Advice for a 90 day stay in Vera

PaulJSowerbutts wrote on Sun Sep 1, 2024 9:36pm:

Hi everyone,

Although this site doesn't appear to be bristling with new posts, I thought I'd introduce myself.

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We're coming for a three month stay to Vera this month and, although very excited at this (semi) retired trip, we're quite nervous about not being too socially isolated. I guess there are expat groups around but, with the intention of bringing ourselves to the local people, we're wondering whether there are good local Spanish speaking courses or does any recommend any study at home courses. We'd prefer the former as it probably throws you in at the deep end.

Also, with a view to, ultimately, renting long term and getting a retirement visa, does anyone recommend any good estate agents or letting agents in the almeria region.

Thanks in advance.

PaulJSowerbutts wrote on Sun Sep 1, 2024 9:36pm:

Hi everyone,

Although this site doesn't appear to be bristling with new posts, I thought I'd introduce myself.

Read more...

We're coming for a three month stay to Vera this month and, although very excited at this (semi) retired trip, we're quite nervous about not being too socially isolated. I guess there are expat groups around but, with the intention of bringing ourselves to the local people, we're wondering whether there are good local Spanish speaking courses or does any recommend any study at home courses. We'd prefer the former as it probably throws you in at the deep end.

Also, with a view to, ultimately, renting long term and getting a retirement visa, does anyone recommend any good estate agents or letting agents in the almeria region.

Thanks in advance.

Geordiemark wrote on Mon Sep 2, 2024 9:06am:

As far as your learning the language goes, I'm using Duolingo. It won't make you fluent, only interacting with Spanish speakers will do that, but it will give you the building blocks that get you confident to speak the basics to people. The everyday stuff, ordering food and drinks, booking a tabl...

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...e in a restaurant, shopping etc, it's great for.

Alicia 11 wrote on Mon Sep 2, 2024 3:24pm:

agree Duolingo is great and funny but you need to practice every day.  When you get here go out and about to the Spanish areas of Vera and Garrucha and you will soon be able to order stuff in the bars and restaurants and they nearly all will use some english back if you start with some Spani...

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...sh.  

DarioMartin wrote on Mon Sep 2, 2024 8:40pm:

With regards local langauge courses … yes, run by the Ayuntamiento, but unfortunately for legal residents only.  

As others have suggested, DuoLingo.  It will give you the building blocks and will eventually move you to quite complicated and advanced language.  Commit to doing 15 minutes a day each and every day and you’ll be surprised at how you progress...

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...

With regards estate agents, again, yes and I’ll recommend Valerie Gage at am3 Vera - fully fluent in English, French and Spanish.

Val Gage: 618 981 896 or [email protected]

Arch1tect wrote on Mon Sep 2, 2024 3:54pm:

We found James Spanish School on-line lessons very good. Learn at your own pace and re-watch each lesson as often as you want if needs be. Accompanying notes are excellent also.

Only downside is you are not in a classroom environment, but that can be challenging and frustrating in itself sometimes if you are only progressing at the speed of the slowest learner in the class....

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PaulJSowerbutts wrote on Mon Sep 2, 2024 11:50pm:

Thanks for that.

I just looked at James's video on teaching the language without 'pedanticness' - I like the vibe of it. Might go for it. Thanks again.