Free WiFi, Sometimes
It’s starting to reach the point where I almost expect free wifi where ever I go, not that I think it’s right to have, but that computers are a thousand times more useful when you do have it.
I was in Paris Charles de Gual airport waiting for a connecting flight to Barcelona, obviously I wouldn’t be the geek I am if I didn’t attempt to check my email. This airport is a beautiful building, the roof looks like it was carves out of crystal. But the wifi was not only pay-for (€10 per hour) but the website that controls it was hideously buggy.
Even after selecting English, when I went to pay it reverted to French, I had to change the &lang=1 in the address bar for anything to make sense. Although I’m not sure I know what USA is in French, it’s certainly not “USA”.
I ended up not getting online there. My email would have to wait.
Barcelona seemed much better, the airport had wifi, the hotel had wifi (although it did take me 3 hours to get from one to the other). Now at least I can try and learn some more Spanish phrases online… more things you can’t really do offline.
One day we’re going to have to figure out how to keep everyone online all the time.
For the Spanish phrase practice, may I suggest a book? Those are certain to work almost anywhere, except in total darkness.
As far as which book, I found the Berlitz Essential Japanese a very good book, although it doesn’t teach even the basic hiragana. I checked out the Spanish book in the series and found it very good as well, and I’m a little better able to judge the Spanish one. This is not a phrase book. but a good introduction to Spanish. Different cover, but I believe this is the same as the version I bought for my mom:
http://www.amazon.com/Berlitz-Essential-Spanish-Handbooks/dp/9812465316/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243228973&sr=8-1
- Hola como estas.
- Estoy bien, gracias.
- Esta haciendo frio.
- Esta haciendo calor.
And more!!! I love my language ,
I wish to be en Barcelona, but…..
For the trip back, it’s les États-Unis.
And in case you really need it:
mis rodillas están llenos de ardillas
(my knees are full of squirrels)
Is that better or worse than having your pants full of birds?
United States of America is “États-Unis d’Amérique” in french, or simply “États-Unis”. It’s confusing to english folks because it yields “EU” when abbreviated, which stands for “European Union” in english.