Comments for Spain For Pleasure

Comment on Seriously: Would you buy these products? by Marianne

Marianne — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:12:23 +0000

Thanks for the re-blog, Josh

Some years ago, Vauxhall wondered why the Nova didn’t do well in Spain – but as we know, ‘No Va’ in Spanish means ‘won’t go’!

Comment on Graffiti in Granada, and why it should stay… by Mike

Mike — Sat, 18 May 2013 22:22:55 +0000

His work is outstanding, and I’m in favor of it staying. I could understand if it was on historically or architecturally significant buildings, but I believe the are generally on more plain or bare walls. I do understand that the property owner has the right to remove them since it is after all their property. I would, however, be against any mass removal of graffiti by the government because I, and I’m sure many others, would argue that his work helps make Granada what it is and someday it could be considered historically significant.

Comment on Graffiti in Granada, and why it should stay… by Jessica of HolaYessica

Jessica of HolaYessica — Sat, 18 May 2013 18:28:42 +0000

That’s a shame. I think it should stay! Good graffiti is really special and interesting.

Comment on Graffiti in Granada, and why it should stay… by Josh

Josh — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:16:22 +0000

That’s a very good point. I suppose none of it lasts forever! Let’s just hope it is eventually replaced with something even better! Cheers for commenting

Comment on Graffiti in Granada, and why it should stay… by lukefisher93

lukefisher93 — Sat, 18 May 2013 13:56:32 +0000

it comes with the territory, graffiti artists should know that their work will not be permanent and that’s part of its beauty (to have an ever changing landscape) and while sad it does clear up space for more new work to appear so maybe keep an eye open and see if anything fresh appears in the not to distant future.
Although having said all that it looks to me more like it was a repair job on the wall as in the first pic there is a small hole and the second it has gone maybe it was damaged and they have simply repaired the damaged sector. i hope for you it gets a fresh lick of paint soon, peace

Comment on How to (sort of) have an argument with your penny-pinching landlady whilst maintaining a decent and proper gentlemanly manner…in Spanish. by Joe Seamus TerZino

Joe Seamus TerZino — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:56:46 +0000

Thanks for the reply! I’ll have to check out that song….gotta be on YouTube. Yes, usted was taught as part of conjugation drills. They’re like dental drills, but not as fun… There was still a learning curve in practical, conversational Spanish that one just can’t get in a classroom. So I made a lot of mistakes, but just wasn’t as godawful clueless as the next guy. Even people coming out of several years of college level classes were frustrated at first. Without a real immersion experience and a real world goal (Spanish girls!) you’re just lost. And yes, I made it a point to be polite, and act like I was a guest.

Comment on How to (sort of) have an argument with your penny-pinching landlady whilst maintaining a decent and proper gentlemanly manner…in Spanish. by Josh

Josh — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:12:15 +0000

Hey thanks for your comment! Yeah porteros tend to be just as difficult, though from my experience that is generally how are they are anywhere in the world. Where I used to live in Sheffield, UK, there seemed to be a particularly nasty breed. There’s a song called ‘Ritz to Rubble’ by the Arctic Monkeys that’s actually written about them – and brilliantly written as well!

Assuming you’re American, I suppose that when you learnt Spanish in high school, ‘usted’ was taught as the normal way of speaking the language, in which case i’m guessing everybody just thought you were very polite when you moved to Zaragoza?

Comment on How to (sort of) have an argument with your penny-pinching landlady whilst maintaining a decent and proper gentlemanly manner…in Spanish. by Joe Seamus TerZino

Joe Seamus TerZino — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:31:01 +0000

I lived in Zaragoza back in the 80s, stationed at the air base nearby. It was a fantastic time of my life…every day was an odyssey, and every night a freak show. Never had any landlady issues, but there was a portero (the doorman/ maintenance/ security/ building sup) at one place who was a real PITA. No real confrontations, just a surly, unpleasant bastard.
As far as the use of usted, I was apparently the only gringo to have taken Spanish in high school before going to Spain. Not that it actually helped those first few months….! My job had me working directly with Spaniards, and they sorted me out quickly enough. It is a not a small thing, and it’s use shows respect, and a deeper understanding of the language.
I truly miss Spain. I’m planning to return next spring, walk the Camino, and return to Zaragoza, San Sabastian, Madrid, and the rest of my old stomping grounds. Who knows….might even reconnect with old friends.
Suerte, amigo!

Comment on My list of invaluable online resources as an expat living in Spain by Marianne

Marianne — Thu, 16 May 2013 06:15:43 +0000

Oops, sorry Jack

Comment on My list of invaluable online resources as an expat living in Spain by robingraham

robingraham — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:58:17 +0000

Very useful list, thanks!