I'm looking for a place where I could learn spanish and get rock climbing certifications, does anybody know a place where I could check out?
The only places that gives "certifications" are guide-training operations or indoor climbing gyms, everywhere else you just go climb.
The only place I could recommend would be El Potrero Chico. That's not to say there aren't a ton of other places in the world to do just the same, but as a foreigner that would be the only place I know of where I would feel comfortable going.
I'm looking for a place where I could learn spanish and get rock climbing certifications, does anybody know a place where I could check out?
The only places that gives "certifications" are guide-training operations or indoor climbing gyms, everywhere else you just go climb.
The only place I could recommend would be El Potrero Chico. That's not to say there aren't a ton of other places in the world to do just the same, but as a foreigner that would be the only place I know of where I would feel comfortable going.
Good luck.
Wow, you'd feel more comfortable going to potrero than to spain? I've lived in mexico for a couple of years but I wouldn't feel comfortable going to potrero now given the current state of the country. Spain however is at the top of my list for future out of country road trips.
That makes sense. The whole mexico situation really sucks. I would love to spend more time down there, but regardless of what potrero Ed says, I just don't feel comfortable with that idea right now.
Everything here in the Potrero is tranquilo but if you're main objective is to learn Spanish I would recommend Guanajuato where there are some good intensive Spanish schools where you live with a Mexican family. There is decent climbing in the area as well.
Also, FYI, many Spanish-speaking countries are NOT located in South America.
Mexico is in North America, as is Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
Guatelmala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Panama, are in Central America.
It always amazes me how little about their own continent USians seem to know about...
where in god's name did you get that from?
From blueshrimp's exhaustive study of USians, I'm sure. Althouigh I do agree there are many people without a clue in this country, no, the world. And i'm adding Switzerland to the top of the list.
(This post was edited by sonso45 on Jun 27, 2013, 4:26 PM)
Also, FYI, many Spanish-speaking countries are NOT located in South America.
Mexico is in North America, as is Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
Guatelmala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Panama, are in Central America.
It always amazes me how little about their own continent USians seem to know about...
where in god's name did you get that from?
From blueshrimp's exhaustive study of USians, I'm sure. Althouigh I do agree there are many people without a clue in this country, no, the world. And i'm adding Switzerland to the top of the list.
Having lived across the pond and south of the equator, my experience suggests that it always depends on the individual. I've met Americans from Tennessee travelling in Scotland who didn't know Maine the first time they heard me say it (they were expecting another country - and yes, my Greek gf at the was laughing hysterically), and I've met many, many Europeans who think everyone in the U.S. owns a gun and that all Americans believe that a gun and war are the only ways to solve problems.
Also, FYI, many Spanish-speaking countries are NOT located in South America.
Mexico is in North America, as is Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
Guatelmala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Panama, are in Central America.
It always amazes me how little about their own continent USians seem to know about...
where in god's name did you get that from?
From the fact that USians refer to their country as "America", when, clearly, "America" is a continent where Spanish, not English, is predominantly spoken by no less than 20 countries out of the 35 that are situated in said continent, and of which the US is only one of them (and where Spanish speakers, in that country, are rapidly growing in population percentage (see for instance here: http://en.wikipedia.org/...in_the_United_States).
I've lived in the US for 13 years, in Mexico for 18, and in Europe for 5. So I've met USians, Europeans, and Latin Americans enough to be able to generalize and make jokes without worrying too much about whether people think I'm stereotypical or "Swiss" (my nationality, actually, is Italian, as I was born there and I'm just here in Switzerland visiting for work, because here's where they pay me oodles more than they do in the USA).
Where have you folks lived? The US only? The fact that you seem to think "Mexico is dangerous" and you can only learn Spanish in either Spain or "South America" just sort of shows that you know a lot less of the world than I know about the good 'ol US of A.
In England they don't speak English, they only speak English in America? WTF?? Your either confused or well....
Umm...as a reminder, the majority of people living in "America" speak Spanish. That's the official language of 20 of the 35 countries that make this continent (and a lot of people living in countries where it is not official, like, say the US or Canada, speak it too! The horror!). The US is a country in the continent of America. Thus, you would be more correct to joke that in the US people speak "USian", not "American", since "American", given the numbers and percentage of speakers that make up this continent, actually probably more accurately reflects "Spanish".
Anyway, I think you may be a bit more confused about geography than I am.
I am also a fluent (native) Spanish and English speaker equally, and I can therefore easily joke that the Spanish from Spain, is "not real Spanish", just like one might joke, in the UK, that the English spoken in the US is not real "English". It's a joke. Get over it. And it is also true that no one outside of Spain understands the Spanish when they speak (Spanish or otherwise). Heck, sometimes they don't even understand each other!
Travel more, kiddo. It might help your geography, and maybe even give you a sense of humor. :)
(This post was edited by blueshrimp on Jun 28, 2013, 12:42 PM)
The geography lesson being discussed is irrelevant. In regards to your two questions, I think learning Spanish would be the easy part, no matter where you choose to go. The certifications may be more difficult. The factor to consider in all this is probably the level of economic development the country has had and is currently in. Sadly, this may rule out much of south and central America. Spain, although currently going through an economic crisis, may have the schools that you want. Although beautiful and full of untapped potential, Bolivia is probably out. The certified guides I've met there focus more on the big mountains and guiding toursits. The outfit Andean Summits has trips to Quimsa Cruz, which is fantastic. They may do certs. too.
1. I think the only language your fluent in is attitude. 2. The US is a continent of North America. 3. I think you know i meant. Why do they call it American football and not US football? But I do agree most people call the US, America incorrectly and do not realize it. 4. I know more geography than you think. I have been around the world my friend. I was giving you the benefit of the doubt before. 5. And no you can't joke that Spain does not speak real Spanish. Spanish is a Roman language. Spanish came from Europe. The only reason they speak Spanish in central and South America is becasue the Spanish killed and raped the native people there. They came from Spain. I believe there are native variations such as Quechua in Peru, which has become an official language of Peru and Bolivia. These would be and are becoming the languages of the countries that once were under colonization. 6. American Spanish also has sooo many variations. There is Mexican Spanish, Puerto Rican Spanish, Guatemalan Spanish, Costa Rican Spanish,Cuban Spanish, Andean Spanish, Chilean Spanish, Peruvian Spanish, Rioplatense Spanish, etc. All Spanish, but different. 7. Another notable trend is the higher abundance of loan words taken from English in Latin America as well as words derived from English. In Latin America they speak of la computadora while in Spain it's el ordenador, caro/coche etc. and each word sounds foreign in the region where it is not used. 8. I believe language is more of a history lesson than a geography lesson. So learn some history and put away the attitude.
Also, FYI, many Spanish-speaking countries are NOT located in South America.
Mexico is in North America, as is Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
Guatelmala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Panama, are in Central America.
It always amazes me how little about their own continent USians seem to know about...
where in god's name did you get that from?
From the fact that USians refer to their country as "America", when, clearly, "America" is a continent where Spanish, not English, is predominantly spoken by no less than 20 countries out of the 35 that are situated in said continent, and of which the US is only one of them (and where Spanish speakers, in that country, are rapidly growing in population percentage (see for instance here: http://en.wikipedia.org/...in_the_United_States).
I've lived in the US for 13 years, in Mexico for 18, and in Europe for 5. So I've met USians, Europeans, and Latin Americans enough to be able to generalize and make jokes without worrying too much about whether people think I'm stereotypical or "Swiss" (my nationality, actually, is Italian, as I was born there and I'm just here in Switzerland visiting for work, because here's where they pay me oodles more than they do in the USA).
Where have you folks lived? The US only? The fact that you seem to think "Mexico is dangerous" and you can only learn Spanish in either Spain or "South America" just sort of shows that you know a lot less of the world than I know about the good 'ol US of A.
You realize the only country in the Americas (with s) with the word "America" in it is the United States of America. Yeah, this is sometimes a sour subject in South America at least (and having lived in Scotland, Chile, and Brasil, and spent a considerable amount of time in Greece, I feel I can have an opinion, too), but knowing the above kind of makes sense now right?
OK, so you were joking, but the thing is, it's not REALLY a joke for you is it? The US is a rather sensitive topic for Europeans isn't it? Actually, any other country that has any influence (cultural, political, or otherwise) on Western Europe is a bit of a touchy subject for Europeans.
I'll tell you what regarding Spanish. I have a friend I knew in Chile. He understood about 20% of what the Chileans were saying to him during his time there. He traveled to Mexico and understood 80% a day after leaving Chile.
I'm in a Portuguese class now with a lot of South Americans (Argentinians, Columbians, Chileans, Peruvians, and Bolivians). One girl from Columbia knows very little Portuguese, and we were talking about giria in Portuguese (slang, in English). She didn't understand the word. So one of the Argentinians told her the word in Spanish, except she didn't know this word. Then one of the girls from Peru told her another word in Spanish, and she still didn't know the word. She also didn't know the word that the Bolivian used. Four completely separate words for the word "slang" in the same language from four different countries bordering each other.
This leads me to believe there is no real Spanish. I'd still choose Spain over South America as a destination to climb and learn Spanish. Andalucia in winter is sweet.
BTW - the number of Spanish speakers in the US is irrelevant. Other than the fact that school must integrate students into English and subjects be taught in English, the US doesn't have an official language. So, in time, the answer to the OP could very well be, the United States of America.
In England they don't speak English, they only speak English in America? WTF?? Your either confused or well....
The US is a country in the continent of America.
Um, no. America means United States to everyone except you. Last I checked, the US is located in North America. I speak four languages, and have been to every state in the US, and every continent except Antarctica. So spare me your condescending attitude, some of us are very well traveled.
As for the original topic, I vote the OP goes to Argentina.
(This post was edited by dynosore on Jun 28, 2013, 2:23 PM)
In England they don't speak English, they only speak English in America? WTF?? Your either confused or well....
The US is a country in the continent of America.
Um, no. America means United States to everyone except you.
No, my friend. America means "the continent of America" except to USians who haven't studied geography. Sorry. But when you travel, especially to the rest of America (including Canada and everywhere else), ask them whether the US is "America" or whether their country is located in "America".
Anyway, no point in arguing when I'm clearly right. :) We're both just wasting our time here. :)
1. I think the only language your fluent in is attitude. 2. The US is a continent of North America.
Um...again, no. The US is a COUNTRY in the CONTINENT OF AMERICA (and if you want to be specific, North America, you're right, but the US is not a continent. Sorry. Need to review that 3rd grade earth sciences text book. And this is not attitude, it is a fact. Sorry.).
iron106 wrote:
3. I think you know i meant.
I'm sorry but with such sloppy grammar I'm not even sure I know what you mean at all. It is ironic that a native English speaker (as I presume you are a USian, thus, one would imagine you'd be able to speak and write English competently, but forgive me if I overestimated you) cannot even write a simple sentence properly.
iron106 wrote:
Why do they call it American football and not US football?
Beats me. Maybe you guys have a fantastic marketing machine....but what amazes me more is why you call it "football" at all, given that the ball in this game is mostly handled with one's hands.
iron106 wrote:
But I do agree most people call the US, America incorrectly and do not realize it.
Thank you. Now if people would please refrain from doing so again in future posts....
iron106 wrote:
4. I know more geography than you think.
Well, given your quote #2 above, you might imagine how someone like me would have her doubts about your claim. :)
iron106 wrote:
5. And no you can't joke that Spain does not speak real Spanish.
I didn't know you were the joke police. My apologies for choosing the subject I want to joke about. Next time I want to make a joke, I'll send you an application form, a request for a permit, signed and stamped in triplicate. Deal?
iron106 wrote:
Spanish is a Roman language.
Geezus Christ, here we go again. Spanish is a Romance language. The language spoken in Rome is Italian, and Roman dialect. In the past, the language spoken in Rome was Latin. Thus, the only Roman languages are, strictly speaking, Italian, Roman dialect, and Latin, plus whatever languages the immigrants speak and/or have spoken there in the past. While I have no doubt that there are some Spanish speakers also in Rome, that's not the first language that comes to mind when one thinks of a "Roman" language. A Romance language, on the other hand, does certainly include Spanish (as well as Italian). They are called "Romance" languages because they derive from Latin, which was the main language spoken not just in Rome, but in the greater part of the Roman Empire.
iron106 wrote:
Spanish came from Europe. The only reason they speak Spanish in central and South America is becasue the Spanish killed and raped the native people there. They came from Spain. I believe there are native variations such as Quechua in Peru, which has become an official language of Peru and Bolivia.
No, my friend. The native languages of the Americas are not "variations" of Spanish. They're entirely different languages from an entirely different family and have nothing to do with the origins of Spanish (and other Romance languages): Latin.
Also, Latin America doesn't speak Spanish because the Spaniards raped and killed people there. Latin America speaks Spanish because the Spaniards tried to "re-educate" the native inhabitants by teaching them to speak Spanish in order to communicate with them. That they raped and pillaged and destroyed oodles of things is purely incidental.
iron106 wrote:
These would be and are becoming the languages of the countries that once were under colonization.
"Are becoming"? Seriously...you should visit. The biggest problem for most ethnolinguistic groups in Latin America is precisely the opposite: many languages (there are over 65 of them in Mexico alone) are dying, in fact.
iron106 wrote:
6. American Spanish also has sooo many variations. There is Mexican Spanish, Puerto Rican Spanish, Guatemalan Spanish, Costa Rican Spanish,Cuban Spanish, Andean Spanish, Chilean Spanish, Peruvian Spanish, Rioplatense Spanish, etc. All Spanish, but different.
Inaccurate. There's just one "Spanish" and that's the one that is sanctioned by the Real Academia Espa&ola, the authority of the Spanish Language which as it happens is located in Spain. So there's no such thing as "Mexican Spanish" or "Guatemalan Spanish", but rather "Spanish as spoken in Mexico", or "Spanish as spoken in Guatemala". There are pronounciation and idiomatic local variations, but it is still ONE language.
iron106 wrote:
7. Another notable trend is the higher abundance of loan words taken from English in Latin America as well as words derived from English.
You mean as opposed to the countless Spanish words borrowed from French, German, Arabic, Nahuatl, and Quechua, to name a few? Or as opposed to the countless of French, German, Arabic, and even, wow, Spanish and Nahuatl words borrowed into English?
iron106 wrote:
8. I believe language is more of a history lesson than a geography lesson. So learn some history and put away the attitude.
Well, I've certainly learned a lot about your version of history from your post, no doubt. :)
(This post was edited by blueshrimp on Jun 28, 2013, 8:46 PM)
I'm in a Portuguese class now with a lot of South Americans (Argentinians, Columbians, Chileans, Peruvians, and Bolivians). One girl from Columbia
The name of the country is COLOMBIA and before you regale me with more of your tales about how many foreigners you've met and how many countries in Latin America you've traveled to (but didn't bother to learn the proper spelling of) please do to the citizens of this country the minimum courtesy of at least spelling the name of their country correctly!
I'm in a Portuguese class now with a lot of South Americans (Argentinians, Columbians, Chileans, Peruvians, and Bolivians). One girl from Columbia
The name of the country is COLOMBIA and before you regale me with more of your tales about how many foreigners you've met and how many countries in Latin America you've traveled to (but didn't bother to learn the proper spelling of) please do to the citizens of this country the minimum courtesy of at least spelling the name of their country correctly!
So it was a typo, big deal. However, you did get pretty worked up over your own joke though.
I'm looking for a place where I could learn spanish and get rock climbing certifications, does anybody know a place where I could check out?
Why not learn Spanish via community or college courses near a place that you want to climb? Then you'd be learning it efficiently from people who understand how to teach a language. You could supplement that with DVDs. Spanish is one of the easiest languages to learn. You might not even have to leave your own country.
Phuck I am on mobile for a week. But I think you proved my point in the middle there. I will have to get back to you. My second point was a typo. The US is a country in North America I meant. I was trying to let you know America was not a continent.
^^^^^^ Ha! Those guys (who are Argentine) are making fun of my accent. Along those lines in Spain "coger" means "to take", for example in Spain someone might "coger" a taxi, but in Argentina it literally means "to fuck". So while a man and a woman might "coger" in Argentina, it could be a problem if someone wants to coger a taxi.
There are some decent guide schools down there and some world class climbing. if you are more into the mountaineering end of things, then there is also Peru.
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