May you have very few occasions to use that word!

My former sister-in-law is from Algeciras, province of Cádiz, and it´s so funny the way she talks. As Gibraltar (that belongs to the UK) is so close, they have "invented" new words based on English words. For example, the plaza of la Focona (Four Corners, based on the British pronunciation of the name of the square); also, when they see a boat with glass bottom to observe the sea, it´s the "Gláborombó" (Glass Bottom Boat, in Cádiz accent). And so many others...

This is all so interesting! I'd love to learn more new words or phrases that might be spoken in the various parts of Andalucia..

The Spanish I hear most is Mexican, and that's a whole other minefield!

In my building in New York most of the staff come from Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico and each often makes fun of words the others use.

When I was taking Spanish classes, many teachers were originally from Mexico, Cuba, Argentina
They would often mention the differences in pronunciation, grammar or meaning compared to Castellano.
For example :
”when communicating in Spanish, it's crucial to be aware of the regional variations and avoid using "coger" in Latin American contexts where it might be considered offensive” 🙀

There can be a great difference among the Spanish spoken in Mexico, Puerto Rico/ Dominican Republic/Cuba, Argentina/Chile and Central America. And there’s the “vos” form of speaking…
José Andrés’ wife is from Algeciras, and that Spanish is quite a mix.

Then within Spain you have the issue of multiple official languages, gallego, catalán, euskara, castellano, and non official languages or dialects, spoken by few but still alive, such as aranés in the Val ‘Aran, bable/asturianu in Asturias, etc.

We’ve been in Navarra and the País Vasco for the past few weeks and will attend a wedding of our friend who plays the txalaparta ( who plyed for our wedding), on Saturday in Aduna, near Tolosa, in the beautiful Goierri, where we expect many will be speaking euskara.

So, Zoroniak to the bride and groom!

Zoroniak!!! That now makes three words in Basque that I know.

Eks, Maribel and whoever else may have recommended Penelope Casa's '92 book 'Discovering Spain' above, a big Gracias. Read the relevant Andalucian chapter today at the aforementioned Reference Library.
Of course it was dated but no matter--I was after info that was permanent and the book did not disappoint.
I am done. the end

Zebe..For Italy, a book with similarly great info and insights, by the Italophile and opera fanatic,, Fred Plotkin:


For Campania, Carla Capalbo:

https://carlacapalbo.com/2021/02/the...-and-campania/


Rumor has it that you've been spotted under an alias on another travel forum....

I'm outta here....

Thank you for answering mine ( and other posters) questions on this thread.
My trip was uncertain because of h’s knee surgery ( thx for good wishes).
We learned today it will be early December before he can have it.

Well, I immediately booked my flight to Madrid ( nine nights on the ground) in mid October.

Now, I would appreciate suggestions for the hotel in Seville. ( around 300 euros )
We visited twice in the past but stayed in apartments.
I know October is a busy tourist season in Andalusia…
I better get moving 😎

It's been a long time, but I thoroughly enjoyed the Las Casas de la Juderia. It still gets some very favorable reviews.

Wishing you and H good health!

Thx , kind of you

I will take a look at the Casas

Danon,
It has been ages but maybe check out Hotel Simon? It was our fave on one trip to Spain.
It was the first time that I wrote the following in our journal: "Now this is fantastic! A two-star hotel that tries hard to be a three-star."
Good luck.

thx…the hotel rates in Madrid are already higher than this spring . The exchange rate is not helping.🙄

DANON HELLO!

I've thought of your spouse & wondered where you guys were in the journey. ( I am actually now post op day 5 of my total knee replacement myself )

We highly recomend H10 Casa de la La Plata. We learned of it by way of Maribel. Great location in pedestrian area, near shopping, near Las Setas ( the Mushrooms) near Flamenco Las Setas too which I recommend. The hotel staff actually walked us a block in the rain to ensure taxi was waiting. What stood out for us was the very helpful & accomodating staff.
They will help in so many ways & have retained a true concierge level service.George & Antonio are two names I recollect.
Don't be shy to ask for help or just suggestions they are very informed.

I immediately joined the loyalty club & booked directly with hotel to assure best rate. Breakfast was extensive & delicious $$. Around the corner is an old school cafe where locals eat I can get the street name if you like.

https://www.h10hotels.com/en/seville...sa-de-la-plata

Hi,
I hope you are doing well..I know it is a long recovery.
thank you very much for the link..what a nice place !.

There was one room left in the whole hotel. I booked it !🇪🇸

Could this fit into the budget?

HOTEL DON RAMON

thx eks…
it is fab, but over my budget.

Amcita I'm sending heartfelt wishes your way!!!!

I never knew this song but heard it during a wedding at the hotel we stayed at on La Toja..it made me cry but it's so pretty. but it's not flamenco!!!!


https://www.abc.es/sevilla/ciudad/fa...72241-nts.html

DANON SO glad you got the last room. As a new loyalty member upon checkin I would nicely ask if any upgrade is available.

Scrunchita, I love that song & can understand how you were moved by it. The duo that sings it ( Los Del Rio) was best known in US for the " Macarena". ( Not flamenco either)
I see from your attachment that one of the authors of this lovely sentimental ode to Sevilla is one of my favorite funny guys Cesar Cadaval. ( Of the comedy team Los Morancos) Now those guys are VERY flamenco. Thank you for sharing this!

My question combines knee surgery and Spain. My husband is scheduled to have a total knee replacement in late January. We have a 6 week trip to Spain planned starting mid-March (Malaga and Valencia). We are renting apartments and once we're there I'm sure he could manage. But from my googling it seems like that is not enough time for him to complete PT and there are also cautions about long plane trips so soon after major surgery. Of course he says he is strong, will be fine, doesn't want to just sit around for so long.

It seems like a few posters to this thread have gone through total knee replacement or it is scheduled. I'm looking for advice on how long a realistic recuperation should take, how long after surgery it's safe to fly, etc. I'd appreciate any guidance.