothing except ‘cerveza’, ‘vino tinto’, ‘menu del dia’ and ‘por favor’.

Yup. I can ask the questions, but understanding the answers in a problem.

 

[Kanga]

Me too. Spanish learnt 50 years ago as a small child so the accent is really good. But the rapid response is way beyond me.

 

[4blossom]

I think they cover that in stage the three.. I've had to stop the lesson as I need to find somewhere to buy a white cat before I set off..

Gotcha covered. She’s only small so shouldn’t mess with the weight issue.

 

[Prentiss Riddle]

Bad idea. Somebody may think you actually know the language.

Being intermediate (even intermediate +) in Spanish is really a serious drawback. Once you have finally got your question/statement/whatever formulated, the Spaniards will answer you speaking so fast you’ll understand nada, and then you’ll have to suffer the embarrassment of having to try your luck in English anyway.

Either be fluent or pretend to know nothing except ‘cerveza’, ‘vino tinto’, ‘menu del dia’ and ‘por favor’.

Or you can take the view that diving into the deep end is the best way to learn to swim.

 

[VNwalking]

I was able to keep a straight face

How??
(I'm having trouble keeping a straight face with this thread.)

 

[Turga]

Or you can take the view that diving into the deep end is the best way to learn to swim.

I wonder how many casualties came from that approach....

 

[Mboggess]

Another source that I am finding helpful is the book “Camino Lingo” by Reinette Novoa. Lots of good phrases and vocabulary specifically attuned to the Camino. Thin enough to take on the Camino if you’re so inclined. Good supplement to the apps you are using.

 

[Purky]

How??
(I'm having trouble keeping a straight face with this thread.)

Stoically gifted. It drives my wife nuts...

 

[BarbyLivie]

I have just downloaded the free app "Duolingo" for my phone to brush up on my Spanish before I set off on my Camino.. if anyone is walking in April/may keep an eye out for me, I'll be the guy asking everyone where I can buy some yellow trousers and explaining that I have a white cat.
Tengo un gato Blanco !!
Andy
x

Hi, Andy! I am starting g Primitivo April 25 - will meet my niece in Lugo for the walk to Santiago...hope to meet you on the way in!

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Have you tried kalimotxo??

That is SO mean. Why would you suggest that? Why?

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Me too. Spanish learnt 50 years ago as a small child so the accent is really good. But the rapid response is way beyond me.

As a long term English resident of France once said to me "I speak French fluently, if only the French were as fluent as I am!"

 

[andywild]

That is SO mean. Why would you suggest that? Why?

Obviously I prefer vino tinto.. but for the times when I don't quite feel like it (breakfast etc) I find it is a great way of still getting the tinto into me.

 

[andywild]

Hi, Andy! I am starting g Primitivo April 25 - will meet my niece in Lugo for the walk to Santiago...hope to meet you on the way in!

Keep an eye out for me... Yellow trousers and a white cat..

 

[andywild]

How??
(I'm having trouble keeping a straight face with this thread.)

I start these perfectly sensible threads with an innocent question and you lot (pointing fingers wildly) let them decent into madness.. I'm beginning to wonder if this trail isn't full of nutters.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I feel your pain Andy.

Having once asked for an additional plate for the bathroom in a French hotel (serviette/assiette - potato/potahto) I find that if you speak loudly and slowly enough Johnny Foreigner will understand you well enough.

Try this: remove one's bowler hat (or bobble hat in your case) and place it firmly on the table. Snap one's fingers at the waiter, look him/her firmly in the eye and say, slowly and loudly: "Fish and chips, two slices of bread and butter, and tea with milk, garcong!" Do NOT say please - it gives them ideas above their station.

He'll soon get the message.

By the way, has anybody else thought that Spanish food is a bit, well, slimy in texture and tastes a bit odd?

 

[Jeff Crawley]

I start these perfectly sensible threads with an innocent question and you lot (pointing fingers wildly) let them decent into madness.. I'm beginning to wonder if this trail isn't full of nutters.

And you've only just realised this? Tsk tsk.

 

[PaulCat]

I have just downloaded the free app "Duolingo" for my phone to brush up on my Spanish before I set off on my Camino.. if anyone is walking in April/may keep an eye out for me, I'll be the guy asking everyone where I can buy some yellow trousers and explaining that I have a white cat.
Tengo un gato Blanco !!
Andy
x

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Damn, now I'll have to look out my first ever Spanish course - towards the end, once you are truly proficient - you can order name branded umbrellas as a company give away with . . . . a built in recording device!

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Don't buy a white cat; you'll likely be able to find one in an alburgue donation box where someone decided to lighten their pack, and their white gato was too heavy to carry.

El es gato blanco. Yo como desayuno pescado. Nosotros bebemos mucho cerveza e la mujer es bueno.
Merci.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

El es gato blanco. Yo como desayuno pescado. Nosotros bebemos mucho cerveza e la mujer es bueno.
Merci.

Or even gracias

 

[CdnDreamer]

That darn French training all Canadians got in school. French just keeps creeping in to our Spanish!

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

I start these perfectly sensible threads with an innocent question and you lot (pointing fingers wildly) let them decent into madness.. I'm beginning to wonder if this trail isn't full of nutters.

El hombre come pollo, y tomates, y quesas, y bebe la cerveza. El es un chiflado. Bienvenido Peregrino!!!

 

[Deleted member 67185]

They can actually be used as small pack animals for carrying underwear and/or cutlery.

I tried that one time. It was frustrating. Trying to herd my cat was like.. well ... herding cats.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

El hombre come pollo, e tomates, e quesas, e bebe la cerveza. El es un chiflado. Bienvenido Peregrino!!!

I recognize some of that: The man eats chicken with tomatoes and cheeses and drinks a beer. Was I close? I don't recognize that middle sentence, though.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

I recognize some of that: The man eats chicken with tomatoes and cheeses and drinks a beer. Was I close? I don't recognize that middle sentence, though.

Que? No comprendo!! He is a nutter. Welcome Pilgrim!!!

 

[Jeff Crawley]

That darn French training all Canadians got in school. French just keeps creeping in to our Spanish!

I know what you mean. When I went to Ontario House for my immigrant's interview all went well until the interviewer suddenly changed into French. Had I been forwarned and prepared . . . .

As it was he simply smiled and said "I wouldn't worry. Canada is bi-lingual but I don't expect you'll meet many French speakers where you'll be living."

And he was right. I lived in Thunder Bay Ont. for two years. It certainly was bi-lingual except the two languages were Ukrainian in the south part of the city and Finnish in the north.

In parting I offer you Eddie Izzard and for those not au fait (see what I did there?) with the word, un Travesti is a transvestite.

 

[Victoria65]

OK, let me add my two bits...I have an ex-brother in law who only speaks spanish. However that is not true. Whenever he is completely drunk he can oddly enough speak pretty good english. Has anybody given this a try for speaking spanish? I'm just saying....

 

[andywild]

OK, let me add my two bits...I have an ex-brother in law who only speaks spanish. However that is not true. Whenever he is completely drunk he can oddly enough speak pretty good english. Has anybody given this a try for speaking spanish? I'm just saying....

Yes it's true. I can understand spoken Spanish quite well but when it comes to replying it's tricky because of conjugating verbs correctly/choosing the right tense etc.. however after a bottle or two of rioja I'm actually quite good. The problem is if I have to go to a shop to buy breakfast it means I have to get sozzled at 8am and I find it kind of affects the rest of the day's productivity.

 

[linkster]

I get very efficient with pronunciation after drinking by eliminating the space between words.

 

[Former member 22438]

El es gato blanco. Yo como desayuno pescado. Nosotros bebemos mucho cerveza e la mujer es bueno.
Merci.

¿ Transgender Español ? , ¡ la mujer es buena ! Most Feminin words have an "a " at the end
¡ Nosotros bebemos mucha cerveza !

 

[Kanga]

Oh @PaulCat where did you find that video - hilarious. Absolutely hilarious. Thank you. Best belly laugh in ages.

 

[Victoria65]

Oh @PaulCat where did you find that video - hilarious. Absolutely hilarious. Thank you. Best belly laugh in ages.

Agreed! Everyone in my house was cracking up over that video! Que hora es?

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

¿ Transgender Español ? , ¡ la mujer es buena ! Most Feminin words have an "a " at the end
¡ Nosotros bebemos mucha cerveza !

Hey, I am learning espanol on a free app. I guess we get what we pay for, lol.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

I get very efficient with pronunciation after drinking by eliminating the space between words.

Idothesamethingbuthavenotstartedfrinkingyet.

 

[Houlet]

I talk to a couple of Spanish people every week on Skype. and find that " a couple" of glasses of Spanish or Latin American red wine helps much more than that from other countries. Maybe if I drank more I would be fluid er! ehm! effluent or whatever the word is when you know what you are talking about!

 

[Krista Catlady]

This totally messes up my packing list! How much do white cats weigh?

You guys are killing me! I'm supposed to be going to sleep and can't stop laughing!

 

[CPilgrim]

This is one of the best threads!

 

[Robo]

This totally messes up my packing list! How much do white cats weigh?

Go for the tech cats!
Lighter boned, short hair, not only weigh less but they dry much quicker if they fall in a river

If you really want to go lighter.........a kitten!

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

If ever in doubt, "El dinero es mio," y, "Necesitas un hombre!!!" And, of course, "Deja el arma, toma el canoli."

 

[PaulCat]

I get very efficient with pronunciation after drinking by eliminating the space between words.

I'm more inclined to speak more like a native speaker and roll rs like there is no tomorrow after a few drinks.

 

[YoCo]

Love it Michelle...the man is mine! Leave the gun, take the canoli! Of course!

Coffee break Espanol! It's free, it's fun, and it's a podcast of about 10 to 15 minutes long. Do not pay! I repeat...DO NOT PAY!. Check it out. It's fun and the guy who has an amazing acento is......wait for it..... IRISH! Holy guacamole! Sounds fine .

 

[YoCo]

The MONEY is mine!

....and I think Mark on Coffee Break is Scottish