Archive for the 'Languages & Literatures' Category

EbroAds.com is proud to present Ebro.TV.

EbroRose June 8th, 2009

An initiative to promote the diversity of the Ebro region and also to build stronger community links has arrived.The new website, Ebro.TV, has been launched as a place to share videos, audio, photo’s, news and stories about the Ebro River Valley and Delta.

This is not just for the English community. This is for everyone! You can write in Catalan or Spanish. Dutch, German and French is okay too. There are certain groups setup already so please join in. Start your own group and display your interests or wares.

Photo Album and unlimited media uploads! Here’s your chance to show off all those snaps you have been taking. Let the world know what a wonderful place we live in! Please invite as many of your friends as possible.

With features too numerous to mention, from RSS feeds to photo ratings and a personal messaging system.
You can even signup using your current AOL, Facebook, Google, Yahoo or OpenID details.

So, if you want to boast about that Catfish you caught OR upload your latest karaoke efforts OR even just put up a photo / video of a property you have for sale, see you at www.ebro.TV!!

And it is all free!

How Kelvyn got his name. Press release.

EbroRose June 7th, 2009

For Immediate Release

Book 1 of The Chimona Chronicles: How Kelvyn Got His Name by Rosie Reay

Includes FREE Supplement Poem: The Squirrel from Wirral

Jun 3rd, 2009. Silicon Valley, CA: Foden Press today announced the release of Rosie Reay’s first book in The Chimona Chronicles series that tells a tale of critters around a lake. Titled How Kelvyn Got His Name, it is an educational and fun read for bright young readers. It will introduce them to the animal and bird characters as they come alive through both words and the lovely illustrations done by Candice McMullan. Often it will stretch them to learn new meanings, word roots and names, as well as real places and locations. But that is what the story is about, creating a new name for their favorite gopher.

Set on the banks of Lake Okanagan, there are a variety of critters that play different roles. Mrs Porcupine runs a shop, Hodgekiss Drake is the professor, Okando Owl dispenses advice, and the chipmunk twins drive their brother nuts. Boys and girls, and probably their parents too, will all find something to enjoy in this imaginative tale once they start to settle into it. There is even a complete long bonus poem included called The Squirrel from Wirral.

“This story was inspired by a real road trip to Canada some years ago,” said Rosie Reay. “In fact, we actually stayed at the Okanagan Resort on the banks of the lake! I just knew there had to be a story in all those gophers that so confidently roamed the little golf course. Little did I know it would bring so many critters to life, let alone trigger a whole series of books to follow.”

Rosie Reay currently lives in the olive and mandarin countryside between  Barcelona and Valencia, Spain above the lovely Ebro River valley. Surrounded by her own crowd of pets, she actually does work as a professional U.S. naming consultant! (See www.BrighterNaming.com). In addition, Rosie helps Spanish students perfect their English and writes blogs (www.EbroVoice.com), articles and marketing materials for the English community in that part of the country.

Candice McMullan is an up and coming young illustrator based in Canada. Young children will surely identify with her drawings when their parents read this story to them and show them her pictures. Kyra Dawson, editor of the series, (www.BrighterScribe.com) who is actually based in B.C. Canada, helps keep the Canadian details straight.

How Kelvyn Got His Name is available for immediate download, as it is being released as an eBook first. So a perfect surprise for Dad to have on his laptop when junior gets restless during the summer travels.

Based in Silicon Valley, California, Foden Press is an independent publisher of both children and marketing books. Marketing titles include Brighter Naming: Naming for the Average Propeller Head, Brighter Branding: Branding for the Average Propeller Head and Spreadsheet Marketing: Planning for Success. They may be reached at www.FodenPress.com or 650-704-8181.

© Copyright 2009 Foden Press. All rights reserved worldwide.
Foden Press™ and all images are trademarks of Foden Press. Brighter Naming® is a registered tradema

Words, beautiful words…Creative Writing Workshops

EbroRose June 2nd, 2009

Valerie Collins of  “In the Garlic” fame is  working alongside another British writer, Nicola Thornton and have vacancies for their “Creative Writing Workshop” on June 6th, 2009 in Barcelona. The venue is only a few minutes walk from Passeig de Gràcia railway station.

Please contact them for more details on: bestwriterbcn@gmail.com

This is there last one in the current season. These have proved to be popular and well-attended across the span of the very diverse and different Expat orbit we rattle around in. However, this is only the beginning. Maybe it is too short notice to attend or you have other plans you are sewn up into . Not to worry. Why not ask around and see if you have other friends or neighbours who may be interested in attending one closer to your location. Do not forget to ask other  non British Expats and locals who have a command of the English language, whether they would like to attend.

Valerie and Nicola are keen to explore the possibility of running these workshops closer to you if the numbers are right. Please drop them a line with any ideas or questions you may have.

There is more.

These are very experienced writers . We can learn an awful lot from them, even if we have been writing for years. They always have something new to offer. They have a wealth of writing experiences.

They are also running a very successful writing course (one evening a week) with people from the previous workshops they did. So you are not left out in teh cold after doing the first session.

Newsflash: 3rd Alquimia 101 one-day workshop (Introduction to Creative Writing)

bestwriterbcn@gmail.com

To write or not to write , that is the question?

Go on! Have a go. You will then sit back and think, why didn’t I start writing all those years ago. I know I did. My grandfather didn’t start writing until he was 70. I didn’t seriously take up writing as a career until I was 50- but I had scribbled for years. Now I am making up time!

May 1st. Día de trabajo. Labour Day

EbroRose May 1st, 2009

Don’t try to go shopping anywhere in Spain today.  Everywhere is shut. Banks included. This is  a national day for the Fiesta del Trabajo. Often referred to as “día de trabajadors” – the day of or for  the workers.

The Spanish are also notorious for taking the day in front or behind and tagging it onto the fiesta as a “dia del puente” – a bridging day. Depending on your part of Spain, some may say to you “haciendo puente” implying you are  ‘doing a bridge’. The one in front is to prepare for the fiesta. The one behind is to recover from the fiesta. Some may take both. I like the latter option!

Buenas fiesta.

Aside-: The petrol station on the Corona Roundabout of the C12 in Tortosa has a 24 garage and the shop is open until 11pm. Most emergency grocery supplies can be purchased there, including fresh “pans” (bread)

Ebro Valley News is alive and well!

EbroRose September 9th, 2008

The local newspaper, Ebro Valley News is still alive and well!rivermts1.jpg

It has survived all the teething problems that one expects when a new, news print hits the racks.

The next issue will be out and on the streets on the 20th September. It will have a wider distribution area from Barcelona, stretching down towards Valencia. Of course, it will cover southern Catalonia and be very prominent across the Ebro Valley.

If you are not sure where your local “pick-up point” is, just drop Gerry or Kelly an email on :-editor@ebrovalleynews.com. Alternatively, you can call Gerry in English (Irish…) on 670 449 480 or speak to the “grace”-ful Kelly in Castellano on 697 565 778.

In Ferreries, Tortosa, one of the drop off points is at “Tony´s Tabacs” .

The headlines for September print will deal in depth on the “Leaks in the Nuclear Power plants” in our areas. This does make informed reading. This does affect our environment.

We offer Gerry and Kelly our support in their revamped issues and look forward, in anticipation, to a good read.

“The Olive Press” magazine, the second one is now out with 40 pages

EbroRose June 11th, 2008

 

june_olive-blog1.jpg“The Olive Press”  has already extended to 40 pages and this is only their second edition.

This magazine is geared not only for the Lower Ebro Valley, but seems to cover the North-East corner of Spain. So it is with interest I can read about the Zarragoza Expo 2008; the El Bulli Restaurant near Girona and the new ZiDali´s Restaurant and Cocktail Bar in LÁmetlla deMar. The last two I would not have known about if I had not read the magazine.

The “Olive Press” have presented a lovely article on the forthcoming fireworks fiesta in Tarragona. The 19th International Fireworks Competition will be held from the 7th -12th July in the town of Tarragona itself. 

Pick up your copy at one of the Distributors listed below and have a pleasant and informed read.

TORTOSA

  • VALDEPEREZ ELECTRICAL Mossèn Bell-Puig, 12(Plaça Bimil Lenari) Tortosa 977 442 962
  • MURRAY’S Centro Comercial SABECO, Tortosa 977 503 484
  • RIERES ESTATE AGENTS Pl. Paiolet 2 Tortosa, 977 445 497
  • CLIBEGAS Carretera Gandesa, 35, 43590 Jesús -Tortosa 977 504 747
  • NEXO OFTEVET, Ctra. Tortosa-L’Aldea,977 510 405

L’AMPOLLA

  • BAR ESTACIÓN Plaza Francesc Macià (near the train Station) L’Ampolla 977 460 387
  • BAR DAKOTA Carrer Sant Jordi, L’Ampolla 676214736
  • HOTEL FLAMINGO C/Ronda del Mar,58 – 977 593 816
  • BAHIA MAR ESTATE AGENTS – Pza. González 12 – 658 934 146

EL PERELLÓ

  • PERELLÓ PROPERTIES C/ Francesc Macia 5, El Perelló 977490 804
  • HOMOGÊNIK C/ Sant Antoni 19 El Perelló
  • ALAS Petrol Station
  • SUMO SUPERMARKET

L’AMETLLA DE MAR

  • A TASTE OF HOME the English Supermarket Calle Benidorm 15(past the railway station, turn right past the Spar shop, turn left and opposit Mobles Puell 977 456 158
  • STELLA MARIS BAR – Pl. Catalunya
  • DEPASO CEPSA Petrol Station
  • NEW ZIDALI’S- Cocktail Bar & Restaurante, LLibertat 19 Tel:977 493 744

TRES CALAS URBANISATION

  • LA CALA PROPERTY SERVICES – Centro Comercial 13. 977 456 878
  • SUPERMERCARDO HAIPY – Centro Comercial. 977 456 908

CALAFAT

  • Supermarket on the urbanisation

Ctra. HOSPITALET DE L’INFANT a MORA

  • LA FIGUEROLA RESORT- GOLF Club House

L’HOSPITALET DE L’INFANT

  • TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE
  • JAMES SCHOOL OF ENGLISH – Carretera de Móra, 7 Bajos

MIAMI PLAYA

  • HOTEL CARPE DIEM restaurant – hotel C/Montblanc, 16 977 810 392
  • SOL-LUZ-IONS Av. Barcelona, 49 – 977 170 301
  • CLÌNICA VETERINÀRIA – Av. Barcelona 14 Local 11. 977 811 192
  • SUPERMARKET/BAKERS/CAFE MaGloria-opposite El Rancho &Chinese
  • KERN GERMAN DENTAL SURGERY – Av. Barcelona 64. 977 170 397

CAMBRILS

  • MAMA’S CAFE
  • CASA SHANGHAI-CHINESE RESTAURANT Avda Juan XXlll, 1 Cambrils-Bahia 977 363 906

SALOU

  • RUGBY TAVERN – Avda de la Diputación 138
  • THE MUCKY DUCK – Avda de la Diputación

RASQUERA

  • REPSOL PETROL STATION

FLIX

  • RIBA-ROJA PROPERTIES – Pol.Ind. La Devesa INTERMARCHE SITE 977 411 558
  • BAR V50
  • RESTAURANT BON PROFIT – Carrer St Roc,7 tel 977 412 165
  • BAR LA FREIXA- Gissona garage
  • BAR DUO

RIBA ROJA D’EBRE

  • EBRO VALLEY PROPERTIES SCP – Carrer Esglesia 5 – 977 416 117

MORA LA NOVA

  • BRITISH SUPERMARKET- 977 383 911
  • BAR RESTAURANT, 55 near Ajuntament Offices

MORA D’EBRE

  • LA CAIXA – Placa De Dalt
  • BAR AVINGUDA – Av. de Los Comarques Catalanes
  • BAR COSMOS – Av. de Comarques Catanes, 9 Tel: 977 400029

GINESTAR

  • BAR RESTAURANT
  • CATALAN-CONNEXION – 28 Carrer Ample, 977 404 796

GANDESA

  • CAFE DE CATALUNYA – Av. de Catalunya
  • BAR BARNEREA – Av. de Catalunya
  • SANT SALVADOR – Boarding Kennels & Cattery-977 055 027

BENIFALLET

  • BAR CASAL – Lluis Companys, 15 – 977 462 136


TIVENYS

  • BAR ROSI – Av. Generalitat, 3 977 496 030

BITEM

  • NEW CHAPLIN – c/Hereus d’en Gasol (near football ground)

VINAROZ

  • NOR AUTO – By Carrefour commercial centre

ULLDECONA AREA

  • MOLI’S OASE CAFE- on the road TV3319 KM8 Ulldecona to Senia-Urbanisation Moli D’Lom El Castel

ULLDECONA

  • CATALUNYA FINCAS – Calle Adell 18- Carole Palmer 627 740 044

You may also view it online at: http://www.theolivepress.eu/ 

          Please post your personal reviews of this new magazine  in the Comments box below. We will pass them along.

Un vino tinto o una grande cerveza por favor

EbroRose June 5th, 2008

One of the first phrases we learn as migrating English swallows to settle in the Ebrolands healthy micro-climates. After that we gather a few collective phrases together that follow on with small “bar stool” chat and then stop. Why?

So it was with interest to open my “Inbox” and read a very thought provoking article this morning by Mark Stucklin, “Brits fail the integration test” http://www.spanishpropertyinsight.com/buff/?p=40

I started this blog sometime ago and then left it for other priorities. Though my Spanish has progressed somewhat further, I too am guilty of no longer self-motivating to stretch my Spanish to higher levels.

It is a common joke amongst Catalans that the Northern Europeans think these are the most needed “survival terms” to learn. Nothing else matters! Why don´t we learn how to ask for meat or fish?

We have left behind us a country that is fast developing a drink culture with some ugly side affects of under age drinking. In Catalonia they always like a glass of wine with their dinner or cava on fiesta days. In all the four years I have lived in southern Catalonia I have never seen a local drunk. I may have followed a “weaving car” down a country road after “they” have enjoyed a family weekend meal at a finca. But never seen someone falling out of a bar (pub) – not in these country parts of medieval towns and friendly villages.

But why don´t we integrate more? We live amongst a vibrant multi-cultural community and friendship and hospitality should know no language barriers. Afterall, a smile and a hug does not need a translator!

I asked a friend of mine, Valerie Collins, to contribute towards  increasing my article up to 501 on “Things they told us before coming to Spain or Catalonia”  http://www.brighterspain.com/101things.html

 ”103.That Catalans tend not to invite you into their homes. You can be very good
friends with someone and only ever meet them in bars and restaurants.”

But that doesn´t stop you from inviting them into your home for a meal, a coffee -to join into a family barbecue with family from overseas. Come on meet them half-way and you will soon integrate. I have found my Spanish neighbours are shy, polite and “fear” to intrude but friendly and helpful at a drop of hat, if you ask them -quite reserved people really, but warm hearted and love to exchange their home-grown produce with you.

We are guilty of hiding behind our arrogance of “Being British is best. Let them learn our language!”

 Pardon me, whose country are we living in? This part of the woods Catalan is widely spoken , but they all speak Spanish and will switch languages for us Expats. So that is no excuse. They say knowledge is power, but mastering another language is a creating a life-long friend. 

But there are aids out there to help us conquer our fear of language learning and “In The Garlic” by Valerie Collins and Theresa O’Shea. (www.inthegarlic.com.) willgo a long way to help us to integrate with humour and information.

Tortosa snapshots – spy in the sky …

EbroRose June 2nd, 2008

I stumbled upon a nifty little site :

http://resimajans.com/tortosa.html

that portrays various sites relating to Tortosa. It depicts this blog one and www.Brighterspain.com.

I was a little wary on entering this site as I wasn´t sure if it was one of those “naughty girlie” sites. When you google the meaning of “Resimajas” it comes up as ‘girls’.  (Sorry guys, I was so wrong.)

The language looks Turkish but I am not sure. However, outcame my Turkish dicitionary and I found similar words. “Resim” means ‘design, drawing, picture, ceremony’. ( The ‘tax and toll ‘ meanings we don´t need reminding about!) Then “ResimÇekmek” implies ‘ to take a photograph’. “Resimli” translates as ‘illustrated’.

These all seem to fit into what their site is portraying. A dectective lens snooping, needless to say, to our advantage, on our website photos. I love free advertising!

They have  a search box at the top called “Resim Ara”. To see all our wonderful photos first type in “EbroVoice” and press Enter. This is fun as it shows all our delightful photos relating to our cheerful blogs about Catalonia, Spain. Ten pages to view and then you can click on and read our articles too.

Then enter “BrighterSpain” and it shows 10 pages of photos off our website. This is fabulous. It gives you the reader an informed “snappy” overview of the Lower Ebro region, activities, businesses and people and their culture. It is like looking at the old fashioned projector slide shows. Except you are not sat in a stuffy, boring old school hall for hours.

You will soon realize why this is such a wonderful area to holiday in.

Drop us an email : info@BrighterSpain.com

If anyone else has a take on the meaning of these foreign words or which language it is, please write to me on the above email. The thumbnails down the side of their site leads to  a host of non-related sites snapshots. Some little cyber-robot has been busy!

“In the Garlic” = “estar en el ajo”

EbroRose May 31st, 2008

“In The Garlic” a delightful read by Valerie Collins and Theresa O’Shea, must definitely be Number One book on “Must Have – Must Take ” list of everyone thinking of relocating or retiring out to Spain.

The lovable, little Señor Garlic man on the cover will become your best friend and save cover11.jpgyou many headaches. It will regenerate smile upon miles you explore. It is also a jolly good “holiday read” if you just like visiting the Mediterranean.

My sons will claim I have no sense of humour. But I chuckled my way through page after page. Things I wish I knew before I left “olde Blighty”. Situations I struggled with through mis-pronunciation and malapropism. If only someone had even lent me a copy before I became an Expat, things would have been so much easier!

 

A book I treasure weekly. Even though I am well-versed in daily living in Catalonia since 2004, I still find it valuable reading. It is totally different and exciting reading to what I expected from the title as it is not a cookery book (though it does deal with some cuisine mysteries). You will retain a good command of Spanish, essential terminology for information for legalities, festivities, quirks and quintessential survival and siestas fulled with belly laughter.

This is one of the few books where you can read any chapter or any page in which ever order takes your fancy. Every Expat, ( irrespective of your home language) should keep this book on your coffee table. Even explanations of boring bureaucracy are written accurately but with a hilarious slant.

Profound colloquialism can too come in handy if the need arises . A fabulous way to grasp the language and to know the score by the time you close the book. www.inthegarlic.com

 

Also read what Valerie Collins wrote about us in her and Theresa O’Shea’s blog and more snippets from their book:

“Archive for the ‘Catalunya’ Category

Chickens (and their heads)… again

April 4, 2008

Talking of Spanish chickens (as did we in connection with El Prat airport), did you know that when you buy a chicken at the supermarket, the head is still on it? I had forgotten this detail of Spanish life, one of the 101 Things They Never Told Us Before We Came To Spain featured at Brighter Spain. Go and read them here. And send in your own for the next 101. Brighter Spain (and Brighter Catalunya) is based near Tortosa in the Baix Ebre and they have some gorgeous holiday accommodation for rent and lots of info about the area.

 

or www.inthegarlic.com/wordpress”

No entiendo! I don´t understand

EbroRose May 15th, 2008

Have you just been awoken to one of those worrying phone calls where you have a chatty Spaniard or Catalonian jabbering away to you? He dots about his conversation with an odd English word, but you still can´t make any sense of it.

Don´t ignore the call. Check the number of “Last Received Call ” on your mobile and then call our very helpful and friendly local translator in the Lower Ebro Valley.

Chris Garton : 677 – 314 -228

977 – 059 – 260

I did and it has paid off to my advantage!

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