Organic Food in Javea

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Organic Food in Javea

Why learn Spanish - Wise words from a local Spanish teacher

Today we have another guest post from a Javea resident, Lynn Cobb. Lynn teaches Spanish (amongst other things) and is also an authority on many aspects of Javea life. Although there are many English speakers in Javea it's always a good idea to learn even a little bit of Spanish...

WHY SHOULD I LEARN SPANISH?

In some areas of Spain you can certainly ‘get by’ without ever needing to speak Spanish beyond ‘café por favor’ or ‘dos vinos y una cerveza’ - & Jávea, with around half the population being non-Spanish, is probably one of those places…… BUT you miss out on SO MUCH if you don’t at least try.
When we arrived here just over 11 years ago, I didn’t know more than a few words of ‘menu Spanish’. At that time there didn’t seem to be quite so many English speakers, & there wasn’t the wealth of information available in English that there is now. For example everything from the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) seemed to be published in Valenciano – so even if I’d known more Spanish I still wouldn’t have known what was going on in the town as far as activities for the children & so on are concerned. Facebook hadn’t even been invented, so there weren’t all the local Facebook groups to help newcomers find their feet!
So why, when so much information is available in English, should you bother to learn Spanish at all?

Make friends

Do you like to talk to people & make new friends? Just think – even in Jávea, where half the residents aren’t Spanish, that’s still well over 16,000 people who are, & since research suggests that only maybe 20% of those will be able to have a conversation in English, that means that there are about 13,000 people in Jávea who you can’t chat to! Maybe one of them could have been a really good friend – or if you’re looking for romance, Sr or Srta Right!
Although you might be able to find out about the local fiestas, parades & activities in English now, you won’t understand a lot of what is actually going on during them, because of course, everything will be in Spanish - & you can’t take an interpreter everywhere! Maybe you would actually like to become involved in the fiestas & parades - & maybe you’d be welcomed – but how involved could you really be if you can’t join in the discussions & plans?

Interpreters

Talking of interpreters – if you’re learning Spanish as an adult, there will probably always be some occasions when you’ll need one – maybe for hospital appointments or legal issues – but if you learn a reasonable level Spanish you’ll be able to cope with most day to day situations & paperwork – so you can spend the money saved on something more fun. Such as fiestas or meals out……
Many or even most restaurants in Jávea will have an English translation of their menu – but a lot will also have a board for the menú del día. That might not be translated at all – or perhaps badly - & contrary to popular belief not all the restaurant & bar staff in Jávea speak English, so they might not be able to tell you what everything is….. Learn some Spanish & you’ll avoid what could be a nasty shock! Especially when some words are oh so similar……

Do it for the kids.

Do you have children at school here? Even if they attend one of the International schools they will be studying Spanish & in all likelihood bring Spanish friends home. Surely you want to know what they are chatting about? If they attend a state school then the teachers will probably not be able to speak English to you – you owe it to yourself & your children to learn Spanish too. All children need some help with homework – how can you do that if you have no idea about the language? Do you really want your children to be able to speak a language you don’t understand? Or do you want the embarrassment of having them translate for you!? Oh those rolling eyes when you ask them yet again to tell the shop assistant that you need a bigger size!

Good for you

Another great reason to learn Spanish is that it’s actually good for you! Scientific studies show that learning another language can actually help stave off dementia & Alzheimer’s. So age is no excuse – in fact learning Spanish will help your brain stay in better shape! (Hmmm maybe I should increase my charges to my older students!)
It can be fun too – if you choose to join a group you’ll meet new people of different ages, backgrounds & nationalities – another opportunity to make new friends. And you’ll learn to say lots of silly-sounding words - & what they mean!


Of course, just knowing a little bit of Spanish is better than none, right? Well maybe. Yes, if you can ask for a kilo of potatoes in Spanish or even Spanglish it’s better than not trying ….. but beware! You might one day want to ask someone if they are bored….. & actually tell them that they are boring!
There are many ways to learn Spanish. Some people like to study in private with CDs or online or with phone apps. Some prefer private lessons & others like to join a group. Yet others like books - & some lucky people just seem to pick it up as they go along! However you decide to do it – just do it! And USE it at every opportunity!
You’ll enjoy the place you have decided to make your home, or holiday home, so much more.
LEARN-APRENDER Spanish Classes in Jávea & Translation Service

Thanks Lynn!

Events in Javea - Spring 2015

There are many events going on in Javea between now and the next 'fiestas' in April. If you missed our post about this years fiesta schedule, take a look at it here. In the mean time, aside from the weekly 'mercadillo' there are two things to look out for in Javea over the next couple of months.

Artisan Fair

Every Saturday from January 17th to the 28th of March from 10am til 2pm there will be an Artisan Fair in the Plaza Marina Alta (in front of Correos) which will consist of around 15 stalls.  The stalls will be selling goods including pottery, wrought iron, leather, wood, traditional toys, silverware and crochet clothing. The aim is to "enhance the charms of the old town while offering a common meeting point between true craftsmen and the general public", say institutional sources.

 Bogamari Rock

The  Department of Youth of Javea just announced a series of concerts entitled Bogamarí Rock, a brand already with history, now reinvented into a new musical proposal to support groups and bands with young musicians of the municipality.
The shows will be held on the 28th February, 28th March and the 18th April (the opening night was on the 17th of January) at 8pm.  In addition to the live music by upcoming local bands, there will be masterclass 'clinics' on the same days at 4pm where technical advice will be given by several music industry professionals. 
All the shows are free entry but if you would like to reserve a seat for a show or a clinic send an email to:info@sonabemusic.es

We will keep you informed of any new events that come up as and when we find them.