Coffee Break Spanish

Join Mark and Juan as they explore the vibrant geography and rich history of Mexico. Discover iconic attractions like Chichén Itzá and learn about the unique landscapes from mountains to beaches. Juan shares insights from his doctoral studies in Scotland, while also teaching essential Mexican slang and expressions. Dive into grammar nuances with the use of 'otro' for 'another' and the difference between 'amable' and 'amigable.' Finally, get accustomed to the concept of 'soler' to express habits in Spanish!

Dive into the vibrant world of Colombian Spanish with discussions on music and literature, including insights on the legendary Gabriel García Márquez. Learn the unique expression 'paila' and the nuances of Colombian diminutives. Explore the cultural significance of dance, traditional instruments, and the evolution of safety perceptions in Colombia. Enhance your language skills with impersonal verbs like 'apetecer' and 'faltar,' while picking up authentic phrases to express fear and surprise. Join the journey through this rich cultural landscape!

Join Mark and Carolina as they explore the vibrant tapestry of Colombia! Discover how Colombian Spanish differs from other regions and what makes Bogotá a unique destination. Carolina shares insider tips on must-see spots like the coffee region and coastal islands. They also delve into interesting linguistic nuances, such as the differences in pronunciation across Latin America and the meanings of terms like 'idioma' and 'lenguaje.' Packed with culture and language learning, this conversation is a delightful journey through Colombia!

In this installment, the love triangle between Laura, Ángel, and Ramón heats up in a bakery confrontation. Meanwhile, concerns arise about Antonio and Iona's plans, especially with a plumber causing delays. The festivities kick off at Iona's birthday party, where Ángel struggles with his feelings and arrives drunk, igniting chaos. Listeners also get insights into Spanish expressions and grammar, like 'tomarle el pelo'. Mark offers comprehension questions to deepen understanding, ensuring everyone keeps up with the drama!

Join Alba and Mark in a lively kitchen setting as they craft a classic Spanish tortilla! They detail essential ingredients like eggs, potatoes, and onions, while Alba shares tips on cutting techniques for the perfect texture. Learn the art of frying without turning your potatoes to mush and how to achieve that golden brown color. The hosts also demonstrate how to safely flip the tortilla and discuss serving it hot or cold. It's a delicious blend of culinary insights and language learning!

This week dives into the world of tapas, with Alba sharing her disappointing experience at a Scottish restaurant. She contrasts it with authentic Spanish flavors, discussing how strange ingredients altered classic dishes. Prices abroad also spark a debate on value, while José brings some fun with phrases for emphatically disagreeing. Language lessons include the meanings of 'cobrar,' how to use 'ojalá,' and mastering si clauses, all while sharing upcoming kitchen challenges for making a real tortilla!

Celebrate five years of language learning with exciting announcements! Discover the launch of Q&A Spanish, where experts answer learner questions weekly. Enjoy On Location French reports from Paris, enriching your experience with cultural insights. New teachers for One Minute Languages join the team, expanding coverage to 26 languages! Anticipate the upcoming Season 3 of Coffee Break Spanish and a fresh children's course in January. Reflecting on the journey, the founder expresses gratitude to all contributors and listeners!

This week, tips for language learning take center stage. Discover Jason's cutting-edge technique of printing and rearranging text to enhance memory. Mark offers a clever way to find authentic listening materials by switching your iTunes store country. Delve into the pros and cons of learning two languages together, along with strategies to keep them separate. Colloquial phrases for talking a lot or staying silent add a fun twist, while a focus on possessive adjectives rounds out the learning experience. Tune in for a boost in your Spanish skills!

Explore the fascinating world of low-cost airlines as hosts Mark and Alba share their travel tales and weigh the pros and cons of budget flying. They dive into the impact of these airlines on regional airports and local tourism. Mark recounts his luxurious first-class experience, while José reveals tips for snagging great deals and teaches useful Spanish phrases. Language highlights include using 'quedarse' and 'fijarse,' alongside expressions for bargains. Travel on a budget and learn Spanish, all in one captivating discussion!

A dramatic twist unfolds as Laura discovers her crush from the bakery is actually her neighbor, Ángel. Estela, Ángel’s sister, issues a warning about his reputation as a womanizer. Meanwhile, plans for a surprise birthday party for Iona hit a snag when Antonio unexpectedly arrives, leading to confusion with a plumber in the mix. The hosts dive into grammar points like subjunctive usage and combined pronouns, making language learning engaging while unraveling the telenovela mysteries.