Notes in Spanish Advanced

NIS Advanced S3 - 14 - El Valle del Jerte Jun 22, 2020

Ben and Marina discuss the beautiful Valle del Jerte in Extremadura, famous for its cherries. We look at local life, the cherry picking season, and an amazing, surprise concert in a bar. Get the worksheets at www.notesinspanish.com

NIS Advanced S3 - 13 - El 80-20 de la felicidad Jun 15, 2020

Ben and Marina look at the 80-20 principle, how it started in economics and business, and whether it could be the secret to living a happier life. See notesinspanish.com to pick up the worksheets!

NIS Advanced S3 - 12 - Culto a la Gamba Jun 08, 2020

Ben and Marina discuss a ridiculously expensive 'racion de gambas' - prawns - and the Spanish obsession with exquisite food! Pick up the worksheets at www.notesinspanish.com

NIS Advanced S3 - 11 - Cervantes Jun 01, 2020

Ben and Marina look at the extraordinary life of Cervantes, including duels, war, and imprisonment, and how all this led to Don Quijote, the most influential novel ever written. See notesinspanish.com to pick up the accompanying worksheets.

NIS Advanced S3 - 10 - El Gozo de Leer May 25, 2020

Ben and Marina discuss the joys of reading, what role it plays in our lives, and how to make the time for it in this busy age of distraction. See notesinspanish.com to pick up the accompanying worksheets.

NIS Advanced S3 - 09 - Bienvenido Introvertido May 18, 2020

Ben and Marina discuss introverts, our need for time out, creativity, group think and more. Visit notesinspanish.com to pick up the accompanying worksheets.

NIS Advanced S3 - 08 - El poder del color verde May 11, 2020

Ben and Marina discuss the healing power of a walk in the forest, and applications of nature to our overall well-being and health. See notesinspanish.com to pick up the worksheets.

NIS Advanced S3 - 07 - El Triangulo del Drama May 04, 2020

Ben and Marina discuss the Drama Triangle, a model for human relationships and interactions, and how we can escape it with a new psychological paradigm. See notesinspanish.com to pick up the worksheets!

NIS Advanced S3 - 06 - El-Maestro Yo-Yo Apr 27, 2020

Ben and Marina look at different approaches to learning, how to achieve mastery in anything, and the great cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Pick up the worksheets at www.notesinspanish.com

NIS Advanced S3 - 05 - MIcroAventuras Apr 20, 2020

Ben and Marina discuss big adventures and micro-adventures, how to make normal life more exciting, and an amazing 24 hours Marina spent high above Madrid! Pick up the worksheets at www.notesinspanish.com

NIS Advanced S3 - 04 - Codos-en-la-Mesa Apr 13, 2020

Ben and Marina discuss Spanish table manners, cultural differences between Spain and the UK, and whether the Spanish or the British demand too much of themselves or are really capable or relaxing. Get the worksheets at notesinspanish.com

NIS Advanced S3 - 03 - Homenaje a Donosti Apr 06, 2020

Ben and Marina discuss one of their favourite cities on earth - Donosti, or San Sebastian, in the Basque Country. We look at what makes it so special, plus introduce a real character from our past. Pick up the worksheets at www.notesinspanish.com

NIS Advanced S3 - 02 - Cantautores Mar 30, 2020

Ben and Marina discuss their favourite Spanish Singer-songwriters and some great concerts where they have heard some of the best of these artists playing live. Pick up the worksheets to learn even more, at www.notesinspanish.com

NIS Advanced S3 - 01 - Montana arriba Mar 24, 2020

Ben and Marina discuss an amazing trek Marina did up a mountain high in the Spanish Pyrenees, joining local villagers of all ages for a special celebration. Learn even more Spanish with the accompanying worksheets from www.notesinspanish.com

NIS Advanced S2 - 20 - Homenaje a Madrid Apr 16, 2018

Ben and Marina discuss what makes Madrid so magical - its lively plazas, classic neighbourhoods, bars and terraces, restaurants and centuries-old architecture. Get the transcript and worksheet at notesinspanish.com

NIS Advanced S2 - 19 - El Arte de Relajarse Apr 09, 2018

Ben and Marina discuss the art of relaxation, the 'sobremesa', walking, reading, watching films, our relaxation secrets and much more. See notesinspanish.com for the the full transcript/worksheet

NIS Advanced S2 - 18 - Generacion Movil Mar 19, 2018

Ben and Marina discuss the excessive use of smartphones and social networks in the younger generations, and what effect it can have on our minds, ability to reason, and even our democracy. See notesinspanish.com for the transcript/worksheet

NIS Advanced S2 - 17 - La Etiqueta en España Mar 12, 2018

Ben and Marina discuss etiquette in Spain, covering Spanish punctuality, inviting people to your home in Spain, and how to be polite with food. See notesinspanish.com for the full transcript and worksheet.

NIS Advanced S2 - 16 - Saludos Españoles Mar 05, 2018

Ben and Marina talk about the endless ways of greeting people in Spain - should you shake hands, give two kisses, a hug, or a combination of all of them? Get the full transcript and worksheet at notesinspanish.com

NIS Advanced S2 - 15 - El Amor Por Los Idiomas Feb 26, 2018

Ben and Marina discuss a new device that translates real time conversations into different languages on the go, and ask if it's the end of language learning - no way! See Notesinspanish.com for the transcript/worksheet

NIS Advanced S2 - 14 - Paco de Lucia Feb 19, 2018

Ben and Marina discuss Paco de Lucia, the famous flamenco guitarist who took this very Spanish music onto the international stage. See notesinspanish.com for the accompanying worksheets.

NIS Advanced S2 - 13 - Como Sobrevivir el Siglo 21 Feb 12, 2018

Ben and Marina discuss why everyone is stressed these days, the number of things we have going on in life, the quantity of inputs overwhelming us all, and how to solve this 21st century problem. Get the transcript/worksheet at notesinspanish.com

NIS Advanced S2 - 12 - Cataluña Feb 05, 2018

Ben and Marina discuss Cataluña, and the wonders of Catalan cuisine, landscapes, restaurants, pueblos, and of course, the great city of Barcelona. Pick up the worksheets to accompany this podcast at notesinspanish.com

NIS Advanced S2 - 11 - Niños felices, país feliz. Jan 29, 2018

Ben and Marina discuss the idea that Denmark is the happiest country on earth because it brings up happy children that turn into happy adults. We examine how, and compare to Spain and the UK. Pick up the accompanying worksheet at notesinspanish.com

NIS Advanced S2 - 10 - Horarios Locos Jan 22, 2018

Ben and Marina discuss why Spain still has such a crazy timetable for shops, office work, meals, the roots of this problem in Franco's Spain, and if it can change. See notesinspanish.com for the worksheet/transcript for all episodes.

NIS Advanced S2 - 09 - Musicofilia Jan 15, 2018

Ben and Marina discuss Musicophilia, life-changing moments and their relation to music, music in our lives, and musicality in Spain. See notesinspanish.com for the transcript/worksheet for this audio.

NIS Advanced S2 - 08 - Cocido Jan 08, 2018

Ben and Marina talk about Cocido, a typical dish from Madrid that Marina's dad would eat 5 days-a-week in post civil war Spain and is now considered high cuisine . See notesinspanish.com for the transcript/worksheet

NIS Advanced S2 - 07 - La jungla en la ciudad Jan 01, 2018

Ben and Marina discuss the presence of wild animals in cities, comparing Spain to Africa and India, and the unfortunate fate of some wild boars in a town near Madrid. See notesinspanish.com for the transcript/worksheet

NIS Advanced S2 - 06 - El Camarero Honesto Dec 20, 2017

Ben and Marina discuss the odd rituals of Spanish restaurants: customer service, begging for 'la cuenta', tipping, and honest waiters. Plus the 'simpa' and Ben´s related confession. See notesinspanish.com for the worksheets.

NIS Advanced S2 - 05 - Un Mundo Bio Dec 18, 2017

Ben and Marina discuss the surprising landscapes of Almeria, and what shocked them about the cultivation of fruit and vegetables there, compared to the Pyrenees. Plus organic food culture in Spain. Get the worksheets at notesinspanish.com

NIS Advanced S2 - 04 - Un Oasis de Silencio Dec 11, 2017

Ben and Marina discuss an article by Nobel laureate Mario Vargas Llosa about his stay in a Benedictine monastery, plus the rise of mindfulness in Spain, and the need for oases of peace in our busy world. Get the transcript/worksheet at notesinspanish.com

NIS Advanced S2 - 03 - España Globalizada Dec 04, 2017

Ben and Marina discuss whether Spain is losing its wonderful Spanish-ness, especially in the restaurant sector. Is the family-run place a thing of the past? Get a full transcript of the conversation and much more in the worksheets at notesinspanish.com

NIS Advanced S2 - 02 - La Vida Sin Muerte Nov 27, 2017

Ben and Marina discuss the idea that by 2040 humans will be able to live forever, and the repercussions this would have in medicine, religion and all aspects of life as we know it. Get the full transcript/accompanying worksheet at www.notesinspanish.com

NIS Advanced S2 - 01 - Minimalismo y Felicidad Nov 20, 2017

Ben and Marina discuss 'La Magia del Orden', a book that has changed their lives, and the relationship between living with minimal possessions and clutter, and our happiness. Pick up the worksheets with full transcript at www.notesinspanish.com

NIS Advanced 096 - Los Bomberos May 29, 2008

Marta worked in a UK school for a while this year, and her experiences highlight just why the Brits can be uptight and the Spanish much more relaxed! It's all about the firefighters! See NotesinSpanish.com to pick up the accompanying transcript/worksheet.

NIS Advanced 095 - Adopciones May 22, 2008

We discuss adoptions in Spain, and a recent terrible case from Argentina. See NotesinSpanish.com to pick up the accompanying transcript/worksheet.

NIS Advanced 094 - Ser Mujer en la Epoca de Franco May 15, 2008

What was it like to be a young woman in Franco's times? Marina talks to the mother of a great friend. See NotesinSpanish.com to pick up the accompanying transcript/worksheet.

NIS Advanced 093 - Plagas May 08, 2008

What happens when rats take over an entire region in India? See NotesinSpanish.com to pick up the accompanying transcript/worksheet.

NIS Advanced 092 - Las Olimpiadas de China May 01, 2008

As China prepares from the Olympics, protests erupt around the world. But are we all blameless these days? See NotesinSpanish.com to pick up the accompanying transcript/worksheet.

NIS Advanced 091 - El Movil Mar 13, 2008

Mobile phone madness in the Metro, golfing in bed, and those infernal ring tones. See NotesinSpanish.com to pick up the accompanying transcript/worksheet.

NIS Advanced 090 - La Oficina Mar 06, 2008

Does any work get done in a Spanish office? And how do you cope with the boss? See NotesinSpanish.com to pick up the accompanying transcript/worksheet.

NIS Advanced 089 - El Camino Feb 28, 2008

Marina talks to her friend Isabel about the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrims' route across Northern Spain followed by 50,000 people every year. See NotesinSpanish.com to pick up the accompanying transcript/worksheet.

NIS Advanced 088 - La Canada Real Feb 21, 2008

Once a Royal cattle trail, this stretch of land just outside Madrid has turned into Europe's biggest shanty town. See NotesinSpanish.com to pick up the accompanying transcript/worksheet.

NIS Advanced 087 - Notes from Spain Feb 14, 2008

When a blog post went very very wrong! - See NotesinSpanish.com to pick up the accompanying transcript/worksheet.

NIS Adv 086 - Feliz Navidad Dec 21, 2007

Happy Christmas from Notes in Spanish! Today we have a special festive episode for you! See notesinspanish.com to pick up the accompanying worksheet.

NIS Adv 085 - La de la verguenza Dec 14, 2007

Fighting to pay in bars and restaurants in Spain, and never eating the last croqueta. See notesinspanish.com for a full transcript/worksheet.

NIS Adv 084 - Vegetarianismo en España Dec 06, 2007

Marina talks to Yolanda and Elena about the tricky job of being a vegetarian in Spain. See notesinspanish.com for the accompanying worksheet.

NIS Adv 083 - Trafico Nov 30, 2007

Is the collapse of all conventional traffic systems near?See notesinspanish.com for more details and to pick up the transcript/worksheet

NIS Adv 082 - Blog de la Miss Nov 24, 2007

Ben and Marina talk to Arturo, who wrote the famous Blog de la Miss... see notesinspanish.com for details and accompanying worksheet.

NIS Adv 081 - La Psicologia de Volar Oct 05, 2007

To what extent are the powers that be and the airline companies messing with our psychology when we catch a plane? See notesinspanish.com for the accompanying worksheet/transcript.

NIS Adv 080 - El Sistema Educativo Sep 28, 2007

Ben and Marina talk to Marina\\\'s sister Marta about the Spanish education system and cheating in exams! See notesinspanish.com to pick up the accompanying worksheet.

NIS Adv 079 - Policia Armada Sep 21, 2007

Gun crime is rising in the UK, but the police still don't carry guns! Is the tazer the answer? Check out notesinspanish.com for a full transcript on our accompanying worksheets.

NIS Adv 078 - Silvia, Bolivia y Madrid Sep 14, 2007

Today we chat to Silvia, who moved to Madrid from Bolivia around 7 years ago after reading a very inspiring book... See notesinspanish.com to pick up the transcript on the accompanying worksheet.

NIS Adv 077 - La Muerte de la Siesta Sep 07, 2007

Is the siesta really on its way out? What other changes is Europe forcing upon an unsuspecting Spain? See notesinspanish.com for more details and to pick up the accompanying worksheets.

NIS Adv 076 - Jornada de 4 horas a la semana May 19, 2007

Do you suffer from information overload?! Here are some tips that are helping to reduce ours! See notesinspanish.com for a full transcript/worksheet.

NIS Adv 075 - Doreana y Argentina May 13, 2007

Ben and Marina talk to their Argentinian friend Doreana about life in Argentina and Spain. See notesinspanish.com for the full transcript/worksheet.

NIS Adv 074 - La Mili May 04, 2007

Ben and Marina talk to Javi about 'la Mili' - the obligatory military service he undertook in Spain. See notesinspanish.com for details and to pick up the worksheet/transcript.

NIS Adv 073 - Una Boda Multicultural Apr 27, 2007

Antonio tells Marina about his multi-cultural wedding in Sevilla. See notesinspanish.com to pick up the transcription/worksheet.

NIS Adv 072 - Las Misses Apr 08, 2007

Scandal in the Miss Spain competition! See notesinspanish.com for more details and to download the worksheet/transcript.

NIS Adv 071 - Sevilla Mar 30, 2007

Marina talks to her ex-workmate Antonio about Seville. See notesinspanish.com for the full transcript/worksheet.

NIS Adv 070 - Los Toros Mar 23, 2007

Marina and Ben discuss a new law in Spain aimed to protect some animals... but not all...See notesinspanish.com for more details and the full transcript/worksheet.

NIS Adv 069 - Elisa Mar 16, 2007

Marina talks to her mother, Elisa, about Elisa's mother's rather numerous family and times gone by.See notesinspanish.com to pick up the transcript/worksheet.

NIS Adv 068 - Violencia domestica Mar 10, 2007

Ben and Marina discuss the subject of domestic violence in Spain and beyond.See notesinspanish.com for details and to pick up the transcript/worksheet.

NIS Adv 067 - Fidel Mar 03, 2007

The ethics of tourism... see notesinspanish.com for a full transcript/worksheet and to comment.

NIS Adv 066 - Las Tres "Erres" Feb 23, 2007

Marina talks to Isabel, an expert in the conservation of natural resources. See notesinspanish.com for the transcript/worksheet.

NIS Adv 065 - San Valentin Feb 17, 2007

How did you spend San Valentin this year? See notesinspanish.com for full detials and to pick up the accompanying worksheet.

NIS Adv 064 - Gripe Aviar Feb 11, 2007

Bird flu is back on the agenda, who is going to benefit? See notesinspanish.com for a full transcript/worksheet for today's podcast.

NIS Adv 063 - Gemelos Feb 03, 2007

Do you think it's OK to have twins at 67? The press does... see notesinspanish.com for full details and to pick up the accompanying worksheet.

NIS Adv 062 - El Vino Jan 26, 2007

What are the Spanish drinking these days? See notesinspanish.com for a full transcript/worksheet...

Notes in Spanish Advanced 61 - Don Quijote Jan 19, 2007

Ben and Marina discuss Spain's most famous literary figure. See notesinspanish.com for details and to download the full transcript/worksheet.

Notes in Spanish Advanced 60 - Fuegos Artificiales Jan 12, 2007

Marina talks about an explosive New Years Eve that nearly ended in a riot!See notesinspanish.com for the full transcript/worksheet.

Notes in Spanish Advanced 59 - De Rebajas Jan 05, 2007

It's sales time, and Ben is in trouble over his ageing wardrobe! See notesinspanish.com for the full transcript/worksheet.

Notes in Spanish Advanced 58 - Navidades en Familia Dec 23, 2006

The other side of Christmas - keeping the families happy and avoiding divorce! See notesinspanish.com for more details and to pick up the transcript/worksheet.

Notes in Spanish Advanced 57 - Lepe Dec 12, 2006

Did you here the one about the snow in Lepe? See notesinspanish.com for full details and for the accompanying transcript worksheet.

Notes in Spanish Advanced 56 - Choques Culturales Nov 30, 2006

Have you ever had a culture shock at home or abroad? See notesinspanish.com for full details and the accompanying worksheet.

Notes in Spanish Advanced 55 - Mi Diario Nov 23, 2006

Is the diary a thing of the past? Will our grandchildren have photos to remember us by? See notesinspanish.com for full details and to pick up the accompanying transcript and worksheet.

Notes in Spanish Advanced 54 - Vigilancia Nov 14, 2006

This week we discuss the increasing amount of surveillance and security measures in the UK, and other controls on our civil liberties. See notesinspanish.com for full details and to access the accompanying worksheet.

Notes in Spanish Advanced 53 - Dia de Todos los Santos Nov 08, 2006

As people all over Spain gather at relatives' graves to celebrate All Saint's day, Marina and Ben take a walk in the park and discuss public holidays and strange naming conventions in Spain. See notesinspanish.com for full details and to pick up the worksheet and transcript.

Notes in Spanish Advanced 52 - La Pantalla Oct 30, 2006

Are we slaves to all the screens in our lives? See notesinspanish.com for full details and accompanying worksheet.

Notes in Spanish Advanced 51 - Ansiedad de Status Oct 19, 2006

Ben and Marina discuss status anxiety amongst people in Spain and further afield. See notesinspanish.com for full details

Notes in Spanish Advanced 50 - Arrepentimientos Oct 05, 2006

Do you have any regrets in life? See Notes in Spanish.com for full details and to comment.

Notes in Spanish Advanced 49 - Pasarela de Cibeles Sep 23, 2006

Ben and Marina discuss this weeks fashion show in Madrid. See notesinspanish.com for full details of this podcast.

Notes in Spanish 48 - Gitanos Sep 13, 2006

Ben and Marina talk about the Gipsy population in Spain, the social problems they both face and create, and their contribution to Spanish culture. See notesinspanish.com for more details.

Advanced Notes in Spanish Podcast 47 - Trapicheos Sep 03, 2006

¡Sacando colores a Marina! Well, if she will insist on breaking the law ;) In fact it seems the whole country is at it - there are trapicheos all over the place these days! To download the worksheet and to comment, visit our new site at NotesinSpanish.com

Notes in Spanish 46 - Asaltos a las casas Aug 25, 2006

Ben and Marina discuss the increasing problem of house burglaries in Spain, and the sometimes exaggerated measures being taken to prevent them.See notesfromspain.com for full details and to download the accompanying transcript and worksheet.

Notes in Spanish 45 - El 600 Aug 17, 2006

Marina interviews her father about a classic piece of Spanish history hidden in the garage, and a trip he'll never forget... See www.notesinspanish.com for full details...

Notes in Spanish 44 - Bodas Aug 10, 2006

Ben and Marina talk about a recent wedding in Galicia, and Spanish wedding customs in general. See www.notesfromspain.com for full details

Notes in Spanish 43 - Verano Jul 27, 2006

Ben and Marina discuss the changes that come over Madrid in summer - loads of great vocab as usual. See notesfromspain.com for full details and to get the worksheet.

Notes in Spanish 42 - Una entrevista con Pilar Jul 14, 2006

Marina interviews Pilar about moving from Madrid to the UK. See www.notesfromspain.com to get the accompanying worksheet and to comment.

Notes in Spanish 41 - Sol, Sexo y Sangria Jun 30, 2006

Ben and Marina talk about tourism in Spain, and the Spanish view of different types of tourists from around the world. Comments in the notesfromspain.com forums!

Notes in Spanish 40 - El destape Jun 22, 2006

Marina and Ben discuss the effect of the bikini on life in Spain after Franco died. See www.notesfromspain.com for more details.

Notes in Spanish 39 - Choques Culturales - Trascripcion Jun 11, 2006

Ben y Marina hablan de algunos choques culturales que han encontrado en España y Inglaterra. www.notesfromspain.com

Notes in Spanish 38 - España y Inglaterra May 23, 2006

Marina y Ben hablan de las cosas que no les gustan de España y Inglaterra.

Notes in Spanish 37 - Dialectos and Lenguas May 11, 2006

Ben and Marina discuss the topic of dialects and language in Spain.

Notes in Spanish 36 - Usted y las propinas Apr 30, 2006

Marina and Ben talk about when to use tu or usted, and tipping in Spain.

Notes in Spanish 35 - Topicos Apr 20, 2006

Ben and Marina talk about the stereotypes associated with Spain and the Spanish. A transcript for this podcast with vocab and exercises is available via Notesfromspain.com

Notes in Spanish 34 - Kids on holiday Apr 10, 2006

Flying home, and chatting about holidaying with kids in Spain.

Notes In Spanish 33 - Inmigracion Mar 28, 2006

Marina y Ben hablan de la inmigracion

Notes in Spanish 32 - Viviendo con los padres Mar 20, 2006

Viviendo con los padres en España