Notes in Spanish Advanced

NIS Advanced S3 - 14 - El Valle del Jerte

22 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

NIS Advanced S3 - 13 - El 80-20 de la felicidad

15 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

NIS Advanced S3 - 12 - Culto a la Gamba

08 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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

NIS Advanced S3 - 11 - Cervantes

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 infl...

NIS Advanced S3 - 10 - El Gozo de Leer

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 note...

NIS Advanced S3 - 09 - Bienvenido Introvertido

18 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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

NIS Advanced S3 - 08 - El poder del color verde

11 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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....

NIS Advanced S3 - 07 - El Triangulo del Drama

04 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ben and Marina discuss the Drama Triangle, a model for human relationships and interactions, and how we can escape it with a new psychological paradig...

NIS Advanced S3 - 06 - El-Maestro Yo-Yo

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

NIS Advanced S3 - 05 - MIcroAventuras

20 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 Mad...

NIS Advanced S3 - 04 - Codos-en-la-Mesa

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

NIS Advanced S3 - 03 - Homenaje a Donosti

06 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

NIS Advanced S3 - 02 - Cantautores

30 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ben and Marina discuss their favourite Spanish Singer-songwriters and some great concerts where they have heard some of the best of these artists play...

NIS Advanced S3 - 01 - Montana arriba

24 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 celebr...

NIS Advanced S2 - 20 - Homenaje a Madrid

16 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Ben and Marina discuss what makes Madrid so magical - its lively plazas, classic neighbourhoods, bars and terraces, restaurants and centuries-old arch...

NIS Advanced S2 - 19 - El Arte de Relajarse

09 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Ben and Marina discuss the art of relaxation, the 'sobremesa', walking, reading, watching films, our relaxation secrets and much more. See notesinspan...

NIS Advanced S2 - 18 - Generacion Movil

19 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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, abil...

NIS Advanced S2 - 17 - La Etiqueta en España

12 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 no...

NIS Advanced S2 - 16 - Saludos Españoles

05 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

NIS Advanced S2 - 15 - El Amor Por Los Idiomas

26 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 le...

NIS Advanced S2 - 14 - Paco de Lucia

19 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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

NIS Advanced S2 - 13 - Como Sobrevivir el Siglo 21

12 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

NIS Advanced S2 - 12 - Cataluña

05 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Ben and Marina discuss Cataluña, and the wonders of Catalan cuisine, landscapes, restaurants, pueblos, and of course, the great city of Barcelona. Pi...

NIS Advanced S2 - 11 - Niños felices, país feliz.

29 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 exam...

NIS Advanced S2 - 10 - Horarios Locos

22 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 i...

NIS Advanced S2 - 09 - Musicofilia

15 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Ben and Marina discuss Musicophilia, life-changing moments and their relation to music, music in our lives, and musicality in Spain. See notesinspanis...

NIS Advanced S2 - 08 - Cocido

08 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 h...

NIS Advanced S2 - 07 - La jungla en la ciudad

01 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

NIS Advanced S2 - 06 - El Camarero Honesto

20 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Ben and Marina discuss the odd rituals of Spanish restaurants: customer service, begging for 'la cuenta', tipping, and honest waiters. Plus the 'simpa...

NIS Advanced S2 - 05 - Un Mundo Bio

18 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Ben and Marina discuss the surprising landscapes of Almeria, and what shocked them about the cultivation of fruit and vegetables there, compared to th...

NIS Advanced S2 - 04 - Un Oasis de Silencio

11 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 Spai...

NIS Advanced S2 - 03 - España Globalizada

04 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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...

NIS Advanced S2 - 02 - La Vida Sin Muerte

27 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

NIS Advanced S2 - 01 - Minimalismo y Felicidad

20 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Ben and Marina discuss 'La Magia del Orden', a book that has changed their lives, and the relationship between living with minimal possessions and clu...

NIS Advanced 096 - Los Bomberos

29 May 2008

Contributed by Lukas

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! ...

NIS Advanced 095 - Adopciones

22 May 2008

Contributed by Lukas

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

15 May 2008

Contributed by Lukas

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 accompanyi...

NIS Advanced 093 - Plagas

08 May 2008

Contributed by Lukas

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

01 May 2008

Contributed by Lukas

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 accom...

NIS Advanced 091 - El Movil

13 Mar 2008

Contributed by Lukas

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

NIS Advanced 090 - La Oficina

06 Mar 2008

Contributed by Lukas

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

28 Feb 2008

Contributed by Lukas

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....

NIS Advanced 088 - La Canada Real

21 Feb 2008

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

NIS Advanced 087 - Notes from Spain

14 Feb 2008

Contributed by Lukas

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

NIS Adv 086 - Feliz Navidad

21 Dec 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

14 Dec 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

06 Dec 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

30 Nov 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

24 Nov 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

05 Oct 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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 acco...

NIS Adv 080 - El Sistema Educativo

28 Sep 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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 acco...

NIS Adv 079 - Polici­a Armada

21 Sep 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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 o...

NIS Adv 078 - Silvia, Bolivia y Madrid

14 Sep 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

NIS Adv 077 - La Muerte de la Siesta

07 Sep 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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 p...

NIS Adv 076 - Jornada de 4 horas a la semana

19 May 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

13 May 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

04 May 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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...

NIS Adv 073 - Una Boda Multicultural

27 Apr 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

NIS Adv 072 - Las Misses

08 Apr 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

NIS Adv 071 - Sevilla

30 Mar 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

NIS Adv 070 - Los Toros

23 Mar 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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 transcri...

NIS Adv 069 - Elisa

16 Mar 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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/wo...

NIS Adv 068 - Violencia domestica

10 Mar 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

03 Mar 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

NIS Adv 066 - Las Tres "Erres"

23 Feb 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

NIS Adv 065 - San Valentin

17 Feb 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

11 Feb 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

03 Feb 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

26 Jan 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

Notes in Spanish Advanced 61 - Don Quijote

19 Jan 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

12 Jan 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

05 Jan 2007

Contributed by Lukas

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

23 Dec 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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

Notes in Spanish Advanced 57 - Lepe

12 Dec 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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

30 Nov 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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

23 Nov 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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 acc...

Notes in Spanish Advanced 54 - Vigilancia

14 Nov 2006

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss the increasing amount of surveillance and security measures in the UK, and other controls on our civil liberties. See notesinspan...

Notes in Spanish Advanced 53 - Dia de Todos los Santos

08 Nov 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Notes in Spanish Advanced 52 - La Pantalla

30 Oct 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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

19 Oct 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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

05 Oct 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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

23 Sep 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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

Notes in Spanish 48 - Gitanos

13 Sep 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Advanced Notes in Spanish Podcast 47 - Trapicheos

03 Sep 2006

Contributed by Lukas

¡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 ove...

Notes in Spanish 46 - Asaltos a las casas

25 Aug 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Ben and Marina discuss the increasing problem of house burglaries in Spain, and the sometimes exaggerated measures being taken to prevent them.See not...

Notes in Spanish 45 - El 600

17 Aug 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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.co...

Notes in Spanish 44 - Bodas

10 Aug 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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

27 Jul 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Notes in Spanish 42 - Una entrevista con Pilar

14 Jul 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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

30 Jun 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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....

Notes in Spanish 40 - El destape

22 Jun 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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

11 Jun 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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

23 May 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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

Notes in Spanish 37 - Dialectos and Lenguas

11 May 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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

Notes in Spanish 36 - Usted y las propinas

30 Apr 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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

Notes in Spanish 35 - Topicos

20 Apr 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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

Notes in Spanish 34 - Kids on holiday

10 Apr 2006

Contributed by Lukas

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

Notes In Spanish 33 - Inmigracion

28 Mar 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Marina y Ben hablan de la inmigracion

Notes in Spanish 32 - Viviendo con los padres

20 Mar 2006

Contributed by Lukas

Viviendo con los padres en España