Mar
31
Romantic Honeymoon Getaways Are Easy to Plan With These Simple Tips
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The stress of the wedding planning doesn’t always end with the wedding party, particularly if you don’t see to all the details of the long-waited for honeymoon. Here are some tips to consider for romantic honeymoon getaways regardless of whether you choose the car, the train, the plane or the boat as a means of transportation.
Make reservations in advance and book tickets at romantic hotel getaways in case you make halts on the way to the destination. Thanks to good planning you’ll benefit from great rebates; airlines are known to first sell all classes of seats at the most convenient of prices, but as the departure date approaches, only the business class seats are still available.
Honeymooners also benefit from lots of travel packages, with all sorts of options included. Hence, when you approach an agency for offers and quotes make sure you specify that you are looking for a honeymoon travel solution. Sometimes people go for the all inclusive variant and leave it to the agency to deal with everything from then transportation details to the lodging, but other couples prefer to get involved actively in the planning.
Smart packing is another tip for successful romantic getaways which some newlyweds fail to follow, particularly when going to beach resorts. This is not about taking sweaters and jackets when going to Hawaii, but rather about choosing to have some extra apparel items available for more special events, as you may want to wear something other than slippers and t-shirts. Don’t forget to take some water, a few snacks and the essentials necessary for the trip. By essentials we imply the passports, the credit cards, a list of useful phone numbers and so on.
There are some very personal items that make honeymoon travel all the more rewarding . Thus, you can pack a CD with very meaningful love songs, eventually music from the wedding reception or some special rhythms to enjoy in a romantic setting. Then, keep in mind that hotels provide all sorts of services on request, therefore, if you want to pamper yourself, the honeymoon could be the right time to start.
experience the spirit of every location to really make the best of your honeymoon travel: try new drinks, food and music, local customs, communicate with the local inhabitants, see relevant local sites and points of attractions. Should there be any incidents, try not to be exaggerate, keep everything under control and focus on the memorable parts of your honeymoon.
Mar
29
Awesome Tour of Turkey
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A trip to Turkey is inevitably a journey through the continents of Asia and Europe. Located in the juncture of the two great continents, Turkey has land situated on both, making it, literally and figuratively, the link between East and West. The city of Istanbul is likewise transcontinental, as it covers land in both sides of the Bosphorus Strait, long considered the demarcation line separating Asia from Europe. The European side of Istanbul has many interesting attractions, among them the Sultanahmet Mosque or Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome - once the center of power in Constantinople, the Topkapi Palace which becomes more impressive as one goes through its four imperial courts and where some Prophet Mohammed’s relics are found, and the Hagia Sophia, a masterwork of Roman engineering which was formerly a basilica turned into a mosque and currently used as a museum.
After taking all the sights in Istanbul, head off to Ankara where the life is a little less frenetic than Istanbul. Although also founded in ancient times, and centrally-located such that it is at the center of all railway and highway networks in the country, the capital nonetheless offers a more relaxed ambience, perhaps due to the well-planned urban development that the city underwent after it was chosen as the country’s capital. From Ankara, one is just a bus away from the Cappadocia region, a popular destination famous for its moon-like landscapes. The cities of Göreme, Uçhisar and Nevsehir in Cappadocia sit on soft rocks erupted from volcanoes millions of years ago, and weathering and erosion caused exceptional natural formations that attracts tourists in droves. Cappadocia has underground cities, temples and cave houses carved on the soft rocks, which were believed to be sanctuaries of early Christian converts fleeing from persecution. Going through these extraordinary natural and man-made wonders makes one feel like being in a fairytale, particularly if one opts to stay in one of the pricey cave-houses-turned-into-hotel facilities.
A fitting finale for your Turkey holiday is a visit to the Turkish Riviera. The country’s Turquoise Coast compares well with other beach destinations elsewhere in the Mediteranean, with sandy beaches, beautiful landscapes and lively nightlife. The resort city of Antalya is the hub in this region, as one gets to the smaller seaside cities like Kemer, Ölüdeniz and Fethiye from it. In Antalya, one can see ancient ruins and modern malls, monuments dating back from prehistoric times like the Hadrian’s Gate and Hidirlik Tower, and beaches like Konyaalti and Lara. South of Antalya is the town of Demre (ancient town of Myra) which is where St. Nicholas of Myra - the original Santa Claus - lived. Demre also has Lycian rock tombs in the cliff sides and Roman ruins. For some adventure, venture into the town of Olimpos, where spartan accommodations in tree house style bungalows, isolated beach area that require traversing through ruins, and lively backpackers’ bars welcome visitors. In the neighboring village of Cirali you get to witness the eternal flame of Chimera on the hillside - just one more mystery in your fairytale journey in Turkey.
Marice Willard is a travel writer who writes for Zencarhire.com - Zen car hire offer cheap car hire in 17,000 locations worldwide. To book your car hire Cyprus visit www.zencarhire.com
Mar
29
Rent-A-Chauffeur: The New Spin On The Old Limo Service
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Whenever you have needed to rent a car, car rentals have been available to help. Whether it be for out of town travel or because our car is broken down, most of us have had to use this convenience feature at some point in our life. If you are looking to rent a car for business or pleasure for a short time period, you can call your local dealer or go online to make a reservation. Whether it be near hotels, airports, or just in a major city, you should be able to find a car rental location near you with ease. A few of the more nationally known car rental companies are places like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget.
A couple of years ago, though, Avis introduced the added luxury of being able to rent a chauffeur with your car rental. It is only a limited service so far catering to about 10 large cities such as Los Angeles and New York. Even still, if you want to hire a chauffer for your car rental, you have to give the company a 24 hours notice. There is a three hour minimum for the chauffeurs, and the charge is $30 per hour. Customers who choose to use this service are billed separately through a company called WeDriveU. While the service is targeted to mid-level executives, it is also a viable option for those business travelers flying into smaller airports that do not have car rental facilities.
A benefit of hiring a chauffeur is that the traveler does not have to pick up their car rental. They can choose to have the chauffeur meet curbside with the car or have the chauffer meet in baggage claim to pick up their bags. They can release the chauffeur at any time they want and drive the car rental themselves.
The UK has been offering these services for quite some time now. To consumers there, chauffeur hire companies are independent of traditional rental-car institutions. It is easier to find a UK chauffeur company to hire a chauffeur than it is in the US. They are available to pick you from any UK airport. Companies like chauffeur hire london will even provide chauffeurs who are also expert tour guides that will help you to explore any UK city.
Mar
28
Why Is The Philippines One Of The Best Places To Retire
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There comes a point in everyone’s life where we question whether this is everything life has to offer us. We’ve been working for 20, 30, 40 years and hope to one day retire with what little money we’ve been able to save. We've been dreaming of retiring to a beautiful tropical paradise and hoping to life the good life. If you are not afraid of long flights, there is such a place. And it can be had for cheap. Very cheap. Even the most modest retirement income or pension can live pretty well in the Philippines.Discover what makes the Philippines one of the best countries to retire in the world cheap.
Depending on where you go, a full time worker in the Philippines gets paid between 250-300 US per month. The local currency is in pesos. The current exchange rate as of Jan 2009 is 1 USD = 46.5 pesos. So at $250-300, that is 11625 - 13950 pesos per month. Which is considered a lot of money in the Philippines.$250-$300 is not considered a lot of money in the United States for full time work, it's unheard of. Hopefully, you are earning more than that at your current full time job. That is just to give you an idea of what kind of money you would need to live and retire to the Philippines.
If you are a single guy or recently divorced, you will find that the Philippines is one of the best places to retire for single men who desire the company of a beautiful woman. And in the Philippines, you will find tons of beautiful filipina women all across the country who will treat you better than you are used to being treated in the US.To experience this firsthand, you can take a mini vacation or mini retirement here and see how well you can be treated on a low budget. And no, I am not just referring to working girls. These are lovely, family oriented, and loyal girls.Some girls, believe it or not, still believe in being loyal to their partner. Not so much in the US.
Oh and did I mention that the Philippines is a tropical paradise? You get interested in the low cost of living and the beautiful women of the Philippines that you forget it has many places to go and tons of sights to see. So before you retire to Florida or Arizona like everyone else, check out the Philippines as a possible retirement destination and you may finally get to live the dreams you’ve been holding onto for so long.
Mar
26
Choosing The Ideal Travel Lodge
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Finding ideal accommodations for last minute travel plans is difficult but not impossible. It can be even quick and easy if you make full use of the guide below!
Tips for Finding the Ideal Last Minute Travel Lodge
Don’t book a room in the first travel lodge you see on the road. Just because you’re having a last minute vacation doesn’t mean you should be satisfied with second best. Be patient and give yourself a few choices at least.
Online
This is the simplest way to find last minute travellodges. Even better, searching online is convenient, for free, and effective. A few clicks would get you dozens of choices. From there, you can make comparisons and narrow your list to the best possible travel lodges within the area.
Classifieds and Directories
If you don’t have Internet access, consider purchasing a newspaper and search the classified section and advertisements for the ideal lodge. Use the phone directory available at the public pay phones and start calling the nicest-sounding and nearest lodges in that area.
Travel Agency
Inquiring with a travel agency is for free. You can get the directions and learn the rates but if you want to ascertain that the promised rates are yours, you might have to book through the travel agency you’ve approached.
Explore
Finally, you can always explore. The best lodges are usually located in the heart of the city, easy to see but possibly expensive and fully booked. You should also try exploring the smaller streets leading to the city. Their location may not be ideal, but they may offer better rates and more than adequate facilities. Consider asking the locals for recommendations, too. No one knows a place better than its homegrown natives!
Tips for Choosing the Ideal Last Minute Travel Lodge
You now have several lodges to choose from. The next steps you take will ensure that your final choice is the right one.
Cost
Last minute travel plans are costly. Because you’re booking a room without any prior reservations and probably on the peak of the holiday season, you aren’t entitled to enjoy any discounts or other incentives.
Naturally, the best last minute travel lodge is one you can afford and one you’ll get your money’s worth.
Proximity
Location, location, location are the three most important things to look for in real estate and so it is as well when it comes to choosing the ideal travel lodge.
A travel lodge with an undesirable location presents various and immediate complications. Firstly, you’re going to suffer from lack of attractions and things to do because all the best places are located far, far away.
Most of your day will also be consumed traveling because of your undesirable location. You could spend hours stuck in traffic just to enjoy one measly attraction. When you get there, it’s crowded and when you’re done exploring the place, it’s closing time and you’ll have to face hours of travel once more.
Amenities
Lastly, consider the amenities. What kind of rooms are available? If you are traveling with a large group, then suites and adjoining rooms would best suitable, don’t you think so? Do all rooms come with private baths? Are there free breakfast options offered? Does your room come with Internet access and cable TV?
And all, if you are able to find a travel lodge where you feel like home then you have come to the perfect place!
Mar
26
Make An Incredible Trip From Canada To US
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If you need to cut your trip to Canada short and return immediately to the US, here are a couple of travel tips to get you safely past the borders.
Interview and Inspection
When you get to the borders, a CBP officer may there to ask you a couple of questions. These are simple to answer such as your citizenship, the items you are taking back to the US, and the nature and duration of your trip.
To speed up this process, it is good to make a list of the dutiable items you have taken with you and place all of them in a package or bag. If you have a large amount of dutiable items along with you, may the CPB officer will ask you to fill up a Declaration form.
Your luggage and whatever else you have with you may be subject to inspection. This, however, will only take minutes to complete with your full cooperation.
Passport Requirements for Traveling from Canada
Even if you’re a full-fledged American citizen, coming back to the US will still require you to show your passport and perhaps other similar documents for re-entry.
Dos and Don’ts for Items You Can Take Back Home
The greatest problems you could encounter when traveling from Canada and back to the US are ensuring that all items you’ve with you can cross the borders with the rest of your luggage. Last-minute travel plans usually involve whirlwind preparations but for the sake of expediency, it’s best that you take absolute care when you’re packing items.
Be organized.
Categorize items according to their source or method of purchase. Use separate packaging for items you intend to use in business, you’ve purchased for people back home, items you’ve had repaired or altered in Canada, items you’ve purchased in duty-free shops and similar establishments, and items or assets you’ve inherited or received as gifts.
Keep documented proof.
Always have the receipts with you. This is to prove that none of them have been stolen or acquired in any lawful means. The receipts of the products could also be used to for tax exemptions and other incentives.
Register in advance.
If you have items with you prior to leaving for Canada and you’re taking them back home with you, it’s important that you had them registered in advance or prior to leaving the US with the Customs and Border Protection.
Without proper registration, you might have to pay duty for these items even if you’re not obliged to do so. Such items are usually valuable in nature like jewelry, equipment, laptops, and the likes.
If you didn’t get to register them in the past, don’t worry because you have one more way of avoiding paying duties for them. If you can furnish any documented proof of ownership as well as proof that you had them with you prior to entering Canada, you may then pass the borders safely without having any duties levied on the specified items.
Money
There’s nothing unlawful about having a lot of money with you when you travel from Canada, but if you have over $10,000 with you then you need to register the amount with the CPB and fill up their Currency Reporting form.
Pets
Has your last minute travel plans to Canada gifted you with a new furry friend? If so, ensure you get the CBP’s Pets and Wildlife brochure to know what is required by you to comply in order to return back to home with your new pet.
Hopefully, these quick tips can make your travel from Canada to US safe and hassle-free.
Mar
25
Travel Savings Secrets: How To Get The Most Value from Your Vacation
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Today it is more important then ever to squeeze all of the savings and value that you can out of your vacations. Inside this article I am going to teach you a few of the strategies I use to do just that. When it comes to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved vacations and/or going to see new places we have never been before, the reality of cost and budgeting is always in the back of our minds.
Everyone loves to travel and vacation. No change in the global economy will ever change that. This makes sense when you consider that travel is not just a fun pastime, but an essential part of a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle. It is an opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and recoup from the barrage of daily stress that beats us down throughout the rest of the year.
However, today, more than ever it is important that we spend our vacation dollars wisely, and look for value and money saving strategies and shortcuts wherever we can find them. We must look for ways to stretch our vacation dollars further today than we ever have in the past. And that is what this article aims to help you accomplish.
It is important to learn new ways to save money on your traveling expenses, especially if your other option would be to not take a vacation at all. As I already mentioned, travel is not just a luxury, it is a necessity for living a healthy, well balanced life, physically, emotionally and mentally.
Small Things Add Up Fast
When you are planning out the itinerary for your upcoming vacation, keep in mind that even the smallest things can add up to big savings.
For example, all those extra hotel amenities, cab-fares, hospitality tips, meals at restaurants, car rentals, gas for your own vehicle if on a road trip, tickets for special attractions or events, beach-and-pool-side drinks (if not at an all-inclusive resort or cruise) and more, adds up fast on and can get out of control before you know it!
With a little bit of fore thought and extra planning there are lots of ways that you can reduce these added expenses and save yourself a bundle. In the following paragraphs I am going to lay out a few strategies that you can implement to add some big savings to your vacations bottom line.
Plan Your Vacation Like You Plan Other Important Areas Of Your Life
It is important when preparing for you vacation that you create a precise plan of action… not just this years vacation, but for several years out. What places do you most want to visit in the next five to ten years? What are some of the unfulfilled dreams and adventures that you would like to accomplish with your life in the next several years?
The reality is, travel and vacation plans should be treated like any other planned financial decision in life. Whether we’re talking about mortgage payments, car payments, tuition, health care, insurance or any other life-expense. Travel and vacation is justified and ‘sold’, as just another important item on the list to think about and budget for, and that is how you should treat it as well.
Knowing Your Destination Before You Go
You should take the time and initiative to learn everything you can about your intended vacation destination before you go. Knowledge empowers us to make better decisions and take better actions in life. The more knowledgeable you can become about your destination before you get there the smoother your vacation will be and the more money you are likely to save.
You can easily gather all the information you need by doing a little research online, or by writing to the local tourism boards, local chamber of commerce and/or tourist information centers.
The more you know about your vacation destination, the less likely you are to be taken advantage of, exploited or extorted by excessive prices and/or misrepresentation.
When Traveling Green Means Saving Green
Biking and walking tours can be a unique and fun adventure, a great way to see some of the more off-the-beaten-path spots that the masses tend to miss, and can also be a great way to save you some cash at the same time. A little foot-powered transportation can be a good investment in your health, fitness and wellbeing as well as a memorable adventure that you will remember for years to come. If your destination does not allow for very easy navigation on foot or bicycle, you should consider using some form of public transportation within the area. This can be a great way to save some money and allows you the opportunity to mingle with the locals and make some new aquaintences.
Don’t Overdo It in The Luggage Department
One of the most commonly made mistakes made by travelers is packing too much of everything. Not only is this inconvenient when it comes to lugging all that extra baggage around, but you could also incur some significant extra charges from airlines and other travel and hospitality services. You have to deal with having to ship personal belongings home, leaving some items at the airport, packing and unpacking bags, removing items and more! All these actions are responsive and costly options. Pack and travel light. Think minimalism when packing. Pick items that will suit and serve you well, multi-purpose, functional, mix and match well, are durable and easy-care. Essentials rather than outfit and accessory, fashion and color-coded planning dictating the bulging suitcase.
A Great Call When It Comes To Saving Money
Pre-paid phone cards are a great idea for gifts for travelers. They are a good alternative to making long distance phone calls from your hotel-room, cabin or any-place else on location where you find yourself vacationing. Many people think that the advent of cell phones has remedied this problem. But keep in mind that some places you are visiting might have limited or no cell coverage, and/or you might be in an area that is considered to be roaming for your carrier, and if that is the case you could end up being charged a bundle on your next cell phone bill. This is another reason why carrying a few calling cards along with you is a good idea.
Membership Has It’s Privileges
One of the best ways to save possibly thousands of dollars on all of your vacations is to utilize the bonuses and incentives of a Vacation Membership Club. Vacation membership clubs operate in much the same fashion as wholesale clubs like Costco and Sams Club. You pay a small fee to be a part of the club, but the savings, value and benefits that your membership makes available to you far outweigh the small cost to join the program. There are several options on the market when it comes to shopping for a good vacation club membership, but I have researched them all and have found that the best option with the highest quality vacation benefits, and the lowest cost of membership is a company called Resorts 360. The Resorts 360 Vacation Club provides its members with discounts of up to 80% at over 4000 Resort destinations around the world, as well as discounts on hotels, cruises and more. Resorts 360 also offers one of the most low-cost and easily affordable to everyone membership in the industry. At less than $200 to get started, and potential savings of $1,200 or more on your very first vacation, joining this type of vacation club is a no-brainer.
Mar
25
City Breaks In Fort William And A Few Magnificent Places You Must See
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Because the Scottish town of Inverness is now a city, Fort William is the largest town in the Highlands. Fort William is an amazingly popular tourist center with countless folk appearing to view or climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the U.K.. In the article that follows I introduce a few different places worth visiting if you are taking a weekend break in Fort William.
The Informative West Highland Museum
Founded in 1922 was the West Highland Museum in Fort William. A group of people from Lochaber wanted to create a museum, about life in the Highlands, for the people of the Highlands. The present building was purchased in 1926 from the British Linen Bank, and is located in Cameron Square, just off the Hight Street. Small but fascinating is how some people describe the museum. The exhibits in the museum present a delightful insight into life in the West Highlands throughout the years. People from all walks of life are represented, through the fascinating collections of artefact’s, picture’s and photograph’s
The Grand Old Inverlochy Castle
In fort William there are two Inverlochy Castle’s, the Old Inverlochy Castle and the newer Victorian, chateau-style Inverlochy Castle, constructed in the village of Torlundy (which is now a luxury hotel). The Old castle was rumoured to of been built between 1270-1280, by John “the Black” Comyn, Lord of Badenoch and Lochaber, and chief of the Clan Comyn. Even though the castle is in ruins, the layout hasn’t changed much since it was built. Lord Abinger made alterations and enhancements to the house, in preparation of a visit by Queen Victoria. Old Inverlochy Castle is still an important part of Scottish and English history, because of the role it played during the Civil Wars of the 1640’s.
The Enchanting Jacobite Steam Train
A trip on the Jacobite Steam Train, is an awe inspiring way to experience the enchanting scenery of the Highlands. The Fort William to the Mallaig trip takes one on a breathtaking ride through the glens. One of the most exciting parts of the journey is going over the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which most travelers will recognize because of the fact that it was used in the films of the exploits of Harry Potter and his friends. The 84 mile journey takes you past Loch Nevis, Ben Nevis and Loch Morar, with a stop in Glenfinnan before reaching Mallaig. There is about an hour and half in which to look around Mallaig, before the return journey, back to Fort William. This journey has repeatedly been declared, one of the Great Railway Journeys of the globe.
There is plenty of accommodation in Fort William available to book online but you will find a comprehensive list of hotels in Fort William at http://www.fortwilliamhotelscotland.com/
Mar
23
Enjoy holidays to Alcudia
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If you like to travel to many of the most idyllic places on earth, holidays to Alcudia will please all of your senses. This amazing resort and holiday location has everything you could possibly need for your next vacation. You’ll be enclosed by the absolute ultimate in nature and landscape. That is why this impressive location has turned into a popular family favourite over the last few years.
Those who have experienced holidays to Alcudia have enjoyed the pleasant sandy beaches and astounding view of the mountains. This fine-looking resort, which is situated on the seacoast of Majorca, never disappoints. It has something for the whole family to enjoy. While simply unwinding on the white, sandy beaches is sufficient for most people, there are also many shops and eating houses in the area.
Holidays to Alcudia are constantly adventurous too. There are so many things to do. Your kids can enjoy a terrific time playing in the sand, or in the knee-deep waters of the bay - while you take in the sun. If you need to add a little more excitement to your trip you can also enjoy a scuba diving lesson, or many other water sports. Shopping is also great in Alcudia, and the best days to go are on Sunday and Tuesday when the marketplaces are open. The food market is also a main location to find your keepsakes.
You’ll also discover amazing food in Alcudia. Naturally, the resort offers the foremost and freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere. There are also several eating places to select from, so you’ll enjoy a great dining experience. There are numerous bars along the seacoast as well, that cater for the district’s night life.
One thing is for sure, when you are ready to go for your next vacation, you should definitely keep Alcudia in mind. There’s something for people of all ages, and you will enjoy the time of your life on a holiday to remember for years to come.
Mar
22
The Truth About Rocket Spanish
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Hey there my name is Chris and in this article I am going to talk about a product called Rocket Spanish.
I have always wanted to learn Spanish ever since I had been there on holiday as a child however I just got bored reading those books you can buy from the book shop.
I needed either a teacher or something interactive to keep my attention. A teacher was pretty much out of the question as it is too expensive, but then I found rocket Spanish.
So after searching around for a teacher that was affordable I then decided to go back and check out Rocket Spanish.
So with a bit of thinking I made the decision to go for rocket spanish. I am very happy that I did. It was the right decision.
I am sure you have probably heard about rocket Spanish. Anybody that is atall interested in learning the Spanish language has probably seen it while doing a search on the internet.
I found out that rocket spanish is the best product out there to learn spanish, even better than the courses charging 1000 and up.
If you are like me then you like to do things at your own pace and take your time to take everything in, well rocket spanish is fantastic in this department.
Rocket spanish also was very fun to use, I especially liked the computer game that comes with it where I can learn through doing.
Rocket Spanish is different from any other learning material out there because it is a whole home study learning course unlike other products where all you get is an ebook.
When it comes to current skill levels rocket Spanish is aimed at people of all knowledge. There is something there for everyone.
As I said a while ago if you already know some Spanish then rocket Spanish will help to take you to the next level however if you are totally new to the language then this course is the best place to start.
If you decide to buy rocket spanish then you can either get it mailed to you or you can download it.
I have only been using rocket Spanish for just over a week now and I am learning everyday. The plan is that within a couple of months I will be speaking very good spanish.