Coffee Break Spanish

Mark and Alba reminisce about their Semana Santa vacations, sharing travel stories that lead to romance and stress. Alba's scenic adventure on the Isle of Skye intertwines with Mark’s proposal tale, while a quick trip to Barcelona adds a twist. Mark also celebrates winning an award in Europe! After the fun, José jumps in with useful past-tense phrases and explains tricky grammar points, like distinguishing between sólo and solo, and the meanings of the verb cundir. A delightful blend of anecdotes and language tips awaits!

In this engaging installment, Laura, the central character of the telenovela Verano Español, navigates summer life in Spain with her mother. She humorously deals with a dripping tap alongside their neighbor, Teresa. Laura also shares exciting updates about her bakery job and anticipates a visit from her friend Fiona. The plot thickens with the arrival of the handsome customer, Ángel, who, as it turns out, is actually Teresa's son. Will Laura get to know him better? Tune in for drama, language tips, and a delightful dose of Spanish culture!

This week features José, a grammar expert who demystifies the neuter article 'lo' and its fascinating constructions. Dive into how 'lo + adjective' transforms descriptions into new nouns. He also illustrates the use of the subjunctive with examples, clarifying when to choose infinitive alternatives. Additionally, the hosts discuss effective language learning techniques, from labeling your surroundings with sticky notes to narrating your day for practice. Discover cultural insights about the vibrant city of Bilbao too!

Mark and Alba dive into the pros and cons of online shopping, sharing both delightful and disastrous experiences. From delivery delays to receiving wrong items, the debate heats up. They discuss how online shopping benefits remote areas and the joy of browsing in stores. Alba paints a vivid picture of Granada's stunning Alhambra and vibrant tapas culture, while José offers catchy Spanish phrases for addressing inattention. Grammar insights on the personal 'a' and double negatives further enrich the conversation!

Dive into the realm of the imperfect subjunctive, as hosts Mark and Alba demystify its usage for hypothetical situations. Explore fun 'what if' scenarios, like winning the lottery or living anywhere in the world. Alba also shares her favorite Madrid spots, from Retiro Park to vibrant nightlife neighborhoods. Plus, José introduces colorful Spanish expressions for surprise, adding flair to your language skills. Wrap it all up with a review of essential vocabulary to boost your Spanish confidence!

Join Mark and Alba as they catch up on their recent adventures, from haggis-tasting in Glasgow to youth debates in Strasbourg. Alba shares her favorite spots in Barcelona, including the vibrant Gothic Quarter. José introduces useful phrases for dining out in Spain, teaching how to ask for tapas and drinks. Plus, dive into grammar highlights with possessive pronouns and learn how to say 'have a good time' in Spanish. Get ready for a travel-inspired language lesson filled with cultural insights!

In this installment, Laura faces her first day at the bakery, filled with humor and a bit of nervousness. A blossoming connection with a customer named Ángel adds intrigue to her day. Discussions with Estela reveal family stories and Spanish sayings, enriching the cultural experience. Meanwhile, Laura also grapples with emotions over Jack's betrayal. The episode blends drama with language learning, making it both entertaining and educational.

Join Mark and Alba as they dive into the enchanting region of Galicia, where Alba’s boyfriend David shares fascinating insights about its lush landscapes and vibrant culture. The trio then lightens the mood with a discussion on Valentine's Day traditions in Spain, highlighting the unique Sant Jordi celebration. Alba and David offer romantic phrases perfect for love notes, and later, a movie recommendation about Che Guevara adds a cinematic twist. Plus, get practical tips on using the imperfect subjunctive for a deeper understanding of Spanish grammar.

Mark and Alba dive into the world of social networks like Facebook and Twitter, exploring their role in language learning and real-life interactions. Privacy concerns are raised as they discuss the balance between connectivity and unwanted contacts. The film Habana Blues is introduced, highlighting themes of friendship and ambition in Cuba. José also teaches useful phrases for expressing you've had enough in Spanish, alongside essential grammar tips, including the subjunctive and the vosotros imperative.

Mark and Alba dive into the world of poetry, celebrating the legacy of Scottish poet Robert Burns. They explore the themes of unpredictability in his poem 'To a Mouse' and even recite it in Scots. Switching gears, Alba introduces Spanish poet Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer’s romantic Rima XXI. Listeners learn helpful Spanish phrases and alternatives to suggest activities. Finally, a film recommendation, 'Secretos del Corazón,' rounds out the discussion, making language learning both entertaining and enriching.