Enjoying the games?

After almost two years I have just finished working in London and whilst it is great to be back in Caravaca, with the family, a small part of me wishes I was still in London and going to some of the Olympic events. I have especially enjoyed watching, on TV, the boxing, football and the triumphs of Bradley Wiggins, in the cycling, so soon after him winning the Tour de France. Bradley appears to be such a nice guy and so cool in victory.  

Everyone seems to be enjoying the games and Team GB is picking up lots of medals of all colours, the atmosphere appears to be amazing and even the weather seems to be good! Team GB basketball team even pushed the mighty Spanish team to the wire losing by only one point. Unfortunately and surprisingly Spain at the moment doesn’t seem to be doing so well; maybe it’s something to do with that Olympic team kit??

Bradley Wiggins- Worthy Champion!

No gold medal for the designer of this kit

Not only is the capital London benefiting from the games but our home town of Newcastle has been playing host to the men’s and women’s football tournaments. The Spanish and Brazilian men’s teams both have played matches on the hallowed turf of St. James’ Park, home of Newcastle United. The Tyne Bridge looks amazing bedecked in the Olympic rings.

Geordie Pride! The Tyne Bridge adorned with the Olympic Rings.

It’s a great time to be in the UK and we are happy to report that we have broken our own records. This year we have organised more study trips than ever before. We have people in Newcastle and Edinburgh and looking at the International House Face Book page everyone seems to be having a great time especially in North East England. https://www.facebook.com/pages/International-House-Newcastle/111269662246547?ref=ts

Let’s hope that the games continue to be a success and more medals are won by Team GB and Spain.

Written by Tony Higgins (August 2012)

A precarious brilliance - The Economist

A great article, about London, for practising reading skills. Also a video to practise listening. I suggest you read the comments left by the people who have read the article, you could even comment yourself? Great subject matter for a conversational class.

A precarious brilliance - The Economist

The interactive guide with videos is really good too!

http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2012/06/london-figures-interactive-guide

London Calling.......Solonegocio!

El Centro de Inglés (Caravaca) has embarked on a business relationship with London based Solonegocio. Solenegocio was set up to assist Spanish people who want to start and develop a UK business. The company helps Spanish people with thinking through their business strategy for the UK market and with the legal and practical processes of setting up as either self-employed or a limited company . They can be found on the internet (www.solonegocio.com Spanish) and have a Facebook page. Later this year, with the assistance of Solonegocio, we hope to investigate ways businesses around Caravaca and the rest of Murcia can develop stronger links with the UK. Hopefully this will give Murcian companies and products greater exposure to the British market place. If you want further information please contact us in the usual way.
Article in Spanish about Solonegocio: http://www.eliberico.com/actualidad/actualidad/reinounido/3344-pon-en-marcha-tu-idea-con-solonegocio.html

London.....Guirilandia??

Visiting London this summer? Here are a few handy web-sites for Spanish people who are living or visiting England´s capital city....

http://www.guirilandia.com/about/ Info about Giri land in Spanish...

http://www.elryans.com/ Pub close to St. Paul´s cathedral. Watch all Euro 12 games on a big screen etc.

http://www.eliberico.com/ Free Spanish language newspaper (London)

Universal Language?

English may be the universal language, but there are just some words that cannot be translated. Have a read of this article that appeared in the Metro newspaper yesterday ......

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/899451-25-words-you-should-know-if-only-they-existed-in-english

NEW Books about Spanish football in English

Interested in Spanish football? Interested in practising reading in English? Well the last few weeks has been a bonanza for you!

Firstly Graham Hunter, Sky Sports journalist (amongst other things) released his book about the rise of the current Barcelona team.

Its a great read and I was at the recent book launch in London where I had the pleasure of interviewing Graham for the True Faith football fanzine.

Practice your listening skills with these short videos of Graham talking about the book, Graham is from Aberdeen in NE Scotland.

Next up Jimmy Burns new book "La Roja". Jimmy Burns was born in Madrid in 1953 and contributes Spanish language media outlets and publishes his books in Spanish translation as Jimmy Burns Maranon.
Jimmy's book is a really good read too all about the history of Spanish football, fascinating stuff.

I was at this book launch in London too, read all about it here........ Book launch article - La Roja

Also listen to Jimmy talking about the book......Jimmy talks about his book here (pod-cast) Jimmy although born in Madrid he grew up in London and Lancashire. Good pod-cast to practice your listening.

You can also read Jimmy's blog here...... Jimmy Burns Blog

You can buy both books on Amazon.Both books on Amazon..click here

Tony Higgins (May 2012)

Teetering on the brink- La Roja?

Jimmy Burns, the Anglo-Spanish Journalist and Author, has had this recent article published in the Tablet.  His article focuses on "La Crisis" but mixes fiestas and other Spanish things...in Jimmy's own style, a good read!

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/article/162675
Jimmy's new book about the Spanish football team is due out soon too.

http://latinosinlondon.wordpress.com/2012/04/17/book-launch-qa-la-roja-a-journey-through-spanish-football-may-18th/